Courses Offered at Auckland Park Theological Seminary (ATS) for 2027

Auckland Park Theological Seminary (ATS) is one of the longest-running Pentecostal theological training institutions in Southern Africa, with a history of about 70 years according to the seminary. It grew out of theological training in the Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM) and today serves students from many churches. Its head office is at 55 Richmond Avenue in Auckland Park, Johannesburg. ATS describes its mission as offering Bible-based, Pentecostal theological education through distance learning, seminars, workshops and Bible schools, to bring direction, light and hope to people and nations.

Accreditation: ATS is registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training as a private higher education institution, and its academic qualifications are accredited by the Council on Higher Education and registered with SAQA.

Accredited qualifications:
- Higher Certificate in Pastoral Counselling (NQF 5, 120 credits)
- Higher Certificate in Youth Work (NQF 5, 120 credits)
- Diploma in Theology (NQF 6, 360 credits)
- Bachelor of Theology (NQF 7, 360 credits)
- Bachelor of Theology Honours (NQF 8, 130 credits)

ATS also offers a BTh Bridge programme that lets holders of its Diploma in Theology upgrade to the BTh, stand-alone modules in Greek, Hebrew, preaching and liturgy, and a set of vocational certificates with no entry requirements, such as the Marketplace Minister, Small Group Leader, Christian Counselling, Entrepreneurship, Women in Ministry, Youth Work and Ministry during Retirement certificates.

How distance learning works: all academic programmes are taught by distance only. Students receive printed readers, study guides and assessment manuals, so few extra textbooks are needed, and join online virtual classes with lecturers. Assessments include assignments, tests, practical tasks and online multiple-choice quizzes, with a final written exam supervised by an approved invigilator. Students get personal feedback on their work and regular reminder emails about upcoming assessments. The learning platform is Make-Learning-Flow. Internet access is required.

Intakes: ATS takes new students twice a year, in January and June, and everyone in a group follows the same study plan. The higher certificates can be started through the year on a pay-as-you-go basis.

Fees: ATS charges per module, and the seminary says its prices are 15 to 20% lower than similar programmes, with most prescribed study material included. In 2026 a BTh module costs R2 205, an honours module R3 895 and a Higher Certificate in Pastoral Counselling module R1 365. You pay a 35% deposit on registration and the balance in three instalments during the semester. There is no separate application or registration fee, but posting study material costs about R200.

International students: applicants from outside South Africa need a SAQA evaluation of their school certificate, which ATS can help arrange. All teaching and assessment are in English.

How to apply: complete the online application form on the ATS website (a paper form is available from the administration office), then register for your modules and pay the deposit. RPL can be used to apply for credit for earlier study or ministry experience.