VerifiedIn the Free State you can study teaching at the University of the Free State (UFS) and the Central University of Technology (CUT), or by distance through Unisa. TVET colleges do not award teaching degrees, but some offer early childhood development programmes.
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University options
| Institution | Programmes | Campuses |
|---|---|---|
| University of the Free State | Four-year BEd in Foundation Phase, Intermediate Phase, and Senior and FET Phase; PGCE | Bloemfontein and Qwaqwa (Foundation Phase at South and Qwaqwa campuses) |
| Central University of Technology | Four-year BEd, including Foundation Phase and Senior and FET specialisations such as Mathematics, Natural Science, Computer Science and Technology | Bloemfontein and Welkom |
| Unisa (distance) | BEd programmes, including Foundation Phase Teaching | Online and distance |
Entry requirements
- UFS BEd: an Admission Point Score of at least 30 and 50% in the language of instruction.
- CUT BEd: a bachelor’s pass, and 21 weeks of work-integrated learning during the degree.
- Unisa Foundation Phase BEd: a bachelor’s pass, 50% in the language of teaching and 40% mathematics or 50% mathematical literacy.
ECD at Free State TVET colleges
On the DHET 2026 list, Motheo, Goldfields and Maluti TVET colleges offer the Early Childhood Development Practitioner occupational certificate. This leads to work in ECD centres, not school teaching.
Funding
- NSFAS for eligible students at UFS, CUT and Unisa.
- Funza Lushaka for BEd students in priority subjects; first-time applicants must be under 30.
See NSFAS and Funza Lushaka and Grade R teaching without matric.
Frequently asked questions
Which universities offer teaching in the Free State?
The University of the Free State and the Central University of Technology, plus Unisa by distance.
Can I study teaching at a TVET college in the Free State?
Not a teaching degree. Motheo, Goldfields and Maluti offer an ECD Practitioner occupational certificate instead.
