13 Universities that offer teaching qualifications in South Africa
Teaching is a practical profession, so I look for two things first: a recognised teaching qualification, and enough supervised classroom time to build real skill. Funding matters too. South Africa’s main public student-funding scheme, NSFAS, has funded more than 1,084,574 students (as reported in a March 4, 2023 government statement). In a separate 2024 update, NSFAS also reported receiving 22,954 loan applications (as of February 16, 2024), which shows how often students use loans to bridge the gap when bursaries are not enough or not available.
A quick note on names: people often say “teaching colleges,” but most teaching qualifications in South Africa are offered by public universities and universities of technology. The Department of Basic Education publishes an information guide that lists public HEIs offering teaching routes such as a BEd and/or a PGCE (a postgraduate teaching qualification taken after a first degree).
How do I fund my studies without losing control?
When I talk about funding, I start with the simplest rule: if you qualify for a bursary, take it, because it reduces your long-term cost and lowers your risk. If you do not qualify, or the bursary only covers part of what you need, I treat a student loan as a normal financial instrument that can move your life forward sooner. The mistake is not “taking a loan.” The mistake is taking an unplanned loan.
From LoansFind’s side, we’ve compiled a list of student loan lenders in South Africa that we consider appropriate and reliable because we screen for basic legitimacy first, not marketing. In plain terms, we focus on lenders who operate within the local credit framework, disclose terms clearly, and have processes that look like real underwriting (income checks, affordability checks, documented repayment structures) rather than vague promises. “Reliable” here means you can understand what you’re signing, verify who you’re dealing with, and predict what repayment will look like before you commit.
1. University of South Africa (UNISA)
When I think of a teaching route that fits real life, UNISA is one of the first names that comes up. It works well if you are balancing work, family, or distance, because the study model is built for flexibility. If you are disciplined and can stick to a routine, distance learning can be a powerful way to keep moving forward without putting your whole life on hold.
What I like most is that UNISA can suit different stages of your journey. You can start where you are, build up your confidence, and progress step by step toward a full teaching qualification. If funding is the main hurdle, this is also the kind of setup where a student loan can make sense for covering fees and materials while you keep earning or managing other responsibilities.
2. University of the Western Cape (UWC)
UWC is a solid option if you want a campus-based experience with a strong sense of community. Teaching is not only about content; it is also about people, pace, and patience, and I find that universities with an engaged student culture often help future teachers grow faster. You are not just studying to pass; you are learning to show up, communicate, and lead a classroom.
If you are serious about becoming a teacher, I would treat UWC as a place to build foundations properly. Focus on the qualification route that matches the phase you want to teach, and pay attention to school placements and practical requirements. That practical side is where confidence is built, and where you start to feel like a teacher, not just a student.
3. University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
Wits is often a strong fit for students who want an academic environment that also pushes you to think critically. Teaching changes all the time, and I respect programmes that train you to question, research, and improve rather than just copy a method. If you want to teach in a way that is thoughtful and up to date, that mindset matters.
What I would do at Wits is lean into the practical training and the standards expected of you. Treat it like professional preparation from day one: build your lesson-planning habits early, take feedback seriously, and learn how to manage a classroom with calm authority. That mix of theory and real-world practice is what can set you apart later.
4. University of Johannesburg (UJ)
UJ is a good choice if you want a university that runs teacher training at scale, with a clear education focus. I like institutions that make it easy to find the right information, understand the pathway, and plan your next steps. When you are choosing a teaching programme, clarity matters, because you do not want surprises later with admissions, subject choices, or practical placements.
Another thing I pay attention to is how a university supports teacher development beyond the basics. The best teachers keep learning, so any environment that encourages professional growth is a plus. If you are thinking long term, I would look for options that let you keep building through further qualifications once you are in the profession.
5. Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
TUT can be a strong match if you like a more applied, hands-on learning style. Teaching is practical work, and I respect programmes that prepare you for the real pace of schools, not just the theory. If you do well with structure and steady progress, a university of technology environment can feel grounded and job-focused.
I also like to see that teacher trainees can plan their time realistically. Many students need to work, commute, or manage family responsibilities. If that is you, I would look closely at how the programme schedules teaching practice and internships, because the practical blocks are where your days can get intense.
6. Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)
If you are based in the Western Cape and want a programme that feels practical and career-oriented, CPUT is worth a serious look. I have seen many future teachers do well when their training connects clearly to what schools actually expect. When your coursework and your classroom experience line up, you learn faster and with less confusion.
What I would do here is focus on building real teaching habits early: planning, pacing, explaining concepts simply, and managing a room respectfully. Those are the skills that make a teacher dependable. If your funding is tight, this is also where a carefully planned student loan can help you avoid stopping and starting your studies.
7. University of Cape Town (UCT)
UCT is often associated with strong academic standards, and that can be a great thing if you want to be trained to think deeply and communicate clearly. Teaching needs both heart and skill, but it also needs precision. You need to know how to explain a concept in a way that lands, and that is something rigorous programmes tend to sharpen.
