Complete list of universities that offer PGCE distance learning in South Africa
The teaching profession is always in demand across South Africa and other parts of the world. The Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is one of the requirements institutions look for when hiring qualified teachers, alongside those with BEd degrees. Below is a list of all universities that offer PGCE distance learning in South Africa.

Source: UGC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Key takeaways
- List of universities that offer PGCE distance learning in South Africa
- Universities that offer PGCE in South Africa
- PGCE distance learning in South Africa requirements
- Is PGCE available at TUT?
- Does Damelin offer PGCE?
- Does the Open University offer PGCE distance learning?
- Does UCT offer PGCE distance learning?
- What are the fees for PGCE distance learning in South Africa?
- Which institution offers PGCE online in South Africa?
Key takeaways
- Several universities in South Africa offer PGCE through distance learning.
- The University of South Africa is one of the most popular institutions offering the programme online.
- Other institutions include North-West University, MANCOSA, and Cornerstone Institute.
- A PGCE part-time in South Africa takes about two years.
List of universities that offer PGCE distance learning in South Africa
An undergraduate teaching degree helps you understand the subject you will be teaching, but a PGCE course is designed to help you gain the proper skills to teach. Graduates with other degrees can also do a PGCE to teach in classrooms. The course has three phases of learning specialities, including:
- PGCE Primary if your speciality is primary school teaching
- PGCE Secondary for high school teachers
- PGCE Further/Adult Education for higher education or adult teaching
After completing your PGCE training, you are required to register with the South African Council of Educators (SACE). Remember that the PGCE is the only qualification that provides professional registration with the SACE other than the Bachelor of Education (BEd). Universities offering PGCE in South Africa via online classes include:
5. MANCOSA

Source: Facebook
- Phone: 0861 800 000
- Email: study@mancosa.co.za
The MANCOSA institution offers an 18-month PGCE programme in Further Education and Training, spread over three semesters. A student can choose from a number of specializations offered by the facility.
The minimum admission requirement is an approved bachelor’s degree that includes sufficient disciplinary knowledge in the teaching specialization. MANCOSA PGCE fee includes a non-refundable registration fee of R4,950, payable in full at registration, and a R33,950 fee, payable in full at registration.
4. North-West University

Source: Facebook
- Phone: (+27 18) 299 1111/(+27 18) 299 2222
- Email: studies@mynwu.info
Does NWU offer PGCE in distance learning? NWU is among the universities that offer PGCE distance learning. The institution offers both distance and contact classes for the Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching. Requirements to enroll for the programme include:
- A relevant B-degree with 2 school subjects at degree level or an equivalent qualification with 360 credits.
- One subject must be at the 3rd-year level, and the other at the 2nd-year level.
- Faculty of Education students must meet the MRTEQ guidelines.
3. Cornerstone Institute

Source: Facebook
- Phone: +27 (0)21 448 0050
- Email: helpdesk@cornerstone.ac.za
The Cornerstone Institute is among the private colleges that offer PGCE in South Africa. The institution offers PGCE programmes in the Foundation and Intermediate Phases, with lectures delivered online for flexible learning.
Admission requirements for both phases include a bachelor’s degree or an approved 360-credit diploma at NQF Level 6. The prior qualification must provide an extensive knowledge base suitable for teaching in the intermediate phase. The programme can be completed within a minimum of two years and a maximum of four years.
2. Two Oceans Graduate Institute (TOGI)

Source: Facebook
- Phone: +27 21 829 7015
- Email: info@togi.ac.za
Two Oceans offers PGCE in Senior (Grade 7 to 9) and Further Education and Training (Grades 10 to 12). Lectures are offered via distance and online modes of delivery. Admission requirements include a SAQA-registered bachelor’s degree or diploma with 360 credits.
The degree and diploma must have sufficient subject content knowledge. Two Oceans' facility offers full-time (1-year) and part-time (2-year) studies.
1. University of South Africa (UNISA)

