Education Degrees You Can Study in 2026 – Requirements and Universities

Are you passionate about teaching and shaping young minds? In South Africa, education degrees are in high demand — especially for Foundation, Intermediate, and Senior Phase teachers. If you're considering applying in 2026, this guide breaks down the types of Education degrees, entry requirements, and which universities you can apply to.

Types of Education Degrees in South Africa

There are three common undergraduate pathways for becoming a qualified teacher:

1. Bachelor of Education (BEd)

A 4-year professional degree focused on specific teaching phases:

• Foundation Phase (Grades R–3)
• Intermediate Phase (Grades 4–6)
• Senior Phase & FET (Grades 7–12)

2. Bachelor of Arts or Science + PGCE

Students complete a general BA or BSc degree, then do a 1-year Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) to become qualified teachers. Popular combinations include:

• BA in Languages or Social Sciences → PGCE (Senior & FET)
• BSc in Maths or Life Sciences → PGCE (FET Sciences)

3. Diplomas or Higher Certificates

Some universities and colleges offer education-related diplomas or higher certificates, especially for Early Childhood Development (ECD) or Grade R teaching.

Minimum Requirements for BEd Degrees

Here’s what most universities require to apply for a BEd in 2026:

Tip: Some universities accept Math Literacy for Foundation and Intermediate Phase teaching.

Universities Offering BEd Degrees in 2026

Here’s a breakdown of universities that offer BEd degrees and their available specialisations:

1. University of South Africa (UNISA)

• Degrees: BEd Foundation Phase, Intermediate Phase, Senior & FET
• APS: 23–26
• Format: Fully online or distance learning
• Ideal for: Working students, remote learners

2. University of Pretoria (UP)

• Degrees: BEd Foundation Phase, Intermediate Phase
• APS: 26–28
• Subjects: Must meet subject requirements for chosen phase
• Language: English or Afrikaans as medium of instruction

3. University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)

• Degrees: BEd Foundation Phase
• APS: 34 (competitive)
• Subjects: English HL at Level 5
• Special note: Offers both full-time and part-time BEd

4. University of Johannesburg (UJ)

• Degrees: BEd in all phases (FP, IP, SP & FET)
• APS: 26+
• Options: On-campus & distance learning
• Additional: PGCE also offered for BA/BSc graduates

5. Nelson Mandela University (NMU)

• Degrees: BEd Foundation, Intermediate, and FET
• APS: 27–30
• Specialisation: Languages, Mathematics, Sciences, etc.
• Language of instruction: English

6. North-West University (NWU)

• Degrees: All teaching phases available
• APS: 24–28
• Modes: Contact and distance learning
• Campuses: Potchefstroom, Mahikeng, Vanderbijlpark

7. University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)

• Degrees: BEd Foundation, Intermediate, Senior & FET
• APS: 28 minimum
• Language: English instruction
• Campuses: Edgewood (Education campus)

8. University of the Free State (UFS)

• Degrees: BEd in Foundation, Intermediate, Senior & FET
• APS: 25–30
• Campuses: Bloemfontein, QwaQwa
• Distance: Available for FP & IP

9. Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)

• Degrees: BEd in Foundation Phase
• APS: 27+
• Subjects: Must include English & pass in Math Lit or Maths
• Location: Western Cape

10. Walter Sisulu University (WSU)

• Degrees: BEd in Foundation, Intermediate & FET
• APS: 23–26
• Popular in: Eastern Cape region
• Affordable and accessible for rural learners

Documents Needed to Apply in 2026

To apply for BEd degrees, you’ll generally need:

• Certified ID copy
• Final Grade 11 or latest Grade 12 results
• Proof of residence
• Copy of parent/guardian ID (if required)
• Application fee proof (if applicable)

What to Consider When Choosing an Education Degree

• Phase Preference: Do you prefer teaching young children or high school learners?
• Location: Some universities offer distance learning; others require on-campus presence.
• Subject Strengths: For FET teaching, your NSC subject results matter (e.g. Maths for Maths teachers).
• Language Requirements: Ensure you meet the English or Afrikaans language levels required.

Careers You Can Pursue With a BEd

• Foundation Phase Teacher (Grades R–3)
• Intermediate or Senior Phase Teacher (Grades 4–9)
• FET Subject Specialist (Grades 10–12)
• Special Needs or Remedial Education Teacher
• Curriculum Designer or Education Researcher
• School Leadership (Principal, Deputy Head, etc. – with further study)

Conclusion

Whether you want to teach preschoolers or become a high school maths teacher, there’s an education degree suited for you in 2026. Make sure you:

• Apply early (most deadlines are by 30 September 2025)
• Match your APS score and subject results with university requirements
• Decide if you prefer a full BEd degree or BA/BSc + PGCE route