Grade R teacher requirements in South Africa depend on which route you take, and the rules are being revised. The 2015 DHET policy names the Diploma in Grade R Teaching (NQF level 6) as the minimum qualification for Grade R teachers, but DHET says that diploma is not an initial qualification for first-time entrants. Students with a bachelor’s pass who want to teach Grade R should follow the Bachelor of Education (BEd) in Foundation Phase Teaching. Teachers must also register with the South African Council for Educators (SACE).
Parliament reported in November 2025 that the Department of Basic Education now requires all Grade R teachers to hold a diploma or degree under the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act, and that ECD educators reportedly need at least a diploma from 2026. The Education committee chair asked for a rethink and for timeframes, so confirm the current position with the Department of Basic Education before you enrol.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
- For first-time entrants with a bachelor’s pass: the BEd in Foundation Phase Teaching, which prepares you to teach Grades R to 3
- For existing Grade R teachers: the Diploma in Grade R Teaching (NQF level 6), the minimum Grade R qualification in the 2015 policy
- For ECD practitioner registration with SACE: the National Higher Certificate: ECD (NQF level 5)
- Registration with SACE before you can be employed as an educator
- A police clearance certificate no older than six months for SACE registration
- A valid South African ID, or a passport with the right to work for non-citizens
Education and Subject Requirements
The progression path from Grade R teaching is into foundation phase teaching, for which the minimum qualification is a BEd in Foundation Phase Teaching. DHET’s communique on the Diploma in Grade R Teaching says students who qualify with a bachelor’s pass must follow the BEd in Foundation Phase Teaching pathway if they wish to teach in the Foundation Phase, which includes Grade R. The 2015 teacher education policy describes the BEd as at least 480 credits with exit at NQF level 7.
The national minimum for entry to a bachelor’s degree is an NSC with at least 30% in the language of learning and teaching of the institution plus an achievement rating of 4 (50-59%) or better in four 20-credit NSC subjects. Each university then sets its own APS and subject levels, so check the programme you want.
Ask exactly what a course qualifies you for before enrolling. Ask what NQF level it is, whether it leads to SACE registration, and what post you can be appointed to when you finish. Get the answers in writing, and ask what the qualification credits towards if you want to continue studying later.
Age, Fitness, Licence and Background Requirements
Under the South African Council for Educators Act, no person may be employed as an educator by any employer unless registered with the council. SACE’s registration requirements ask for a valid police clearance certificate (not a name clearance) that is not older than six months when you submit.
ECD practitioners have their own SACE registration category. It asks for ID, matric or NCV level 4, a police clearance certificate, the National Higher Certificate: ECD (NQF level 5) with an academic record from ETDP SETA or a higher education institution, and the registration fee.
The sources for this page set no age or fitness requirement. Individual employers may have their own conditions so ask the employer or school.
Documents and Evidence Required
SACE registration is done online through the eservices.gov.za portal. The compulsory documents for a professionally qualified teacher include:
- Your ID (both sides of a smart ID card)
- Your senior certificate, NSC or NCV level 4 certificate
- Your professional teaching qualification and academic record
- A police clearance certificate no older than six months
- Proof of payment of the R200.00 registration fee
Non-South Africans need a valid passport plus a work permit, permanent residence, refugee or asylum permit valid for six months or more when they submit, and a SAQA evaluation report with a QR code for any foreign qualification.
Application and Selection Process
Apply to the university or college directly for the qualification, and apply for funding separately. The Department of Basic Education’s Funza Lushaka application notes for 2027 say applicants must be South African citizens with a valid ID, first-time applicants must be under 30, and applications are online only. For the BEd Foundation Phase it asks for a bachelor’s pass with Mathematics level 3 (40% and above) or Mathematical Literacy level 4 (50% and above), plus Home Language level 4 (50% and above). These are bursary criteria, not university admission requirements.
Employers recruit on their own terms, so confirm with the school or centre which qualification it asks for.
If you have years of experience but no qualification, ask the institution about recognition of prior learning before you start from the beginning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Grade R teacher requirements in South Africa?
The 2015 policy names the Diploma in Grade R Teaching (NQF level 6) as the minimum Grade R qualification, but DHET directs new entrants with a bachelor’s pass to the BEd in Foundation Phase Teaching. Teachers must register with SACE. Parliament reports a diploma-or-degree requirement under the BELA Act, with timelines still being contested, so confirm with the Department of Basic Education.
What is the difference between a practitioner and a qualified teacher?
SACE registers ECD practitioners and professionally qualified teachers in separate categories with different qualification requirements. Practitioner registration asks for the National Higher Certificate: ECD (NQF level 5). Teacher registration asks for a professional teaching qualification.
What should I ask before enrolling?
Ask what NQF level the course is, whether it leads to SACE registration, what post it allows on completion, and what it credits towards. Get the answers in writing.
I have years of experience but no qualification. What now?
Ask the institution about recognition of prior learning, and confirm with the Department of Basic Education which qualification Grade R posts now require.
Where do I confirm the current requirements?
With the Department of Basic Education, which now requires a diploma or degree for Grade R teachers according to Parliament, and with SACE for registration.
Grade R qualifications are set by DHET, employment requirements by the Department of Basic Education and registration by SACE. Confirm current requirements with them before you enrol. See job requirements and browse all career requirements.