The SANTS Private Higher Education Institution is a distance teacher education provider. For its Bachelor of Education (BEd), SANTS asks for an NSC with admission to Bachelor degree studies, with 50% for Home Language and 40% for English First Additional Language. Other routes exist for older and vocational qualifications, and are listed below.
SANTS lists four teaching qualifications on its website: a Higher Certificate in Early Childhood Care and Education, a Diploma in Grade R Teaching, a BEd in Foundation Phase and a BEd in Intermediate Phase. The percentages below are for the BEd; confirm the requirement for any other qualification on the SANTS website.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
For the BEd Intermediate Phase, SANTS accepts these routes. SANTS gives the same percentages for the BEd Foundation Phase.
- A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with admission to Bachelor degree studies, with 50% for Home Language and 40% for English First Additional Language.
- A completed Senior Certificate with university (complete) exemption, or with endorsement obtained before 2008, with the same 50% for Home Language and 40% for English First Additional Language.
- An NCV Level 4 with 70% or above for Home Language and the First Additional Language, and 60% or above for four vocational subjects.
- A National Professional Diploma in Education (NPDE) with Intermediate Phase specialisation and an overall percentage of 65%.
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) if you completed one of these qualifications but missed the minimum percentages or specific subjects. SANTS covers RPL in its prospectus.
All SANTS programmes are delivered by distance. You need a device (preferably a laptop, computer or tablet), internet access, data and an email account.
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
The standard route is an NSC with Bachelor admission: 50% for Home Language and 40% for English First Additional Language. If you completed the old Senior Certificate, you need complete exemption or an endorsement from before 2008, with the same two percentages.
If you studied through a TVET college, the NCV Level 4 route asks for 70% or above in Home Language and First Additional Language and 60% or above in four vocational subjects. A teacher with an NPDE (Intermediate Phase) needs an overall 65%.
If you miss the minimums, ask SANTS about Recognition of Prior Learning before assuming you do not qualify.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
SANTS states its entry requirements as percentages in specific subjects rather than as an Admission Point Score (APS). Its entry page for the BEd Intermediate Phase does not list a Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy percentage, so ask SANTS whether one applies to the phase you choose.
SANTS is registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) as a private higher education institution until 31 December 2028. The BEd Intermediate Phase is accredited by the Council on Higher Education, registered on NQF Level 7 and recognised for employment at REQV 14. It is a 480-credit degree, with a minimum of four years full-time study.
Documents and Application Requirements
Applications are made online in four steps.
- Enter your personal details on the SANTS online application.
- Select the programme you want.
- Upload certified copies of your ID, your highest qualification and any supporting documents.
- Pay the R250 non-refundable application fee and upload your proof of payment.
Once all the steps are complete, SANTS emails you a letter of admission. The full process is on the SANTS how to apply page.
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
SANTS has two intakes a year. For the January intake, the last date for admission is 31 October of the previous year, so applications for January 2027 close on 31 October 2026. For the July intake, the last date is 31 May of the same year.
SANTS estimates first-year costs for the BEd Intermediate Phase at R26 074 to R29 390, depending on your language choice. Fees can change, so check the current figure before you apply. Students must also complete the Workplace Integrated Learning requirements for each year before they can progress to the next.
SANTS does not state on its entry pages whether its graduates qualify for Funza Lushaka bursaries, or what South African Council for Educators (SACE) registration requires. Confirm both with SANTS, the Department of Basic Education and SACE before you enrol.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does SANTS offer?
A Higher Certificate in ECCE, a Diploma in Grade R Teaching, a BEd Foundation Phase and a BEd Intermediate Phase, all delivered by distance learning.
Is a SANTS qualification recognised?
SANTS is registered with DHET as a private higher education institution until 31 December 2028. The BEd Intermediate Phase is CHE accredited (H/PR148/E012CAN), registered on NQF Level 7 and recognised for employment at REQV 14. Check the SANTS FAQs for the current position on your chosen qualification.
Do I need a bachelor pass?
For the BEd, yes: an NSC with admission to Bachelor degree studies, plus 50% for Home Language and 40% for English First Additional Language. The Senior Certificate, NCV Level 4, NPDE and RPL routes are alternatives.
How do I apply to SANTS?
Apply online through MySANTS. You upload certified copies of your ID and highest qualification, then pay the R250 non-refundable application fee.
Can I get a bursary?
SANTS does not list Funza Lushaka eligibility on its application pages. Ask SANTS and the Department of Basic Education whether funding is available for private institution study before you assume it is.
Confirm requirements and fees with SANTS before you apply. See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.