The SANTS BEd in Intermediate Phase (Grades 4 to 6) needs an NSC with admission to Bachelor degree studies, with 50% for Home Language and 40% for English First Additional Language. It is a four-year minimum distance degree on NQF Level 7. Other routes are open if you hold a Senior Certificate, an NCV Level 4 or an NPDE.
This page covers the Intermediate Phase degree at the SANTS Private Higher Education Institution only. The SANTS qualification page is the official source.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
- 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.
- The degree is 480 credits at NQF Level 7, with a minimum of four and a maximum of six years full-time.
- It is CHE accredited (H/PR148/E012CAN), has SAQA ID 112486 and is recognised for employment at REQV 14.
- It is delivered by distance, so you need a device (preferably a laptop, computer or tablet), internet access, data and an email account.
- Tuition is in English. Home Language focus areas are Afrikaans, English, isiXhosa, isiZulu, Sepedi and Setswana.
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
Most applicants come in through the NSC: Bachelor admission, 50% for Home Language and 40% for English First Additional Language. The old Senior Certificate with complete exemption (or endorsement from before 2008) carries the same two percentages.
For the NCV Level 4 route you need 70% or above for Home Language and First Additional Language and 60% or above for four vocational subjects. The NPDE route needs Intermediate Phase specialisation with an overall 65%.
If you finished one of these qualifications but fell short on the percentages or subjects, ask SANTS about Recognition of Prior Learning.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
SANTS sets its entry rules as subject percentages, not as an APS score. Its Intermediate Phase page lists no specific Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy percentage. Because Intermediate Phase teachers teach several subjects to one class, ask SANTS directly whether it expects anything beyond the percentages above.
The phases are separate qualifications. Intermediate Phase covers Grades 4 to 6, so choose it deliberately. SANTS also offers a BEd in Foundation Phase, which uses the same entry percentages.
Documents and Application Requirements
Apply online through MySANTS. The steps are on the SANTS how to apply page.
- 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.
When every step is complete, SANTS emails you a letter of admission. Beyond the certified ID and qualification copies, SANTS lists supporting documents as optional on its application steps.
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
There are two intakes a year. For the January intake the last date for admission is 31 October of the previous year, so January 2027 applications 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 Intermediate Phase degree at R26 074 to R29 390, depending on your language choice. The registration fee is deducted from annual tuition, and fees can change.
Workplace Integrated Learning (WIL) is compulsory. You must complete the WIL requirements for a year before you can progress to the next one, even if you have met the academic requirements. SANTS sets the placement arrangements, so ask how they work before you enrol.
SANTS does not say 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What grades does the Intermediate Phase cover?
Grades 4 to 6.
What do I need to study the SANTS BEd Intermediate Phase?
An NSC with admission to Bachelor degree studies, with 50% for Home Language and 40% for English First Additional Language. Senior Certificate, NCV Level 4, NPDE (65%) and RPL routes are also listed.
Can I qualify by distance learning?
Yes. All SANTS programmes are delivered by distance, and the degree is registered on NQF Level 7. You still complete Workplace Integrated Learning each year.
Do I need Mathematics?
SANTS lists no Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy percentage for entry to this degree. Confirm with SANTS whether any subject expectation applies.
How much does it cost?
SANTS estimates R26 074 to R29 390 for the first year, depending on language choice. The application fee is R250 and non-refundable. See the SANTS FAQs and the qualification page for current fees.
Is there funding for teacher education?
SANTS does not list Funza Lushaka eligibility on its pages. Ask SANTS and the Department of Basic Education whether bursary funding applies to private institution study.
Confirm requirements and fees with SANTS before you apply. See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.