Teaching is one of the most important and rewarding careers in society. Teachers shape the future by educating young minds, inspiring curiosity, and helping students develop knowledge and life skills. If you enjoy working with children or young adults, have patience, and want to make a meaningful impact, a career in education could be the perfect fit.
Popular career paths in education include:
- Foundation Phase Teacher (Grades R–3) – Focuses on literacy, numeracy, and early learning.
- Intermediate Phase Teacher (Grades 4–6) – Teaches core subjects such as Maths, Science, and English.
- Senior Phase / FET Teacher (Grades 7–12) – Specialises in specific subjects like Mathematics, Science, Accounting, or Languages.
- Special Needs Teacher – Supports learners with learning difficulties or disabilities.
- Educational Administrator / School Principal – Manages schools or education programmes.
Here’s a detailed guide to pursuing a teaching career in South Africa.
What to Study: BEd (Education Degree)
To become a professional teacher, you typically study a BEd (Bachelor of Education) degree.
- The BEd degree usually takes 4 years to complete.
- Students specialise in either Foundation Phase, Intermediate Phase, or Senior / FET Phase teaching.
- Some universities offer specialisations in subject areas, such as Mathematics, Natural Sciences, English, or Accounting.
After completing the BEd, graduates can register as teachers with the South African Council for Educators (SACE), which is required to teach in public schools.
Recommended School Subjects
The subjects you choose in high school influence what you can teach in future:
📌 English
English is essential because it improves communication skills, reading, and writing – all crucial for teaching.
📌 Subjects You Want to Teach
If you want to teach Maths, Science, Accounting, or Languages, make sure you study those subjects at school.
- For Maths or Science teaching: Take Mathematics and Physical / Life Sciences.
- For Accounting teaching: Take Accounting and Mathematics.
- For English or Languages: Take English and/or other language subjects.
Other helpful subjects include History, Geography, or Business Studies, depending on your teaching focus.
Typical APS Needed: 25 – 30+
Teaching programs generally have more accessible APS requirements compared to careers like Medicine or Engineering:
- Most universities require an APS between 25 and 30+, depending on the institution and teaching phase.
- Strong marks in the subjects you intend to teach improve your admission chances.
- Foundation Phase teaching may have lower APS requirements than Senior Phase or FET teaching.
Universities also consider your overall academic performance, language proficiency, and sometimes an interview or aptitude test.
Universities Offering BEd in South Africa
Some of the top universities offering teaching degrees include:
- University of Pretoria (UP)
- University of Johannesburg (UJ)
- University of Cape Town (UCT)
- University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
All universities offer various teaching specialisations and support programmes to prepare graduates for classroom work.
Skills You Need to Succeed in Teaching
Teaching requires a combination of interpersonal, organisational, and subject-specific skills:
- Patience and empathy
- Strong communication skills
- Creativity to make learning engaging
- Classroom management skills
- Organisation and time management
- Knowledge of your subject matter
- Adaptability to different student needs
Teachers must also be lifelong learners, updating their skills and knowledge as education methods and curricula evolve.
Career Opportunities After BEd
Graduates can pursue multiple career paths in education:
Classroom Teaching
- Foundation, Intermediate, or Senior Phase teacher in public or private schools
- Special needs or remedial teacher
Education Administration & Leadership
- School principal
- Departmental head or subject coordinator
- Curriculum developer or educational policy specialist
Other Opportunities
- Educational consultant or advisor
- Private tutoring or learning centres
- Online teaching platforms and e-learning development
Teaching careers are flexible, with opportunities in public, private, and international schools.
Salary Expectations
Teacher salaries in South Africa vary by experience, qualifications, and sector:
- Entry-level teachers: R250,000–R350,000 per year
- Experienced teachers or subject specialists: R400,000–R600,000 annually
- School principals or senior administrators: R600,000+ per year
While teaching may not offer the highest salaries compared to tech or medical careers, it provides job stability, personal fulfilment, and opportunities for career growth.
Challenges of Studying and Working in Teaching
- Managing large and diverse classrooms
- Administrative workload and lesson planning
- Meeting government curriculum standards
- Emotional challenges with learners facing personal or social difficulties
Despite challenges, teaching offers unique rewards, such as shaping young minds and making a lasting impact in communities.
Advantages of Choosing Teaching
- Job stability and consistent demand for teachers
- Opportunities to specialise in your favourite subjects
- Chance to inspire and influence future generations
- Flexible career paths and opportunities for advancement
- Personal fulfilment through making a positive social impact
Is Teaching Right for You?
Ask yourself:
- Do I enjoy working with children or young adults?
- Am I patient, empathetic, and good at communication?
- Do I want a career that allows me to make a difference in society?
- Am I willing to continue learning and developing my teaching skills?
If yes, teaching is a fulfilling and impactful career path.
Final Thoughts
A BEd degree provides the foundation to become a professional teacher in South Africa. With an APS of 25–30+ and strong performance in English and the subjects you want to teach, you can gain entry to universities such as University of Pretoria, University of Johannesburg, University of Cape Town, or University of the Witwatersrand.
Teaching may not offer the highest salaries, but it is one of the most meaningful and stable careers, allowing you to positively influence future generations and make a lasting impact in your community.