UNISA BEd Requirements 2026

Overview of Teaching Qualifications at UNISA

UNISA's College of Education (CEDU) is the largest provider of teacher education in South Africa, producing thousands of qualified teachers each year. If you want to become a teacher through distance learning, UNISA offers two main pathways: the Bachelor of Education (BEd) for students starting from matric, and the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) for graduates who already hold a degree in another field and want to switch to teaching.

The BEd is a four-year professional degree (480 credits) that qualifies graduates to register with the South African Council for Educators (SACE) and teach in South African schools. It combines subject content knowledge with pedagogical training, teaching practice, and education theory. The BEd is available in several teaching phases, allowing you to specialise in the age group you want to teach.

Teaching is one of South Africa's most in-demand professions, with particular shortages in mathematics, science, and technology education. The Funza Lushaka bursary programme provides full funding for teaching students in priority subjects, making the BEd one of the most affordable degree options available.

BEd Admission Requirements

General Requirements

• NSC with bachelor's degree admission
• Minimum APS: 24-28 points depending on the teaching phase
• English: Level 4 (50-59%) minimum
• Mathematics: Requirements vary by phase — FET Mathematics teaching requires Mathematics Level 4 (50-59%)

Phase-Specific Requirements

• Foundation Phase (Grades R-3): APS 24+, English Level 4, plus proficiency in an African language (as most Foundation Phase teaching is in the learners' home language)
• Intermediate Phase (Grades 4-6): APS 24+, English Level 4, Mathematics Level 3
• Senior Phase (Grades 7-9): APS 26+, English Level 4, plus appropriate levels in your chosen teaching subjects
• FET Phase (Grades 10-12): APS 28+, English Level 4, plus Level 5 (60-69%) in your two teaching subjects (e.g., Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Accounting, etc.)

Teaching Phases Explained

Foundation Phase (Grades R-3)

Teaches young children the fundamentals of literacy, numeracy, and life skills. Foundation Phase teachers need patience, creativity, and strong classroom management skills. Teaching is often conducted in the learners' home language. This phase has high demand, particularly in rural areas.

Intermediate Phase (Grades 4-6)

Covers the transition period where learners begin to engage with more structured content across multiple subjects. Intermediate Phase teachers typically teach all subjects to one class, requiring breadth of knowledge.

Senior Phase (Grades 7-9)

Teachers specialise in 2-3 subjects and teach multiple classes. The Senior Phase bridges primary and secondary education. Subject specialisation becomes more important.

FET Phase (Grades 10-12)

Highly specialised teaching in 2 subjects. FET Phase teachers must have deep content knowledge as they prepare learners for the National Senior Certificate (matric) examinations. Demand is highest for Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Accounting, and Information Technology teachers.

PGCE – Postgraduate Certificate in Education

If you already hold a bachelor's degree (BA, BCom, BSc, etc.) and want to become a teacher, the PGCE is your pathway. The PGCE is a one-year postgraduate qualification that provides the pedagogical training needed to teach. Requirements include:

• A completed bachelor's degree with subjects relevant to school teaching
• At least two subjects studied to second-year level that correspond to school subjects
• English proficiency
• Successful completion of teaching practice placements at accredited schools

The PGCE is popular among career changers — professionals with degrees in accounting, engineering, science, or languages who decide to transition into teaching. The Funza Lushaka bursary is also available for PGCE students in priority subjects.

Teaching Practice (Work-Integrated Learning)

Both the BEd and PGCE require teaching practice — supervised periods where you teach in actual schools under the guidance of a mentor teacher. This is a critical component of your training:

• BEd: Teaching practice is spread across the four years, with progressively longer placements from observation in Year 1 to independent teaching in Year 4. Total teaching practice hours typically exceed 120 days.
• PGCE: A concentrated teaching practice period during the year, usually 10-12 weeks of supervised teaching at an accredited school.

You are responsible for finding your own teaching practice placement school (UNISA provides guidelines and forms). Choose a school that aligns with your teaching phase and subjects. Teaching practice is assessed by both the school mentor and a UNISA assessor.

SACE Registration and Career Outlook

After completing your BEd or PGCE, you must register with the South African Council for Educators (SACE) before you can be employed as a teacher. SACE registration requires:

• Proof of your teaching qualification (BEd or PGCE certificate)
• South African ID
• SACE application form and registration fee
• Character declaration (no criminal record related to children)

Career prospects for qualified teachers in South Africa are strong:

• Public schools: Employment through provincial education departments. Salaries are set by the OSD (Occupation Specific Dispensation) and start around R260,000-R300,000 per year for new teachers.
• Private/independent schools: Often higher salaries but without the job security guarantees of public sector employment.
• International teaching: A UNISA BEd is recognised internationally. Many South African teachers work abroad, particularly in the Middle East, UK, and other Commonwealth countries.
• Education management: With experience, teachers can advance to Head of Department, Deputy Principal, and Principal positions.
• Curriculum development: Work with the Department of Education or textbook publishers developing educational materials.

Frequently Asked Questions – UNISA BEd

Related Guides

• APS Calculator — check admission requirements
• UNISA Courses List — browse all qualifications
• NSFAS Application Guide — funding options
• How to Apply to UNISA — application guide