• 5,275 courses at 302 South African institutions

NQF 5

qualification level

Poster showing admission requirements for the Higher Certificate in Theology higher certificate at Theological Education by Extension College, with a link to studies.mycourses.co.za

The Higher Certificate in Theology is a higher Certificate offered by TEE College for 2027 learners, taking 1 year full-time equivalent; most students study part-time over 2 years or more 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.

Do you qualify

Grade 12 Required Subjects to study Higher Certificate in Theology at TEE College

  • A South African National Senior Certificate endorsed for Higher Certificate 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

See which school subjects open which courses.

What you study

About Higher Certificate in Theology

The Higher Certificate in Theology is a 120-credit entry-level qualification at NQF level 5 (SAQA ID 73469), taken by distance learning. It gives a broad introduction to the main areas of Christian theology and ministry and suits church members, lay leaders and anyone wanting a first formal step into theological study.

Structure:

- Fundamental course (12 credits): Introduction to Theological Study Skills

- Compulsory courses (84 credits): Introduction to the Old Testament, Introduction to the New Testament, Introduction to Church History, Introduction to Theology, Introduction to Spirituality, Introduction to Christian Ethics, Called to Discipleship, Pastoral Care, Christian Proclamation: Preaching, Introduction to Christian Worship, and Pastoral Responses to HIV and Aids

- Electives (24 credits): two chosen from four options

Courses are half-year (semester) courses. Study material is print-based and included in the price, and you should plan on at least three hours of study a week per course. Teaching is in English.

The certificate forms a foundation for the Diploma in Theology or Bachelor of Theology at TEE College.

After you graduate

Careers After Higher Certificate in Theology

Course intelligence for Higher Certificate in Theology

Data-driven planning insights for this specific course: job market outlook, NSFAS funding, and how competitive admission is likely to be.

Not on the scarce-skills list

Job market outlook

Higher Certificate 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.

Unlikely to be NSFAS-funded

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.

More accessible

Admission chances

Admission competitiveness meter for Higher Certificate in Theology at TEE College: More accessibleAccessibleModerateCompetitiveVery competitive

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.

Step by step

How to Apply for Higher Certificate in Theology in 2027

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.

Apply Now

You will leave studies.mycourses.co.za and apply directly with Theological Education by Extension College.

Answers

Higher Certificate in Theology: Frequently Asked Questions

Requirements are: A South African National Senior Certificate endorsed for Higher Certificate 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.
Graduates most often go into Lay Preacher.
Applications are made online through Theological Education by Extension College's own application portal, which the apply button on this page links to directly. You will usually need your ID, your latest results and proof of payment if an application fee applies.

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.

1
2
3
4
5
6

Your best 6 subjects, marks as a percentage. Life Orientation isn’t counted, in line with the standard APS scale used across the site. Fill in at least 4 to get a score.

Similar options
Cornerstone Institute logoSee requirements
George Whitefield College logo

Higher Certificate in Theology

GWC · 1 year full-time, 3 years part-time
See requirements

Source: Official website: https://teec.co.za/higher-certificate-in-theology/, last verified 2026-09-22. Requirements and fees change. Always confirm current details directly with Theological Education by Extension College before applying.

Course at a glance

  • Qualification: Higher Certificate
  • NQF level: 5
  • Faculty: Theology Stream
  • Fees: 2026: R2 350 per course if paid in full, or R1 310 deposit plus 4 instalments of R325 by debit order. R350 application fee.
  • Deadline: Semester 1: 5 February 2026; Semester 2: 31 May 2026
Apply directly with TEE College
APPLY NOW