SACE Online Application

The South African Council for Educators (SACE) is a professional body that regulates the teaching profession in South Africa. It plays a crucial role in maintaining high standards of education by ensuring that all educators meet specific criteria before they can teach in schools.

Why is SACE Registration Important?

Being registered with SACE not only legitimizes your status as a professional educator but also opens up various career opportunities in the education sector. It is a mandatory requirement for all teachers and educational practitioners in South Africa.

Registration Requirements

Full Registration for Qualified Educators

To apply for full registration, ensure you have the following documents:

  1. Completed SACE Application Form: The form must be the original document.
  2. Certified Academic Records: Include a complete academic record indicating the completion of your qualification and the date of graduation.
  3. Professional Qualification Certificate: This must be accompanied by a certified copy.
  4. Matric Certificate or ECD Level 4 Certificate: Required for those with diplomas in Grade R.
  5. Certified Copy of Identity Document: Essential for verification.
  6. Lost Certificate Declaration (if applicable): If your qualification certificate is lost, you need a declaration from the issuing institution.

Make sure all documents are certified copies and submitted before the SACE certificate can be issued. Note that no internet, faxed, or emailed documents will be accepted.

Provisional Registration for Student Educators

If you are a student educator, you will need:

  1. Completed SACE Application Form (original).
  2. Certified Copy of Matric Certificate.
  3. Proof of Registration: An official document from your university, on the university letterhead.
  4. Employment Letter: From a prospective or current employer, indicating your grades and learning areas.

Additional Requirements for Specific Categories

Different categories of educators, such as foreign educators, ECD practitioners, AET educators, and others, have unique requirements. Here’s a brief overview:

  • Foreign Educators: Must provide an original evaluation report of foreign qualifications, a valid passport, and police clearance.
  • ECD Practitioners: Need to submit a certified copy of their ECD Higher certificate along with their identity document.
  • Montessori/Waldorf Educators: Must provide their respective diplomas along with other required documents.

Registration Fees

When submitting your application, be aware of the associated fees:

  • R200 for South African educators.
  • R400 for foreign educators.
  • An annual levy of R180 applies.

Make sure to include proof of payment with your application.


Overview of Public Universities in South Africa

Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.

University of Pretoria

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
  • Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.

University of Cape Town

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
  • Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.

Stellenbosch University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.

University of the Witwatersrand

  • Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
  • Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.

University of Johannesburg

  • Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
  • Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.

University of the Free State

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.

University of Venda

  • Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
  • Application Period: Usually from May to September.

University of Fort Hare

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
  • Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.

University of the Western Cape

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Generally from May to September.

North-West University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.

Rhodes University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
  • Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.

Nelson Mandela University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
  • Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.

Cape Peninsula University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.

University of Limpopo

  • Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

University of Zululand

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
  • Application Period: Usually between April and November.

Central University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.

Vaal University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
  • Application Period: Typically from May to September.

Walter Sisulu University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.