Do you have a passion for teaching, shaping young minds, and making a meaningful impact in your community? Whether you’re starting your journey in education or transitioning from another field, South African universities offer a wide range of Bachelor of Education (BEd) and Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) programmes tailored to your interests and career goals.
Here’s your comprehensive guide to all South African universities offering Education and PGCE programmes—from Nelson Mandela University to Wits.
1. Nelson Mandela University (NMU) – Eastern Cape
- BEd in Foundation, Intermediate, and Senior & FET Phases
- PGCE: FET, SP & FET
2. North-West University (NWU) – North West
- BEd in ECCE, Foundation, Intermediate, and Senior & FET Phases
- PGCE in various Senior Phase and FET subjects
3. Rhodes University – Eastern Cape
- BEd in Foundation Phase Teaching
- PGCE for graduates in Arts, Sciences, and Commerce
4. Sol Plaatje University (SPU) – Northern Cape
- BEd in Intermediate and Senior & FET Phases
- PGCE in Mathematics Education and Curriculum Studies
5. Stellenbosch University (SU) – Western Cape
- BEd in Foundation and Intermediate Phases
- PGCE in FET and Senior Phase subjects
6. University of Cape Town (UCT) – Western Cape
- PGCE in Senior Phase & FET Teaching (Arts, Sciences, Commerce)
7. University of Fort Hare (UFH) – Eastern Cape
- BEd in Foundation, Intermediate, and Senior & FET Phases
- PGCE in Foundation and FET Teaching
8. University of Johannesburg (UJ) – Gauteng
- BEd in Foundation, Intermediate, and Senior & FET Phases
- PGCE in FET and SP & FET
9. University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) – KwaZulu-Natal
- BEd in all teaching phases
- PGCE in Senior and FET phases
10. University of Limpopo (UL) – Limpopo
- BEd in Foundation, Senior & FET Phases
- PGCE in Life Sciences, Languages, and more
11. University of Venda (UNIVEN) – Limpopo
- BEd in Foundation and Senior Phases
- PGCE available for SP & FET
12. University of South Africa (UNISA) – Distance Learning
- BEd in all phases
- PGCE with 30+ subject combinations including Life Sciences, Agriculture, Mathematics, and Arts
13. University of the Western Cape (UWC) – Western Cape
- BEd in Foundation, Intermediate, and Senior Phases
- PGCE in various SP & FET specialisations
14. University of Pretoria (UP) – Gauteng
- BEd in all teaching phases
- PGCE in SP & FET (including Business, Sciences, and Languages)
15. University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) – Gauteng
- BEd in Foundation, Intermediate, and Senior Phases
- PGCE with a range of subject specialisations in Sciences, Arts, and Commerce
Programmes Covered Across Universities:
- Bachelor of Education (BEd):
- Foundation Phase (Grades R–3)
- Intermediate Phase (Grades 4–6)
- Senior Phase & FET (Grades 7–12)
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE):
- Senior Phase (SP)
- Further Education & Training (FET)
Career Opportunities in Education:
- Primary & High School Teacher
- Curriculum Developer
- Learning Support Educator
- Education Policy Analyst
- School Leadership (with further qualifications)