Education and Teaching Bursaries South Africa 2025-2026

Contents show

Education and Teaching Bursaries South Africa 2025-2026

Teachers play a vital role in shaping the future by imparting knowledge and skills to students. It takes a special kind of person to become a teacher, as they are passionate about helping young individuals develop and reach their full potential. While teaching can be a demanding profession, it is also incredibly rewarding.

Educators are needed at various stages of a student’s academic journey, from preschool to primary school, high school, and tertiary education institutions. Whether one’s passion lies in mathematics, science, business, technology, languages, or the arts, there is a need for dedicated educators in a wide range of subjects.

If you have a calling to inspire and guide learners on their educational journey, and you’re committed to giving them the best chance for a successful future, bursary programs in the field of education can be an excellent opportunity to pursue your passion and make a meaningful impact on the lives of students.

When it comes to obtaining a teaching qualification, you have two primary options: pursuing a teaching degree or earning a teaching diploma. Each option has its own structure and requirements, and the choice depends on your educational background, career goals, and preferences. Let’s explore these options further:

Teaching Degree:

Duration: Teaching degrees typically span four years for a bachelor’s degree, two years for a postgraduate honours master’s degree, or more for a doctoral degree.
Location: Degree studies are usually undertaken at universities.
Requirements: To pursue a teaching degree, you generally need to achieve a bachelor’s pass on your Matric National Senior Certificate (NSC).
Bachelor of Education (BEd) Degree: Teaching degrees often include specializations for different education phases, such as Foundation Phase (Grade R to Grade 3), Intermediate Phase (Grade 4 to Grade 6), and Senior Phase (Grade 7 to Grade 12).

Teaching Diploma:

Duration: Diploma programs usually take around 18 months to complete.
Location: Diploma studies are typically undertaken at technical or vocational schools.
Specialization: Diplomas often allow you to specialize in a specific field of teaching.

Choosing the Right Education Phase: Deciding which education phase is right for you depends on your interests, skills, and preferences. Here’s a breakdown of the three phases to help you make an informed choice:

Foundation Phase (Grade R to Grade 3):
- Description: This phase focuses on teaching young children the fundamental learning techniques, ethics, and manners.
- Skills: It requires a more hands-on, practical teaching approach.
- Suitable For: Those who enjoy working with toddlers and young kids.
Intermediate Phase (Grade 4 to Grade 6):
- Description: This phase places a greater emphasis on academic and technical skills development.
- Skills: While there is some practical training, it’s less intensive than the Foundation Phase.
- Suitable For: Individuals interested in teaching academic subjects like Mathematics, English, Science, History, etc.
Senior and Further Education and Training Phase (Grade 7 to Grade 12):
- Description: This phase is the most academically and technically intensive, often requiring specialized subject knowledge.
- Skills: It involves a combination of theoretical and practical work, with a focus on translating subject expertise into effective teaching.
- Suitable For: Those who want to specialize in teaching specific subjects at a higher academic level.

Ultimately, your choice of teaching qualification and education phase should align with your personal interests, strengths, and career aspirations. It’s essential to carefully consider these factors before making a decision.

Teachers play a vital role in society by educating and shaping the future generations. The compensation for teachers can vary depending on factors like experience, qualifications, location, and the specific institution they work for. Here’s a general idea of what teachers can earn in South Africa:

Primary School Teacher:

The average annual salary for a primary school teacher is approximately R167,000.
Salary ranges can vary between R105,000 and R240,000, with higher salaries typically associated with more experience and qualifications.

High School Teacher:

The average annual salary for a high school teacher is around R190,000.
Salary ranges can vary between R135,000 and R290,000, with variations based on experience, qualifications, and the subjects taught.

It’s important to note that these figures are approximate and can vary based on location, school type (public or private), and other factors. Additionally, teachers may have opportunities to earn extra income through activities like tutoring or taking on additional responsibilities within their schools.

To qualify for a teaching bursary, you typically need to meet specific criteria, which may include:

South African Citizenship: Most bursaries require applicants to be South African citizens. Some bursaries may consider permanent residents for certain awards.
Passion for Teaching: Demonstrating a genuine passion for teaching and working with children is often a significant factor in bursary applications.
Educational Background: You should be in your final year of school (Matric) or have completed Matric. Bursaries are often awarded to students pursuing teaching degrees or diplomas.
Tertiary Institution: You must have applied to study at a recognized tertiary institution in South Africa. Some bursaries may require proof of acceptance.
Academic Record: Maintaining a good academic record is essential. Bursary providers typically look for applicants with strong academic performance.
Disadvantaged Background: Many bursaries give preference to learners from previously disadvantaged backgrounds as part of efforts to promote equity in education.

Keep in mind that each bursary program may have its own specific requirements and application process, so it’s crucial to thoroughly review the eligibility criteria and application instructions for the bursary you’re interested in. Additionally, bursaries often have deadlines, so be sure to apply well in advance to meet the submission deadlines.