To teach in South Africa you need a four-year Bachelor of Education (BEd), or a degree followed by a one-year Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). You'll train for a phase: Foundation (Grade R–3), Intermediate (Grade 4–6), Senior (Grade 7–9) or FET (Grade 10–12).
School subjects you'll usually need
| Subject | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| English | Needed for every teaching qualification. You'll teach and assess in the language of instruction. |
| The subject you want to teach | To teach a subject in high school, you usually need it at school. Maths and science specialisations usually need Mathematics. |
| Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy | Foundation and Intermediate Phase programmes often accept Maths Literacy. Maths and science specialisations usually need Mathematics. |
| An African language | Very useful, especially for Foundation Phase, where learners are often taught in their home language. |
Requirements at selected universities
Minimums published on each university's website, checked 26 September 2026. Meeting the minimum doesn't guarantee a place, and competitive programmes usually select above it.
| University and programme | Minimum APS | Key subject requirements | Maths Literacy? |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Johannesburg (UJ), BEd Foundation Phase (Grade R–3) | 28 | English Home Language 5 or First Additional Language 6, and Mathematics 3 or Maths Literacy / Technical Mathematics 5 | Yes |
| University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), BEd Foundation Phase | 28 | Degree pass, English and Life Orientation 4, isiZulu 4, Mathematics 4 or Maths Literacy 5 | Yes |
| University of Pretoria (UP), BEd | Set by UP each year | Maths Literacy is accepted for Foundation Phase, Intermediate Phase, languages and arts, but not for Natural, Mathematical or Economic and Management Sciences specialisations | Depends on specialisation |
| Wits, BEd | Set by Wits each year | Wits considers Maths Literacy for Education degrees | Yes |
Which subjects you can teach depends on your specialisation, and specialisations in maths and science usually need Mathematics. Check each university's rules for the phase and subjects you want to teach.
Your route from Grade 9 to teacher
- Grade 9: choose the subjects you'd like to teach. Keep an African language if you're interested in Foundation Phase.
- Grade 12, by September: apply to universities. Many BEd applications close by 30 September.
- Once you have a student number: apply for the Funza Lushaka bursary, which usually opens in October.
- University: a four-year BEd, or a degree followed by a one-year PGCE.
- After graduating: register with the South African Council for Educators (SACE) before you teach.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Choosing Maths Literacy when you want to teach Mathematics or science in high school.
- Waiting for results before applying for Funza Lushaka. You need a university offer first, so apply to universities early.
- Picking a specialisation only because it's easier to get into. In-demand subjects make finding a post easier.
Related careers
- Education officer, curriculum developer, ECD practitioner and education NGO roles.
Funding your teaching degree
The Department of Basic Education's Funza Lushaka bursary funds students training to teach in priority areas. In return you teach at a public school for the same number of years you were funded. See our teaching bursaries guide.
Always check the latest rules. Each university sets its own subject minimums and APS, and they can change every year. Use this page as a guide, then confirm on the university's prospectus before you choose subjects or apply.
Check your APS
Your subjects get you in the door; your APS decides how competitive you are. Work out your APS in one minute, then see which courses you qualify for in the EduRance app.
Match your subjects to the phase you want to teach
Foundation Phase, Intermediate Phase and Senior Phase/FET teaching programmes have different entry rules. If you want to teach a secondary-school subject, universities usually expect a suitable school subject and later university modules in that specialisation.
- Choose the age group or phase you want to teach.
- Check the university's language and subject specialisation requirements.
- Compare a BEd with a suitable bachelor's degree followed by an approved teaching qualification.
Frequently asked questions
Can I study teaching with Maths Literacy?
Yes, for many Foundation and Intermediate Phase programmes. Maths and science specialisations usually need Mathematics.
Which teaching subjects are in demand?
Mathematics, Physical Sciences, technical subjects and African languages are consistently in demand in South African schools.
How long is a teaching degree?
A BEd takes four years. A PGCE takes one year after another degree.