SACE Requirements

The South African Council for Educators (SACE) plays a pivotal role in ensuring that educators are qualified, registered, and competent to teach in the country’s schools. Whether you’re a seasoned educator or a student preparing to enter the teaching profession, understanding the SACE registration requirements is crucial. This guide outlines the key requirements for full registration, provisional registration, and specific categories of educators, ensuring you’re well-prepared for your application process.

Full Registration Requirements

To obtain full registration with SACE, you need to meet the following requirements:

  1. Application Form: A fully completed original SACE application form.
  2. Academic Qualifications:
    • Certified copies of your complete academic record that states your qualification has been completed and the graduation date.
    • Educators with a Diploma in Grade R must also provide a certified copy of their matric certificate or an Early Childhood Development (ECD) Level 4 certificate.
  3. Identity Documents:
    • A certified copy of your National Senior Certificate (NSC) or matric certificate.
    • A certified copy of your identity document.
  4. Lost Certificates: If your qualification certificate is lost, you must provide a declaration from the issuing institution or the Department of Education, stating that your qualification was completed. This document must be on official letterhead, signed, stamped, and dated.
  5. Submission Guidelines: All documents must be submitted before SACE can issue your certificate. Note that internet, faxed, or emailed documents will not be accepted.

Provisional Registration for Student Educators

For student educators who are in the process of completing their qualifications, the provisional registration requirements include:

  1. Application Form: A completed original SACE application form.
  2. Academic Records:
    • Certified copy of NSC or matric certificate.
    • Certified copy of proof of registration for the current academic year, issued by the university, on official letterhead with a signature and stamp.
  3. Employment Letter: A letter of employment from a prospective or current school employer, which must be an original document on school letterhead, signed, and stamped.
  4. Additional Documents: If pursuing a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), include proof of registration and previous academic qualifications.

Registration for Non-Qualified Individuals

If you do not possess a Professional Teacher Qualification, you’ll need to submit:

  1. Application Form: A fully completed original SACE application form.
  2. Academic Documentation:
    • Certified copy of your NSC or matric certificate.
    • Certified copies of academic records and proof of PGCE registration.
  3. Identity Documents: A certified copy of your identity document.
  4. Recommendation Letter: A letter of recommendation from a prospective or current employer.
  5. School Registration Proof: A certificate of registration with the Department of Basic Education, including the EMIS number.

Foreign Educators’ Requirements

Foreign educators must comply with specific requirements, including:

  1. Application Form: An original, completed SACE application form.
  2. Academic Documents:
    • Certified copy of your matric certificate.
    • Original evaluation report of foreign qualifications from either the DHE or SAQA.
  3. Proof of Registration: Similar proof of registration as outlined above, along with a certified copy of your valid passport and work permit.
  4. Police Clearance: A police clearance certificate, not older than six months.

Special Categories of Educators

Different types of educators, such as ECD practitioners, AET educators, Montessori educators, Waldorf educators, Islamic educators, and Catholic educators, have specific requirements. Generally, they need:

  • A completed SACE application form.
  • Certified copies of relevant qualifications (diplomas or certificates).
  • Certified copies of identity documents.
  • Original letters of recommendation from current or prospective employers.

Fees and Payment

  • Registration Fees: R200 for South African educators and R400 for foreign educators.
  • Annual Levy: R180 (R15 per month).

No application will be processed without proof of payment, and all fees must accompany the registration 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.