Foundation Phase Teacher (Grades R–3)
Teach reading, writing and numeracy in the earliest school years, where the biggest difference is made.
What the job involves
- Teach literacy and numeracy to young learners.
- Assess progress and support learners who fall behind.
- Work with parents and school support staff.
School subjects you need
Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy accepted. Confirm the exact requirement with the institution you apply to.
- English
- A home language
- Mathematics
- Life Orientation
Marks you normally need
- Minimum NSC pass
- Bachelor's pass
- Indicative APS
- Roughly 22–30
- Subject percentages institutions look for
- English: 50%+
- Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy: 40–50%+
These are indicative ranges for guidance only. Every university, university of technology and TVET college sets its own admission requirements — check the current prospectus of the institution you are applying to.
Study routes
- BEd Foundation Phase4 years
Funza Lushaka bursaries fund students who agree to teach in a public school.
- Degree plus PGCE3 + 1 years
For graduates who decide on teaching later.
What you could earn
- Entry level
- R18 000 – R25 000 per month
- Mid-career
- R28 000 – R40 000 per month
- Senior
- R45 000 – R70 000 per month (heads of department and principals)
Indicative gross monthly ranges from public South African salary sources. They vary by employer, province and experience, and are not guarantees. Compare all careers.
Where you can study this
Public institutions that commonly offer this field. Confirm the exact programme, its minimum APS and the closing date on the institution's own admissions page.
- University of the WitwatersrandWits · Johannesburg
- Stellenbosch UniversitySU · Stellenbosch
- University of PretoriaUP · Pretoria
- University of KwaZulu-NatalUKZN · Durban and Pietermaritzburg
- University of JohannesburgUJ · Johannesburg
- North-West UniversityNWU · Potchefstroom, Mahikeng and Vanderbijlpark
- University of the Free StateUFS · Bloemfontein
- University of the Western CapeUWC · Bellville, Cape Town
- Rhodes UniversityRhodes · Makhanda
- Nelson Mandela UniversityNMU · Gqeberha
- University of Fort HareUFH · Alice and East London
- University of LimpopoUL · Mankweng, Polokwane
- University of VendaUniven · Thohoyandou
- University of ZululandUniZulu · KwaDlangezwa, Richards Bay
- Walter Sisulu UniversityWSU · Mthatha, East London, Butterworth, Komani
- Sol Plaatje UniversitySPU · Kimberley
- University of MpumalangaUMP · Mbombela and Siyabuswa
- University of South AfricaUnisa · Distance learning, head office in Pretoria
- Central University of TechnologyCUT · Bloemfontein and Welkom
Official sources
Questions learners ask
Isifinyezo / Opsomming
isiZulu: Ufundisa ukufunda nokubala emabangeni okuqala. Kudinga i-BEd nokubhalisa ne-SACE.
Afrikaans: Leer jong kinders lees, skryf en tel. 'n BEd en SACE-registrasie is nodig.