Diploma in Grade R Teaching Course Requirements at Lyceum
Lyceum College · Faculty of Education
The Diploma in Grade R Teaching is a diploma offered by Lyceum for 2027 learners, taking 3 years full-time minimum; up to 6 years part-time to complete. This page covers the Grade 12 subjects and admission score you need to qualify, what the course involves, where you can study it, the careers it leads to, and how to apply.
Grade 12 Required Subjects to study Diploma in Grade R Teaching at Lyceum
- You must currently be teaching in a Grade R class or an Early Childhood Development centre
- A National Senior Certificate with a diploma pass, including at least 30% for language and either 40% in Mathematics or 60% in Mathematical Literacy
- An NCV Level 4, Amended Senior Certificate or Senior Certificate with exemption, or a recognised foreign equivalent, is also accepted
- An ECD certificate or diploma can be used for entry
- Applicants aged 45 or older may apply on mature age grounds
- RPL and Senate discretionary admission are available
About this course
A 360-credit NQF Level 6 diploma (SAQA ID 91954) for people already working with young children who want to qualify as Grade R teachers. It covers early literacy and numeracy, life skills, child development, play-based learning, classroom management and teaching methods for the reception year, and includes work-integrated learning in your own Grade R class or ECD centre. It is studied by distance learning, with digital study material, assignments and exams managed through the Lyceum student portal.
It is designed for practitioners who are currently teaching and need a formal qualification without leaving work. The diploma is recognised as an articulation route into the Bachelor of Education, so you can later build on it to become a Foundation Phase teacher.
Because the programme is offered by distance learning, you can keep working while you study and set a pace that fits your budget and schedule. Lyceum branch offices in Johannesburg, Durban and Polokwane help with registration and advice, and the student portal is where you download study material, submit assignments, check results and contact academic support.
Possible careers
Grade R teacher, teacher assistant or ECD practitioner. It articulates into a Bachelor of Education.
Course intelligence for Diploma in Grade R Teaching
Data-driven planning insights for this specific course: job market outlook, NSFAS funding, and how competitive admission is likely to be.
Job market outlook
Diploma in Grade R Teaching doesn’t currently appear on the national scarce-skills list. That’s not a red flag on its own, most jobs in South Africa aren’t on that list, it just tracks where employers reported the strongest hiring pressure. Your own results, experience and network will matter more here than national demand trends.
NSFAS funding
NSFAS does not usually fund students at private institutions like Lyceum. Ask Lyceum directly about its own bursaries or payment plans, and check whether a sector SETA offers funding for this field.
Admission chances
Lyceum’s intake and this course’s requirements with its published admission requirements generally leave more room than the most sought-after courses, so you likely have a reasonable window to apply without rushing, though applying early is always the safer bet.
These insights are estimates generated from South Africa’s National List of Occupations in High Demand (DHET, November 2023 draft), NSFAS’s published funding rules, and this university’s general applicant demand. They’re planning guidance, not a guarantee. Always confirm funding and admission specifics directly with Lyceum and NSFAS.
How to apply for 2027 studies
Apply online through the Lyceum student portal, or visit or phone a Lyceum branch on 0861 819 211 for help. Have a certified copy of your ID or passport, your highest school certificate and any post-school results ready to upload. Lyceum enrols through the year, so check the next registration window with an advisor before you pay the upfront deposit.
Ready to apply? This takes you straight to Lyceum College’s own official application page.
Apply NowYou will leave studies.mycourses.co.za and apply directly with Lyceum College.
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- Duration
- 3 years full-time minimum; up to 6 years part-time
- NQF Level
- 6
- Fees
- 2025 fee schedule: R28 232 for the first year; monthly debit order option after a 15% deposit, and a discount for cash settlement. Confirm current fees with Lyceum.
- Application deadline
- Rolling registration; confirm the next intake with Lyceum
What Courses Do I Qualify For in South Africa?
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Related courses
Source: Official website: https://lyceum.edu.za/programme/diploma-in-grade-r-teaching/, last verified 2026-09-22. Requirements and fees change. Always confirm current details directly with Lyceum College before applying.