Unisa teaching requirements depend on the qualification. For the Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching (90102) you need a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with degree endorsement, at least 50% in the language of teaching and learning, and either 40% in Mathematics or 50% in Mathematical Literacy. If you already have a degree, the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE, 90148) is the route.
To teach in a school you must also register with the South African Council for Educators (SACE). Unisa’s undergraduate application window for the 2027 intake ran from 17 August to 9 October 2026, so it has now closed.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
- BEd Foundation Phase (90102): NQF level 7, 480 credits, listed admission point score (APS) of 23, with a maximum study period of 10 years
- BEd entry: NSC with degree endorsement, at least 50% in the language of teaching and learning, and 40% in Mathematics or 50% in Mathematical Literacy
- PGCE (90148): a 360- or 480-credit Bachelor’s degree that includes the subjects of the stream you choose
- Employment as an educator: registration with SACE
- Application: online only, with a non-refundable R160 application fee
Education and Subject Requirements
Nationally, a Bachelor’s degree needs an NSC with a Bachelor’s pass. Universities then set their own, higher requirements, and Unisa’s are the ones that apply to you.
BEd Foundation Phase. The requirements above are for qualification 90102 and the 2027 intake. A recognition-of-prior-learning (RPL) route also exists: you must be at least 23 years old, have Grade 10 and have at least five years of relevant teaching experience. Details are on the Unisa qualification page.
PGCE. The PGCE is offered in streams. The English stream, for example, asks for a Bachelor’s degree with English to third-year level plus a second teaching subject to second-year level; see the PGCE English stream page. From 2026 Unisa no longer accepts the National N Diploma for admission to a PGCE.
Other BEd qualifications. Unisa lists several BEd phase and subject combinations, and their requirements differ. Check the specific qualification page on the Unisa site before you apply.
Age, Fitness, Licence and Background Requirements
The only age requirement Unisa states for the BEd Foundation Phase is the minimum age of 23 for the prior-learning route. Ask Unisa if you are unsure whether any other age, fitness or licence conditions apply to your chosen qualification.
SACE registration. The SACE Act 31 of 2000 states that no person may be employed as an educator unless registered with the council. Full registration needs a valid police clearance certificate (a name clearance is not accepted) that is not older than six months when you submit it, and a professional teaching qualification such as a BEd or PGCE. See the SACE registration requirements.
Teaching practice. Teaching qualifications include supervised practice in schools. Ask Unisa for its current teaching practice and placement rules before you enrol, and plan for them around your job.
Documents and Evidence Required
- Your South African ID
- Your matric (NSC) certificate for the BEd, or your degree and academic record for the PGCE
- For the prior-learning route: evidence of five years of relevant teaching experience
- Payment of the R160 application fee
- For SACE: a police clearance certificate no older than six months, and your teaching qualification
- For student teachers: provisional SACE registration through the online portal at eservices.gov.za, with ID, matric certificate and police clearance
Unisa tells you which documents to upload when you apply, so use its list as the final word.
Application and Selection Process
Apply online on the Unisa application page. Undergraduate applications for the 2027 intake were open from 17 August to 9 October 2026 and have closed. Check the same page for the next opening. The R160 fee is paid online after you receive your student number and is not refundable.
An application is not a guaranteed place. Admission depends on you meeting the requirements and on space in the qualification. That applies to a teaching application at Unisa for both the BEd and the PGCE.
Funza Lushaka bursary. The Department of Basic Education bursary does not fund a PGCE in 2026, and people who already hold a teaching qualification do not qualify. Recipients must apply for public-school teaching posts within six months of graduating and show evidence, and the funded student needs at least 55% across the previous year’s modules. Read the Funza Lushaka application notes before you plan around the bursary.
Public school posts are advertised by provincial education departments. Nobody can sell you a teaching post, so report any offer to buy one to the police.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Unisa teaching requirements?
For the BEd Foundation Phase you need an NSC with degree endorsement, 50% in the language of teaching and learning, and 40% in Mathematics or 50% in Mathematical Literacy. For the PGCE you need a degree with your stream’s subjects. Other BEd combinations have their own requirements.
How do I apply for teaching at Unisa?
Apply online on the Unisa website and pay the R160 non-refundable fee once you have a student number. The window for 2027 undergraduate applications ran from 17 August to 9 October 2026 and has closed.
Are Unisa teaching applications guaranteed once I apply?
No. Admission is not automatic and depends on meeting the requirements and on available space.
I already have a degree. Is there a shorter route?
The PGCE is for graduates, provided your degree includes the subjects of the stream you choose. Note that the Funza Lushaka bursary does not fund a PGCE in 2026.
Do I need to register with SACE?
Yes. No one may be employed as an educator unless registered with SACE. Student teachers register provisionally through the SACE online portal, and full registration needs a police clearance and a professional teaching qualification.
Can I use an N Diploma for the PGCE?
No. From 2026 the National N Diploma is not accepted for admission to a Unisa PGCE.
Confirm admission requirements with Unisa, registration with SACE and bursary criteria with the Department of Basic Education. See job requirements and browse all career requirements.