Courses Offered at Theological Education by Extension College (TEE College) for 2027

TEE College, formally the Theological Education by Extension College NPC, is an ecumenical distance-learning college that trains people for Christian service in the churches of Southern Africa. It was founded on 23 March 1976 by the South African Council of Churches together with church representatives, and it borrowed the "theological education by extension" model first developed in Guatemala. Its motto is "Equipping anyone anywhere for ministry".

The college is a non-profit company and public benefit organisation, and it is registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training as a private higher education institution (2008/HE08/002). Its qualifications are accredited by the Council on Higher Education and registered on the National Qualifications Framework. Many mainline churches use TEE College programmes as part of training for ordination and lay ministry.

Programmes are grouped into two streams:
- Theology stream: Higher Certificate in Theology (NQF 5), Diploma in Theology (NQF 6) and Bachelor of Theology (NQF 7), for people wanting a broad theological education for ministry and leadership
- Christian ministry stream: higher certificates in Christian Leadership and Management, Christian Proclamation, Christian Worship and Pastoral Care (all NQF 5), plus the Advanced Certificate in Religious Education (NQF 6) for faith and religion teachers

Stand-alone courses can also be taken for personal growth without registering for a full qualification, although these credits cannot later count towards a qualification.

How study works: everything is by distance. The theology stream qualifications use printed study material (included in the course fee), while the ministry higher certificates use an online learning platform, and the Advanced Certificate uses downloadable units. You study at home, submit assignments to an assigned marker, and move through half-year or full-year courses at your own pace within the programme rules. Most students study part-time while working. Teaching is in English.

Admission: accredited programmes require a National Senior Certificate at the right level (higher certificate, diploma or bachelor's pass) or an equivalent. If you do not meet this, you can write the TEEC Access Assessment. Foreign qualifications need a SAQA evaluation, and credits from other accredited institutions can be recognised through credit transfer or RPL.

Fees: TEE College charges per course rather than per year, which keeps study affordable. In 2026 a higher certificate course costs R2 350, an Advanced Certificate course R2 720, a Diploma course R4 250 and a full BTh course R5 250 when paid upfront. A debit order instalment option is available, and application fees range from R350 to R450. Some churches offer bursaries, and study loan providers accept the college's pro-forma invoices.

How to apply: request an application pack via the enquiry form on the website, submit it with certified copies of your ID and highest qualification, then pay once you receive a pro-forma invoice. Registration closes on set dates each semester (5 February and 31 May in 2026), and late registrations are not accepted. The office is open weekdays from 10:00 to 12:00 and 13:00 to 15:00 on +27 11 683 3284.

Useful documents (official PDFs):
- TEEC 2026 Yearbook: https://teec.co.za/wp-content/uploads/TEEC-2026-Yearbook.pdf
- Bachelor of Theology Programme Handbook: https://teec.co.za/wp-content/uploads/Bachelor-of-Theology-Programme-Handbook.pdf
- Christian ministry Higher Certificate Programmes Handbook: https://teec.co.za/wp-content/uploads/Christian-ministry-Higher-Certificate-Programmes-Handbook.pdf
- Advanced Certificate in Religious Education Programme Handbook: https://teec.co.za/wp-content/uploads/Advanced-Certificate-in-Religious-Education-Programme-Handbook.pdf
- TEEC RulesRegulations: https://teec.co.za/wp-content/uploads/TEEC-RulesRegulations.pdf