Source: UGC
- Phone: enquire@unisa.ac.za
- Email: 0800 00 1870
University of South Africa (UNISA) offers one of the cheapest PGCE online in South Africa, making it a popular option for students seeking affordable teacher training. The university offers PGCE programmes in Intermediate Phase, Senior Phase, and Further Education and Training. Classes are delivered through online and distance learning modes, allowing students to study from anywhere.
The minimum requirements for the programme at UNISA include a 360- or 480-credit Bachelor’s degree, other than a Bachelor of Education degree. Applicants must also have relevant subjects related to the teaching phase they want to specialise in.
Universities that offer PGCE in South Africa
Several South African institutions of higher learning offer physical classes for the PGCE course. The PGCE universities include:
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)
- Central University of Technology (CUT)
- Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
- Rhodes University
- Sol Plaatje University (SPU)
- University of Cape Town (UCT)
- University of the Free State (UFS)
- University of Johannesburg (UJ)
- University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
- University of Pretoria (UP) for FET
- The University of Stellenbosch
- University of Witwatersrand (WITS)
- Varsity College
- Walter Sisulu University (WSU)
PGCE distance learning in South Africa requirements
The qualifications required to enroll in a PGCE course vary across institutions. The minimum requirement is an approved undergraduate Bachelor’s degree other than a Bachelor of Education degree, or an approved 360-credit diploma at NQF level. Prior learning should also include sufficient disciplinary knowledge in an area of teaching specialization.
Is PGCE available at TUT?
The Tshwane University of Technology used to offer the course at its Soshanguve North Campus. However, since 2019, the facility has stopped offering PGCE training until further notice.
Does Damelin offer PGCE?
The Damelin institution does not offer a Post-Graduate Certificate in Education. The private higher education institute offers other education qualifications, including diplomas, certificates, and skill programmes.
Does the Open University offer PGCE distance learning?
The Open University does not offer PGCE distance learning in South Africa. The Open University is a UK-based university, and its PGCE programs are designed for the UK education system.
Does UCT offer PGCE distance learning?
The University of Cape Town does not offer a Post-Graduate Certificate in Education program through distance learning. The PGCE is a full-time, on-campus program that requires students to attend lectures, workshops, and teaching practice.
What are the fees for PGCE distance learning in South Africa?
The fees for a PGCE distance learning program in South Africa can vary depending on the institution you choose. On average, tuition fees range from R30,000 to R50,000.
Which institution offers PGCE online in South Africa?
MANCOSA and the Cornerstone Institute offer PGCE programs that can be completed through distance learning.
Universities that offer PGCE distance learning equip students with the necessary intel to start teaching at different levels, depending on their qualifications. Distance and online modes ensure flexibility, especially for working students.
Briefly.co.za recently published an article about the requirements for studying medicine at Medunsa. Many children dream of becoming doctors because it is one of the most prestigious careers globally.
If you wish to become a doctor in South Africa, you can consider pursuing medicine at Medunsa, also known as the Sefako Makgatho University. You must be good at maths and sciences to pursue this programme.
Source: Briefly News
Alice Wabwile (Lifestyle writer) Alice Wabwile is a multifaceted content creator and Project Assistant at AfDAN, boasting over four years of experience. Holding a BCom degree from the University of Nairobi School of Business, she has cultivated a dynamic skill set through roles such as her tenure at Strathmore University's Data Science Department, where she contributed significantly to research. Recognized for her exceptional talent, she clinched the Writer of the Year Award. Beyond her professional endeavours, Alice is an engaged member of the Rotaract Club of Kabete. For inquiries, reach out to her at alicenjoro01@gmail.com
Adrianna Simwa (Lifestyle writer) Adrianna Simwa is a content writer at Briefly.co.za, where she has worked since mid-2022. She has written for many periodicals on a variety of subjects, including news, celebrities, and lifestyle, for more than three years. She has worked for The Hoth, The Standard Group and Triple P Media. Adrianna graduated from Nairobi University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in 2020. In 2023, Adrianna finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. You can reach her through her email: adriannasimwa@gmail.com




