To work as a teacher in South Africa you need a recognised teaching qualification and registration with the South African Council for Educators. Registration is a legal requirement for teaching in a public school, and schools may not employ an unregistered educator.
The qualification and the registration are separate steps. Completing a Bachelor of Education or a Postgraduate Certificate in Education makes you qualified; SACE registration makes you employable.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
Employment as a teacher is generally assessed on the following.
- A recognised initial teacher education qualification
- Registration with the South African Council for Educators
- A police clearance certificate, since the work involves children
- Subject and phase specialisation matching the post
- A South African identity document, or a permit allowing you to work
- References and, for most posts, an interview
Education and Subject Requirements
The two recognised routes are a four-year Bachelor of Education, or a three-year degree followed by a one-year Postgraduate Certificate in Education. Both include supervised teaching practice.
Your subject and phase specialisation determines which posts you can fill. Shortage subjects, particularly mathematics, science and African languages, have materially better employment prospects.
Age, Fitness, Licence and Background Requirements
SACE registration requires a police clearance, reflecting the child protection dimension of the work. Registration must be maintained and renewed rather than obtained once.
Teachers are subject to a professional code of conduct enforced by the council, and serious breaches can result in removal from the register, which ends your ability to teach.
Documents and Evidence Required
Expect to provide the following.
- Certified copies of your teaching qualification and academic record
- Your SACE registration certificate
- A certified copy of your identity document, or passport and work permit
- A police clearance certificate
- A curriculum vitae and contactable references
- A SAQA evaluation certificate, if you qualified outside South Africa
Application and Selection Process
Public school posts are advertised through provincial education department bulletins, and applications follow the department process. Independent schools recruit directly.
Apply for SACE registration as soon as you qualify rather than when you find a post, since the process takes time and schools cannot employ you without it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to register with SACE?
Yes. Registration with the South African Council for Educators is a legal requirement for teaching in a public school.
What qualification do I need?
A four-year Bachelor of Education, or a three-year degree followed by a one-year Postgraduate Certificate in Education.
Which subjects have the best prospects?
Shortage subjects, particularly mathematics, science and African languages.
Can foreign-qualified teachers work in South Africa?
With SAQA evaluation of the qualification, SACE registration and a permit allowing work. Confirm each with the relevant body.
Confirm registration requirements with the South African Council for Educators and post requirements with the provincial education department. Browse all career requirements.