Education and Teaching Bursaries South Africa 2024

Teachers are the “building bricks” of the job force, for, without teachers, students would not be able to gain the knowledge and experience they need to enter tertiary institutions and thereafter, the job market.

They say it takes a special type of person to be a teacher, and the best teachers are those that are truly passionate about helping the youth to mold their futures. While it can be a very stressful profession, it certainly is a rewarding one.

Teachers are needed in various stages of our lives – from preschool to primary school, high school and university or college. Whether you are passionate about Mathematics, Science, Business, Technology, Languages or Drama, educators are required in a range of subjects.

If your calling is to help shape the minds of learners, to give them the best chance of a successful career, then these education bursary programmes will be perfect for you.

What are my options for obtaining a Teaching qualification?

If you are thinking on studying teaching, you probably want to know which is the best route to become qualified in the industry. Most students pursue a teaching diploma or degree – these are both different qualifications with various levels of study. We will discuss both options below:

Teaching Degree: this includes a 4 year bachelor’s degree/ 2 year postgraduate honours master’s degree/ doctoral. Degree studies are generally undertaken at University and require that students achieve a bachelors pass on their Matric NSC certificate.
A Bachelor of Education (BEd) degree can be split into Foundation Phase, Intermediate Phase and Senior Phase

Teaching Diploma: generally studies are undertaken at a technical or vocational school and takes around 18 months to complete. This qualification usually enables you to specialize in a specific field of teaching.

Which Education Phase is right for you?

Each phase has its pro’s and con’s, here is a quick breakdown that will hopefully help you select a phase best suited to your skill set:

Foundation Phase (Grade R to Grade 3) – while not as academic as the other 2 phases, this phase requires more hands on practical teaching. Best suited for those who enjoy teaching young kids and toddlers the basic fundamental learning techniques, ethics and manners.

Intermediate Phase (Grade 4 to Grade 6) – this phase entails less practical training than the Foundation Phase, although some level of practical training is still required. Academic and technical skills are the core focus, and students will select their subjects (Mathematics, English, Science, History etc).

Senior and Further Education and Training Phase (Grade 7 to Grade 12) – this is the most academic and technical intensive phase, as well as a certain level of practical work. Teachers in this phase will be required to specialise in their chosen subject and must be able to interpret their raw knowledge into practical teaching.

How much do Teachers earn?

The average annual salary for a primary school teacher is around R167 000 (ranging between R105 000 and R240 00), while the average annual salary for a high school teacher is around R190 000 (ranging between R135 000 and R290 00).

How can I qualify for a Teaching bursary?

While bursaries are usually awarded to students who demonstrate great academic potential, financial need is generally also an important factor when funding is granted. A few other criteria which may result in your bursary application being successful includes:

You must be a South African citizen (or a permanent resident for certain bursary awards)
You must show a love for teaching and working with children
You must be in your final year of school (Matric) or you must have completed Matric
You must have applied or have been accepted to study at a recognised tertiary institute in the country
You must have a good academic record
Preference is usually given to learners from previously disadvantaged backgrounds

EDUCATION & TEACHING BURSARIES FOR 2024 & 2024

Here are a list of available bursaries for those who are studying or wish to study towards a Teaching or Educators qualification in South Africa: