Teachers are the foundation of every profession. Without them, students would not have the guidance and knowledge required to progress through school and into meaningful careers. If you have a passion for shaping the future and making a difference in young people’s lives, a career in teaching could be your ideal path.

While teaching can be demanding, it is also one of the most rewarding careers. South Africa is in need of skilled educators at all levels, from early childhood development to high school and tertiary education.

Types of Teaching Qualifications

There are two common routes to becoming a qualified teacher:

  1. Bachelor of Education (BEd) Degree – A 4-year undergraduate degree focused on one of the following phases:
    • Foundation Phase (Grades R–3)
    • Intermediate Phase (Grades 4–6)
    • Senior and FET Phase (Grades 7–12)
  2. Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) – For students who already hold a relevant undergraduate degree and want to qualify as a teacher.
  3. Teaching Diplomas and Certificates – Offered at vocational colleges or universities of technology, these programs generally take 18 months to 3 years.

Choosing the Right Phase

  • Foundation Phase: Suitable for those who enjoy nurturing young minds and teaching basic concepts.
  • Intermediate Phase: More structured and academic, ideal for those who enjoy core school subjects.
  • Senior and FET Phase: Best for subject specialists passionate about preparing learners for the job market or university.

Average Teacher Salaries in South Africa

  • Primary School Teacher: R105 000 – R240 000 per year
  • High School Teacher: R135 000 – R290 000 per year

Who Qualifies for a Teaching Bursary?

  • Must be a South African citizen (or a permanent resident for some programmes)
  • Must demonstrate financial need and strong academic performance
  • Must have a passion for teaching and working with children
  • Must be in Matric or already have a Matric certificate
  • Must have applied or been accepted at a recognised tertiary institution

Top Bursary Programmes for Education Students

  • Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme
  • ADvTECH Student Teacher Bursary
  • JB Marks Education Trust Fund
  • Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust (CRET) Bursary
  • Jakes Gerwel Fellowship
  • Canon Collins RMTF Scholarship
  • Department of Correctional Services Bursary
  • Eastern Cape Department of Education Bursary
  • MANCOSA Bursary
  • SIOC Community Development Trust (SIOC-cdt) Bursary

(Full list includes over 40 opportunities. Make sure to visit each bursary page to confirm application status and closing dates.)

Where Can You Study Teaching in South Africa?

  • University of the Western Cape
  • University of Cape Town
  • University of Johannesburg
  • University of Pretoria
  • University of KwaZulu-Natal
  • University of South Africa (UNISA)
  • Stellenbosch University
  • Nelson Mandela University
  • North-West University
  • Rhodes University
  • Walter Sisulu University

Private and Technical Institutions

  • Rosebank College
  • Varsity College
  • Lyceum College
  • Vaal University of Technology
  • Central University of Technology
  • Cape Peninsula University of Technology
  • Embury Institute for Higher Education