Diploma in Theology Course Requirements at TEE College
Theological Education by Extension College · Theology Stream
The Diploma in Theology is a diploma offered by TEE College for 2027 learners, taking 3 years full-time equivalent; usually longer part-time by distance 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 Theology at TEE College
- A South African National Senior Certificate endorsed for diploma studies, or an equivalent qualification
- Applicants without this can write the TEEC Access Assessment and be admitted with a suitable result
- Foreign qualifications need a SAQA evaluation
- Credits from other accredited programmes may be recognised through CAT or RPL
About this course
The Diploma in Theology is a 360-credit qualification at NQF level 6 (SAQA ID 80193), studied by distance learning. TEE College's diplomas have prepared ministers for churches across Southern Africa for many years, and this programme remains a common route for people training for ordained or lay ministry.
Structure:
- Six compulsory NQF 5 courses (120 credits): Getting to Know the Bible, Church History 1, Systematic Theology 1 (Understanding Our Faith), Spirituality 1 (Growing in Faith), Ethics 1 (Living Our Faith) and Practical Theology 1 (Christian Being and Doing)
- At least six NQF 6 electives (120 credits) from around 15 options, including Old and New Testament, Church History, Systematic Theology, Spirituality, Ethics, Pastoral Care, Christian Leadership and Youth Ministry
- Two NQF 7 electives (40 credits) from eight advanced options
- Three more electives at NQF 6 or 7 (60 credits)
- A compulsory final course, Ministry for Transformation (20 credits)
Courses run for a full year each. Study material is print-based and included in the course price, and TEEC recommends four to six hours of study a week per course. You can study part-time or full-time, and teaching is in English. Check with your church's training authority about which electives they require for ordination.
Possible careers
Course intelligence for Diploma in Theology
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 Theology doesn’t currently appear on the national scarce-skills list as a Lay Preacher. 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 TEE College. Ask TEE College directly about its own bursaries or payment plans, and check whether a sector SETA offers funding for this field.
Admission chances
TEE College’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 TEE College and NSFAS.
How to apply for 2027 studies
Download or request an application pack through the enquiry form on teec.co.za, complete it and submit it online or by email with certified copies of your ID and highest qualification. After academic approval you receive a pro-forma invoice; pay by EFT or bank deposit and email proof of payment. For 2026, registration closes on 5 February (semester 1) and 31 May (semester 2); international students must apply by 15 January or 15 May.
Ready to apply? This takes you straight to Theological Education by Extension College’s own official application page.
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View all Courses at TEE College
- Duration
- 3 years full-time equivalent; usually longer part-time by distance
- NQF Level
- 6
- Fees
- 2026: R4 250 per course paid in full, or R2 360 deposit plus 4 instalments of R590. R450 application fee.
- Application deadline
- Semester 1: 5 February 2026; Semester 2: 31 May 2026
What Courses Do I Qualify For in South Africa?
Enter your own subject marks and we'll show you real courses you're likely to qualify for, right now, plus what those courses tend to lead to: how in-demand the work is, whether NSFAS is likely to fund it, and how competitive admission is.
Related courses
Source: Official website: https://teec.co.za/diploma-in-theology-dip-th/, last verified 2026-09-22. Requirements and fees change. Always confirm current details directly with Theological Education by Extension College before applying.