SANTS Private Higher Education Institution offers distance teacher education in South Africa, including qualifications for the Intermediate Phase — Grades 4 to 6. Its distance model is aimed largely at people already working in schools and at students in areas without a nearby university.
Whatever the provider, the requirements for a teaching qualification are shaped by two things: the National Senior Certificate endorsement needed for the qualification level, and the fact that every teacher in South Africa must register with the South African Council for Educators (SACE).
Entry Requirements at a Glance
Entry requirements for Intermediate Phase teacher education are as follows.
- For a Bachelor of Education (Intermediate Phase): A National Senior Certificate with admission to bachelor’s degree study requires at least 40% in your home language, at least 50% in four subjects from the designated subject list, and at least 30% in two further subjects.
- For a higher certificate or diploma pathway: the corresponding NSC endorsement — confirm the specific requirement with the institution
- English at the level the institution requires, and competence in the language of teaching
- Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy — Intermediate Phase teachers teach mathematics, so the requirement here matters and differs between institutions
- A South African ID, or appropriate documentation for foreign nationals
- Access to a computer and internet connection, since delivery is by distance
- Access to a school for teaching practice, which distance programmes require you to arrange
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
Teaching practice is the requirement distance students underestimate. Every teacher education qualification includes supervised teaching practice in a school, and on a distance programme you generally arrange the placement yourself. Confirm before enrolling how many weeks are required, how they are supervised, and whether the institution assists with placement.
If you already work in a school as an assistant or unqualified teacher, this is usually straightforward and is one of the reasons distance study suits people in that position.
Mathematics for the Intermediate Phase. Teachers in Grades 4 to 6 teach mathematics, and the transition from Foundation Phase counting to Intermediate Phase fractions, decimals and early algebra is where many learners are lost. Institutions increasingly set specific mathematics requirements for this phase as a result. Confirm what applies.
Accreditation is essential. The institution must be registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training, and the qualification accredited by the Council on Higher Education and registered on the NQF. Critically, the qualification must be one that SACE will register you on. Confirm with SACE before enrolling, not after graduating.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
Most South African universities calculate an Admission Point Score (APS) from your best six 20-credit NSC subjects on a seven-point scale, giving a maximum of 42. Life Orientation is excluded at most institutions, and level 1 subjects generally do not count. Each university publishes its own APS table and programme minimums, revised annually, so confirm the figure for your intake year with the institution itself.
Distance and private institutions set their own entry rules rather than using APS in the way public universities do; confirm the specific requirement with the institution.
The phases are separate qualifications. Foundation Phase covers Grades R to 3, Intermediate Phase Grades 4 to 6, Senior Phase Grades 7 to 9, and Further Education and Training Grades 10 to 12. A qualification in one phase does not qualify you to teach in another, so choose deliberately — changing later means further study.
Intermediate Phase teachers are generalists, teaching several subjects to one class rather than one subject to several. That suits people who want a relationship with a class and enjoy breadth; it does not suit people who want to specialise in a single subject.
Funding is available. The Funza Lushaka bursary programme funds teacher education for students who commit to teaching in a public school for the same number of years as the bursary is held. Priority areas change annually, and mathematics is frequently among them. Confirm current criteria and deadlines with the Department of Basic Education.
Distance study demands self-discipline. Without timetabled classes, completion depends on you. Ask the institution about tutor support, assignment turnaround and what happens if you fall behind.
Documents and Application Requirements
Distance institutions typically require a straightforward document set.
- Certified copy of your South African ID, or appropriate documentation for foreign nationals
- Certified copy of your National Senior Certificate
- Proof of residence, where required
- Proof of payment or an approved payment arrangement
- A school placement arrangement for teaching practice, where you are required to arrange it
- A police clearance certificate, required for work with children
- For SACE registration after qualifying: qualification certificates and the council’s requirements
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
Distance providers usually offer more than one intake a year, which is convenient for working students. Teaching practice periods are fixed, though, so check that they fit your circumstances before enrolling.
Apply for Funza Lushaka in parallel if you qualify. It is substantial funding, and the work-back obligation is a job rather than a penalty.
- Confirm with SACE that the qualification leads to registration
- Verify institution registration and accreditation with the Department of Higher Education and Training and SAQA
- Check the mathematics requirement for the Intermediate Phase specifically
- Confirm how teaching practice placement works and whether you must arrange it
- Apply for Funza Lushaka funding — check current priority areas and deadlines
- Choose the phase deliberately; changing later means further study
- Ask about tutor support and assignment turnaround before enrolling
Frequently Asked Questions
What grades does the Intermediate Phase cover?
Grades 4 to 6. Teachers in this phase are generalists, teaching several subjects to one class.
Can I qualify by distance learning?
Yes, provided the institution is registered and the qualification accredited and accepted by SACE. You will still need to complete supervised teaching practice in a school.
Do I need Mathematics?
Intermediate Phase teachers teach mathematics, and institutions increasingly set specific requirements for this phase. Confirm what applies at your chosen institution.
Is there funding for teacher education?
The Funza Lushaka bursary funds teacher education for students who commit to teaching in a public school afterwards. Priority areas and deadlines change annually.
Entry requirements, accreditation, teaching practice arrangements and bursary criteria are set by institutions, SACE and the Department of Basic Education, and change. Confirm current requirements directly with the institution, SACE and the department.