Education and Teaching Bursaries South Africa 2027
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How much can I earn within the Education field in South Africa?
Which Teaching qualification should I pursue?
Where can I find Education bursaries in South Africa?
EDUCATION & TEACHING BURSARIES FOR 2027
Where to study towards a Teaching qualification in South Africa?
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.

View all bursaries OPEN for application here
How much can I earn within the Education field in South Africa?
The education sector offers a wide range of career opportunities, from early childhood development and school teaching to educational management and tertiary education. Salaries vary significantly depending on qualifications, experience, institution type (public vs private), and seniority. Educators in public schools are generally remunerated according to the Department of Basic Education’s Occupation Specific Dispensation (OSD), while private institutions set their own salary structures.Education bursary search

Career Typical Monthly Salary Range (ZAR)
Early Childhood Development (ECD) Practitioner R6,000 – R18,000
Grade R Teacher R12,000 – R31,000
Primary School Teacher R22,000 – R45,000
High School Teacher R23,000 – R47,000
Special Needs Teacher R24,000 – R50,000
Mathematics / Science Teacher R25,000 – R50,000
Private School Teacher R20,000 – R55,000
Subject Head / Senior Teacher R30,000 – R55,000
Head of Department (HOD) R33,000 – R58,000
Deputy Principal R46,000 – R71,000
School Principal R60,000 – R110,000
Education Specialist / Curriculum Advisor R35,000 – R75,000
Education Psychologist* R35,000 – R90,000
Academic Support Coordinator R25,000 – R55,000
TVET College Lecturer R25,000 – R60,000
University Lecturer R32,000 – R140,000
Senior Lecturer R50,000 – R170,000
Associate Professor R70,000 – R200,000
Professor R90,000 – R250,000+
School Registrar / Academic Administrator R18,000 – R45,000
Which Teaching qualification should I pursue?

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.
Where can I find Education bursaries in South Africa?

Teaching bursaries play a vital role in developing South Africa’s future educators by providing financial support to students pursuing teaching qualifications. These bursaries help cover study-related expenses such as tuition fees, accommodation, textbooks, and living costs, making higher education more accessible to aspiring teachers.

Many bursary programmes focus on addressing critical skills shortages by prioritising students specialising in high-demand subjects such as Mathematics, Science, Technology, and Foundation Phase Education. In return, some bursary providers require recipients to work within the education sector for a specified period after graduation, helping to strengthen the country’s education system and improve learning outcomes for future generations.

Please note that some of the bursaries listed below may be closed. Always check the closing date of each bursary on the relevant bursary page.Bursary application assistance