Higher Certificate in Theology Course Requirements at TEE College
Theological Education by Extension College · Theology Stream
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.
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
About this course
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.
Possible careers
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.
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.
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.
Apply NowYou will leave studies.mycourses.co.za and apply directly with Theological Education by Extension College.
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/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.
