Foundation phase teaching — Grade R to Grade 3 — is a priority area in South African education and one of the few fields where a qualified graduate can reasonably expect to find work. It is also taught by distance at several institutions, which makes it accessible to people already working.
This page sets out the entry requirements, the professional registration that follows, and what distance study actually demands.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
Typical admission requirements for foundation phase teacher education.
- A National Senior Certificate with a Bachelor’s pass for a Bachelor of Education, or a Diploma pass for a diploma-level qualification
- A minimum in the language of instruction
- A home language or additional language at the level required, since foundation phase teaching is language-intensive
- Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy at the level the institution specifies
- The institution’s admission score for the programme
- A police clearance, given the work with young children
- An institution registered with the DHET and a programme accredited for teacher education
- A valid South African ID, or a passport with a study permit
- Application by the closing date
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
Confirm the requirements with the institution. Admission scores, subject minimums and closing dates are set by each institution and revised annually, and distance institutions frequently have several intakes a year.
Mathematical Literacy is often accepted for foundation phase teaching, unlike for engineering or science, though the required level varies by institution. Check specifically, because it changes whether this route is open to you.
Language matters more here than elsewhere. Foundation phase teaching is delivered in the learners’ home language in the early grades, so a home language other than English is an asset rather than an obstacle, and several programmes require or prefer it. This is one of the few fields where multilingualism is directly employable.
The qualification must be an approved initial teacher education qualification. Not every education-related course qualifies you to teach in a public school. Confirm that the specific qualification meets the requirements for employment in public schools and for professional registration.
Registration with SACE is required. A teacher at a public school must register with the South African Council for Educators under the SACE Act 31 of 2000. Registration includes a criminal record check, and offences involving children are an absolute bar. Deal with any record issue before investing years in the qualification.
The Children’s Act 38 of 2005 and related screening apply to people working with children, including checks against the register of persons unsuitable to work with children. Expect this screening; it is a protection for children and it is applied.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
Subject and points requirements.
- The correct matric pass level — Bachelor’s or Diploma, depending on the qualification
- A strong language result, in English and ideally in an African home language
- Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy at the level the institution requires
- A minimum in the language of instruction
- An institution-specific admission score, revised annually
- No specific science subject requirement, in most foundation phase programmes
- Recognition of Prior Learning, where offered to experienced classroom assistants
- A National Certificate (Vocational) Level 4, where accepted for the qualification
Documents and Application Requirements
The application document set.
- Certified copy of your South African ID or passport
- Certified copy of your National Senior Certificate or final Grade 12 results
- Academic transcripts from any previous study
- A SAQA evaluation, for a foreign qualification
- Proof of payment of the application fee, where one applies
- A police clearance certificate, where the qualification requires it
- A study permit, for international applicants
- Proof of residence, where required
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
Distance study is demanding, not easy. It suits people already working in schools as assistants or in Grade R posts, and it requires genuine self-discipline, reliable internet or the ability to reach a study centre, and time. Completion rates in distance study are lower than in contact study, and knowing that in advance is the point.
Teaching practice is a requirement. Initial teacher education qualifications include supervised classroom practice in a school, and distance students must arrange it around their circumstances. Ask exactly how much is required, how it is supervised, and whether the institution helps arrange placement.
Apply for the Funza Lushaka bursary if you qualify and are willing to teach where placed. It is a government bursary for priority teaching areas, including foundation phase, and it carries a service obligation to teach at a public school for a period matching the funding. Read the repayment clause before signing.
Apply for NSFAS separately if you are studying at a public institution and qualify.
Grade R practitioners already working should ask about Recognition of Prior Learning and about upgrading routes. Many people working in early childhood settings hold lower-level qualifications and can build on them rather than start over.
Verify the institution and the qualification with the DHET and SAQA before paying anything, particularly for a private provider. A teaching qualification that does not support SACE registration and public school employment is worthless for the purpose.
Nobody can sell you a place or a teaching post. Applications go directly to the institution, and public school posts are advertised and filled on prescribed processes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I study foundation phase teaching with Mathematical Literacy?
Often yes, unlike for science or engineering, though the required level varies by institution. Check specifically, because it determines whether this route is open to you.
Is an African home language an advantage?
Yes. Foundation phase teaching is delivered in learners’ home languages in the early grades, so a home language other than English is directly employable and is required or preferred by several programmes.
What registration do I need to teach?
Registration with the South African Council for Educators under the SACE Act 31 of 2000, which includes a criminal record check. Offences involving children are an absolute bar.
Is distance study easier?
No. It requires self-discipline, reliable access and time, and completion rates are lower than in contact study. It suits people already working in schools.
Admission requirements, qualification approval, teaching practice rules, SACE registration and bursary conditions are set by the institutions, the DHET, SACE and the Department of Basic Education, and are revised. Confirm current requirements with the institution and SACE.