The choice of where to train as a teacher is a significant decision that shapes both pedagogical skill and professional trajectory. In Gauteng, prospective educators have access to a diverse landscape of institutions offering teaching qualifications, ranging from large public universities with extensive faculties of education to specialised private colleges focusing on early childhood development.
Understanding the full spectrum of options, their associated costs, and the nature of their qualifications is crucial for making an informed investment in one’s future career. This guide provides a detailed, institution-by-institution breakdown of the primary colleges and universities offering teacher education in Gauteng, along with their indicative annual tuition fees for the current academic period, covering undergraduate degrees, diplomas, and postgraduate certificates.
List of Teaching Colleges In Gauteng And Their Tuition Fees: A Comprehensive Overview
Category 1: Public Universities (BEd Degrees & PGCE)
These institutions offer full Bachelor of Education (BEd) degrees and Postgraduate Certificates in Education (PGCE), which are the standard and most recognised routes to becoming a professionally qualified teacher, accredited by the South African Council for Educators (SACE).
* University of Johannesburg (UJ) – Faculty of Education:
* Qualifications: BEd in Foundation Phase, Intermediate Phase, Senior Phase, and Further Education & Training Teaching. Also offers PGCE for graduates.
* Annual Tuition Fee Range: As a public university, fees are regulated. For a BEd degree, annual tuition typically ranges from R 35,000 to R 55,000, depending on the phase specialisation and the number of modules registered for. The PGCE is generally between R 25,000 and R 40,000 for the one-year programme.
* University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) – School of Education:
* Qualifications: BEd in Foundation Phase Teaching and a PGCE. Wits is known for a strong focus on research-led teacher education.
* Annual Tuition Fee Range: Fees at Wits are at the higher end of the public spectrum. The BEd degree can cost approximately R 45,000 to R 65,000 per year. The PGCE fees are around R 40,000 to R 50,000.
* University of Pretoria (UP) – Faculty of Education:
* Qualifications: BEd in various phases (Foundation, Intermediate, Senior & FET) and a PGCE.
* Annual Tuition Fee Range: Similar to other major universities, UP’s BEd fees are roughly R 40,000 to R 60,000 annually. The PGCE is approximately R 30,000 to R 45,000.
Category 2: Public Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Colleges
These state-funded colleges offer vocational and occupational qualifications, including the Diploma in Grade R Teaching, which is a popular and practical route to becoming a Grade R practitioner.
* Central Johannesburg TVET College:
* Qualifications: Diploma in Grade R Teaching (NQF Level 6).
* Annual Tuition Fee Range: TVET college fees are highly subsidised and thus very affordable. The full two-year diploma programme typically has total fees between R 8,000 and R 15,000, translating to roughly R 4,000 to R 7,500 per year.
* Tshwane North TVET College:
* Qualifications: Diploma in Grade R Teaching (NQF Level 6).
* Annual Tuition Fee Range: Comparable to other TVET colleges, with annual fees for this diploma generally under R 7,000 per year.
* Ekurhuleni East TVET College:
* Qualifications: Diploma in Grade R Teaching (NQF Level 6).
* Annual Tuition Fee Range: Total programme costs are usually in the range of R 10,000 to R 14,000, making it an extremely cost-effective option.
Category 3: Specialised Private Education Colleges
These accredited private institutions offer a range of teaching qualifications, often with a focus on early childhood development, Montessori, or Waldorf methodologies. They provide an alternative to the public university model, often with different application timelines and teaching approaches.
* IIE Rosebank College (accredited by the IIE):
* Qualifications: Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching (BEd FPT), Higher Certificate in Early Childhood Care & Education.
* Annual Tuition Fee Range: As a private institution, fees are higher. The annual cost for the BEd is approximately R 52,000 to R 62,000. The Higher Certificate ranges from R 30,000 to R 38,000 for the one-year programme.
South African College of Applied Psychology (SACAP) – Johannesburg Campus:
* Qualifications: Higher Certificate in Early Childhood Development (NQF Level 5).
* Annual Tuition Fee Range: The one-year Higher Certificate is priced around **R 35,000 to R 45,000** for the full programme.
* The Montessori Early Childhood Foundation (MECF):
* Qualifications: Diploma in Montessori Early Childhood Teaching (Birth to 6 years).
* Annual Tuition Fee Range: Specialised methodology training commands a premium. Annual fees for this diploma are typically between **R 35,000 and R 45,000**.
* The Centre for Creative Education (CCE) – Waldorf College:
* Qualifications: Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching (Waldorf specialisation).
* Annual Tuition Fee Range: Fees for this specialised BEd are approximately **R 45,000 to R 55,000** per annum.
Category 4: Distance Learning Institutions (National Reach with Gauteng Support Centres)
These institutions allow for flexible, part-time study from anywhere, with physical support centres in Gauteng for tutorials and administration.
* UNISA (University of South Africa) – College of Education:
* Qualifications: BEd in all phases, PGCE, and Advanced Diplomas. It is the largest distance learning provider.
* Annual Tuition Fee Range: UNISA’s fees are modular and very competitive. A full-time BEd student can expect annual costs between R 18,000 and R 30,000. The PGCE is roughly R 15,000 to R 25,000.
* IIE Vega School (accredited by the IIE):
* Qualifications: Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching (BEd FPT) available via distance learning.
* Annual Tuition Fee Range: As a private distance option, fees are around **R 48,000 to R 58,000** per year for the BEd.
Critical Financial Considerations for Prospective Teachers
Beyond the base tuition, several financial factors must be accounted for in the planning process.
* Additional Mandatory Costs: All institutions charge additional fees. These include a non-refundable application fee (R 200 – R 500), registration fees, student levies for access to facilities, and the cost of prescribed textbooks and materials. For teaching qualifications, a police clearance certificate and potential travel costs for teaching practice (practical placements) are also necessary.
* Financial Aid and Bursaries:
* Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme: This is the most significant source of funding for aspiring teachers. It covers full tuition, accommodation, books, and provides a living allowance. In return, graduates must teach at a public school for the same number of years they received the bursary. It is primarily available for priority areas like Foundation Phase, Maths, Science, and African Languages.
* NSFAS: The National Student Financial Aid Scheme provides funding for eligible students at public universities and TVET colleges.
* Institutional Bursaries: Most universities and some private colleges offer their own merit-based or need-based bursaries.
Prospective students must verify the current and exact fees directly with the institution’s financial office before applying, as costs are subject to annual increases. Equally important is confirming that the chosen qualification is accredited by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and will lead to professional registration with SACE. By carefully comparing the programmes, delivery models, and total cost of study at these Gauteng institutions, future educators can select the pathway that best aligns with their career goals, philosophical approach to teaching, and financial reality.