If you are looking at UCT, I would be very intentional about your pathway. Decide whether you are doing a full education degree route or a postgraduate teaching route after a first degree. Then plan around the practical teaching component, because that is where you prove you can do the job, not just talk about it.
8. Stellenbosch University (SU)
Stellenbosch can suit students who want a structured environment and a strong academic base. I like programmes that challenge you to be organised, because teaching itself is organised work: lesson plans, assessments, classroom routines, and consistent follow-through. If you build those habits while studying, you step into the profession with far less stress.
What I would focus on here is the teaching phase and subject alignment. A good fit between your strengths and what you want to teach can make training feel smoother and more motivating. It is also smart to pay attention to school placement opportunities, because your practice schools shape your confidence and your teaching style.
9. Rhodes University
Rhodes is often a strong choice if you want a focused, professional teaching route, especially for students who already have a first degree and want to move into teaching through a postgraduate path. I like that kind of clarity: you know what you are training for, and you can commit fully to becoming classroom-ready.
If you go this route, I would treat the training year as intense, but rewarding. Teaching practice, lesson preparation, and reflection can take a lot out of you, but they build you fast. By the end, you should feel like you can walk into a classroom and handle the day with calm competence.
10. Central University of Technology (CUT)
CUT can be a good option if you want a qualification that feels connected to practical outcomes. I like teacher training that respects the reality that classrooms are busy, learners are diverse, and teachers need adaptable methods. An applied environment can help you develop that “problem-solver” mindset early.
What I would do is look closely at the education programmes offered and how they fit your goal. Think about where you want to teach, what phase, and what subjects, then match the programme to that plan. When your training matches your destination, you waste less time and build momentum sooner.
11. Vaal University of Technology (VUT)
VUT is worth considering if you want a steady, practical approach to teacher training, especially if your interests connect to technical or applied fields. I have seen many aspiring teachers thrive when their programme feels relevant and grounded. When you can picture yourself using what you learn, you stay motivated.
At VUT, I would focus on building classroom control and clear explanation. A teacher can know a subject well and still struggle if they cannot manage the room or break ideas down simply. If you train those two skills alongside your content knowledge, you become the kind of teacher schools want to keep.
12. University of Venda
The University of Venda can be a strong starting point if you want a clear, supportive route into teaching. I like programmes that build you properly from the ground up, because not everyone starts with the same confidence, study background, or exposure to schools. What matters is whether the programme helps you grow into the role.
If you are early in your journey, I would use this time to build fundamentals: lesson structure, learner support, communication, and consistency. Those basics sound simple, but they are what make a teacher reliable. Once those are strong, you can specialise and grow with much less struggle.
13. University of Zululand
The University of Zululand is worth considering if you want to train in an environment where support and guidance are part of the culture. Teaching is challenging, and I value programmes that do not leave students behind. When you feel supported, you take more healthy risks, ask better questions, and improve faster.
If you choose this route, I would still be disciplined about your plan. Read the prospectus carefully, understand your practical teaching requirements, and map out your costs early. If a student loan is part of your plan, borrow with purpose, not emotion, and make sure every rand you spend moves you closer to qualifying and getting employed.
Which is the best South African university for teaching courses and programmes?
From the research gathered at LoansFind, the “best” university is the one that gives you the highest chance of qualifying on time, with a pathway that matches your life and your budget. In our opinion, prestige matters far less than completion. As a learner, your goal is to finish, graduate with a recognised teaching qualification, and move into work without unnecessary delays.
That said, if LoansFind had to recommend one option that works for the widest range of learners, we would point you to the University of South Africa (UNISA). In our view, UNISA’s biggest advantage is practicality: it is widely recognised, it offers multiple education pathways, and its flexible study model can suit learners who need to work, manage family responsibilities, or study from outside major cities.
That placement keeps it tied to programme choice and turns the section into a practical decision flow: pick a realistic university route, then confirm whether NSFAS can fund that route before you lock in private borrowing.
Is the University of the Western Cape (UWC) any good?
Yes. Based on LoansFind’s review and the information we have assessed, UWC is a strong option for learners who want a more traditional campus-based experience and a structured academic environment. In our opinion, the main thing is to treat the entry requirements and programme details seriously: confirm the current admissions criteria, choose the correct teaching phase, and make sure your subjects align with what you want to teach later. That early clarity reduces the risk of switching programmes midstream, which is one of the most common reasons learners lose time and money.
Practical next steps before you apply
LoansFind’s conclusion is simple: choose the programme you are most likely to complete. Many learners pick a university based on reputation, then struggle with costs, logistics, or the pace of the programme. In our view, the smartest choice is the one that fits your reality and keeps you progressing steadily toward graduation.
Before you apply, we recommend you confirm the exact qualification name, duration, practical teaching requirements, and total cost for the year. Then plan your funding early. If you qualify for bursaries, take them first. If you still have a shortfall, a student loan can be a sensible bridge, as long as you borrow for essentials, understand the repayment terms, and keep the loan tied to completion. That is the approach LoansFind supports, because it turns funding into a plan, not a gamble.