Teachers play a critical role in shaping the future workforce. Without them, learners wouldn’t have the knowledge and skills needed to enter tertiary institutions and, eventually, the professional world.
It’s often said that teaching requires a unique kind of person—those who are passionate about helping young people shape their futures. While the profession comes with challenges, it is incredibly rewarding.
Explore Bursaries and Scholarships Open for Applications
Teachers are essential at every stage of learning—from preschool to primary school, high school, and beyond. Whether your passion lies in Mathematics, Science, Business, Technology, Languages, or the Arts, educators are needed across a wide variety of subjects.
If you’re dedicated to shaping the minds of learners and helping them achieve success, these education bursary programs could be perfect for you.
What Are My Options for Obtaining a Teaching Qualification?
If you’re considering a career in teaching, you may want to explore the best routes to becoming qualified. Most students pursue either a teaching diploma or degree, which differ in terms of study levels and career opportunities. Below are the main pathways:
- Teaching Degree: This includes a 4-year Bachelor of Education (BEd), a 2-year postgraduate honors or master’s degree, or a doctoral degree. Degree studies are usually completed at universities and require a bachelor’s pass in your Matric NSC certificate. A BEd degree can focus on the Foundation Phase, Intermediate Phase, or Senior Phase.
- Teaching Diploma: Typically offered by technical or vocational schools, this qualification takes around 18 months to complete and allows you to specialize in a specific teaching field.
Which Education Phase Is Right for You?
Each phase of teaching has its own advantages and challenges. Here’s a brief breakdown to help you choose the phase that best aligns with your skills and interests:
- Foundation Phase (Grade R to Grade 3): While this phase is less academic than others, it involves a lot of hands-on, practical teaching. It’s ideal for those who enjoy working with young children, teaching fundamental skills, and fostering good manners and values.
- Intermediate Phase (Grade 4 to Grade 6): This phase involves a balance of practical and academic teaching, with a focus on core subjects like Mathematics, English, Science, and History.
- Senior and Further Education and Training Phase (Grade 7 to Grade 12): This phase is the most academically intensive and requires specialization in a chosen subject area. Teachers at this level are expected to translate their subject knowledge into practical, effective teaching.
How Much Do Teachers Earn?
The average annual salary for a primary school teacher in South Africa is around R167,000, with a range between R105,000 and R240,000. For high school teachers, the average salary is around R190,000, with a range between R135,000 and R290,000.
Here is a List of Bursaries in the Education and Teaching Field For 2025:
Nedbank Bursary
Funza Lushaka Bursary
ADvTECH Student Teacher Bursary
TTI Bursary
Thuto Trust
NSFAS