Education and Teaching Bursaries South Africa 2027

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Teachers are the “building bricks” of the job force, for without teachers, students would not be able to gain the knowledge and experience they need to enter tertiary institutions and thereafter, the job market.

They say it takes a special type of person to be a teacher, and the best teachers are those that are truly passionate about helping the youth to mold their futures. While it can be a very stressful profession, it certainly is a rewarding one.

Teachers are needed in various stages of our lives – from preschool to primary school, high school and university or college. Whether you are passionate about Mathematics, Science, Business, Technology, Languages or Drama, educators are required in a range of subjects.

If your calling is to help shape the minds of learners, to give them the best chance of a successful career, then these education bursary programmes will be perfect for you.

View all bursaries OPEN for application here

How much can I earn within the Education field in South Africa?

The education sector offers a wide range of career opportunities, from early childhood development and school teaching to educational management and tertiary education. Salaries vary significantly depending on qualifications, experience, institution type (public vs private), and seniority. Educators in public schools are generally remunerated according to the Department of Basic Education’s Occupation Specific Dispensation (OSD), while private institutions set their own salary structures.

CareerTypical Monthly Salary Range (ZAR)
Early Childhood Development (ECD) PractitionerR6,000 – R18,000
Grade R TeacherR12,000 – R31,000
Primary School TeacherR22,000 – R45,000
High School TeacherR23,000 – R47,000
Special Needs TeacherR24,000 – R50,000
Mathematics / Science TeacherR25,000 – R50,000
Private School TeacherR20,000 – R55,000
Subject Head / Senior TeacherR30,000 – R55,000
Head of Department (HOD)R33,000 – R58,000
Deputy PrincipalR46,000 – R71,000
School PrincipalR60,000 – R110,000
Education Specialist / Curriculum AdvisorR35,000 – R75,000
Education Psychologist*R35,000 – R90,000
Academic Support CoordinatorR25,000 – R55,000
TVET College LecturerR25,000 – R60,000
University LecturerR32,000 – R140,000
Senior LecturerR50,000 – R170,000
Associate ProfessorR70,000 – R200,000
ProfessorR90,000 – R250,000+
School Registrar / Academic AdministratorR18,000 – R45,000

Which Teaching qualification should I pursue?

If you are thinking on studying teaching, you probably want to know which is the best route to become qualified in the industry. Most students pursue a teaching diploma or degree – these are both different qualifications with various levels of study. We will discuss both options below:

Teaching Degree: this includes a 4 year bachelor’s degree/ 2 year postgraduate honours master’s degree/ doctoral. Degree studies are generally undertaken at University and require that students achieve a bachelors pass on their Matric NSC certificate.

A Bachelor of Education (BEd) degree can be split into Foundation Phase, Intermediate Phase and Senior Phase

Teaching Diploma: generally studies are undertaken at a technical or vocational school and takes around 18 months to complete. This qualification usually enables you to specialize in a specific field of teaching.

Which Education Phase is right for you?

Each phase has its pro’s and con’s, here is a quick breakdown that will hopefully help you select a phase best suited to your skill set:

  • Foundation Phase (Grade R to Grade 3) – while not as academic as the other 2 phases, this phase requires more hands on practical teaching. Best suited for those who enjoy teaching young kids and toddlers the basic fundamental learning techniques, ethics and manners.
  • Intermediate Phase (Grade 4 to Grade 6) – this phase entails less practical training than the Foundation Phase, although some level of practical training is still required. Academic and technical skills are the core focus, and students will select their subjects (Mathematics, English, Science, History etc).
  • Senior and Further Education and Training Phase (Grade 7 to Grade 12) – this is the most academic and technical intensive phase, as well as a certain level of practical work. Teachers in this phase will be required to specialise in their chosen subject and must be able to interpret their raw knowledge into practical teaching.  

Where can I find Education bursaries in South Africa?

Teaching bursaries play a vital role in developing South Africa’s future educators by providing financial support to students pursuing teaching qualifications. These bursaries help cover study-related expenses such as tuition fees, accommodation, textbooks, and living costs, making higher education more accessible to aspiring teachers.

Many bursary programmes focus on addressing critical skills shortages by prioritising students specialising in high-demand subjects such as Mathematics, Science, Technology, and Foundation Phase Education. In return, some bursary providers require recipients to work within the education sector for a specified period after graduation, helping to strengthen the country’s education system and improve learning outcomes for future generations.

Please note that some of the bursaries listed below may be closed. Always check the closing date of each bursary on the relevant bursary page.

EDUCATION & TEACHING BURSARIES FOR 2027

Here are a list of available bursaries for those who are studying or wish to study towards a Teaching or Educators qualification in South Africa:

Where to study towards a Teaching qualification in South Africa?

In South Africa, there are several accredited institutions where you can study a teaching or education qualification, depending on the phase you want to specialise in (Foundation, Intermediate, Senior, or Further Education and Training). The most common route is a Bachelor of Education (BEd) degree or a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) for graduates who already hold a degree.

Universities offering teaching qualifications in South Africa

You can study education at most public universities, including:

  • University of Cape Town – Offers PGCE and education-focused postgraduate programmes
  • Stellenbosch University – BEd (Foundation Phase) and PGCE programmes
  • University of the Western Cape – Strong focus on teacher education and inclusive education
  • University of Pretoria – Offers full BEd degrees across phases and PGCE
  • University of Johannesburg – BEd and PGCE with various subject specialisations
  • University of the Witwatersrand – PGCE and education-related postgraduate studies
  • University of KwaZulu-Natal – BEd and PGCE programmes across teaching phases
  • North-West University – Offers BEd and PGCE with strong distance and contact options
  • University of South Africa – Distance learning BEd and PGCE options (very popular for working students)
  • Nelson Mandela University – Education degrees with strong focus on Foundation Phase and FET teaching

TVET Colleges & other pathways

Some TVET colleges offer early childhood development (ECD) and education-related certificates and diplomas, which can be a stepping stone into university teaching qualifications.

Common teaching qualification routes

  • BEd (4 years) – Direct teaching degree from Grade R to Grade 12
  • PGCE (1 year postgraduate) – For students who already have a degree
  • ECD Diplomas/Certificates (1–3 years) – Focus on early childhood education

If your goal is to become a teacher in South Africa, the most important thing is to ensure the qualification is:

  • Accredited by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET)
  • Recognised by the South African Council for Educators (SACE) for registration