SACE Registration

SACE is the regulatory body for educators in South Africa. Its mission is to maintain the professional standards of educators and ensure that they meet the necessary qualifications to teach in the country. SACE registration is mandatory for all teachers, whether South African citizens or foreign nationals.

Types of SACE Registration

SACE offers several registration categories, including:

  1. Full Registration: For qualified educators with professional teaching qualifications.
  2. Provisional Registration: For student educators and those without professional teaching qualifications.
  3. Special Categories: This includes various categories for educators like ECD practitioners, AET educators, Montessori educators, and more.

Registration Forms

To begin your SACE registration process, you will need to complete the appropriate registration form. Here’s a list of the forms available:

  • Application Form for Full Registration (both SA citizens and non-citizens)
  • Application Form for Special Category Registration
  • Application Form for Student Teachers
  • Updates and Extensions Form

You can access the registration forms on the official SACE website: SACE Registration Forms.

Registration Requirements

For Full Registration

To qualify for full registration, educators must submit the following:

  1. A fully completed SACE application form (original).
  2. Certified copies of academic records and professional qualifications.
  3. Matric certificate or ECD Level 4 certificate for Grade R educators.
  4. A certified copy of your identity document (ID).
  5. A declaration letter if your qualification certificate is lost (from the issuing institution).

Important: No internet, faxed, or emailed documents will be accepted.

For Provisional Registration

Student educators must submit:

  1. A fully completed SACE application form (original).
  2. Certified copies of their matric certificate and ID.
  3. Proof of registration for the current academic year from their university.
  4. A letter of employment from a prospective/current school employer.

Foreign Educators

If you are a foreign educator, the requirements include:

  1. A completed SACE application form (original).
  2. A certified copy of your matric certificate.
  3. An original evaluation report of your foreign qualifications from DHE or SAQA.
  4. A police clearance certificate (not older than six months).

Registration Fees

All applicants must pay a registration fee:

  • R200 for South African educators
  • R400 for foreign educators

An annual levy of R180 is also required. Applications cannot be processed without proof of payment.

How to Submit Your Application

Submit your application and all required documents directly to the SACE offices. Remember to ensure that:

  • All documents are certified within the last three months.
  • You use black ink for the application form.
  • Only original documents are submitted—no copies or electronic submissions.

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.