Embury Institute for Higher Education is a fully accredited private higher education institution specializing in teacher education and training across South Africa. Established in 1995, Embury has over 25 years of experience in preparing exceptional educators for the foundation phase, intermediate phase, and senior phase teaching sectors. The institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and accredited by the Council on Higher Education (CHE), ensuring all qualifications meet national standards.
As a pioneer in teacher training excellence, Embury Institute focuses on providing comprehensive teacher education programs that combine theoretical knowledge with practical classroom experience. The institution is committed to training skilled educators who can make a meaningful impact in South African schools, particularly in early childhood development, primary education, and secondary education. With multiple campuses across South Africa, including strategic locations in Durban and Gauteng, Embury provides accessible quality teacher training to aspiring educators throughout the country.
The institution’s mission centers on developing professionally qualified teachers equipped with modern pedagogical skills and deep subject matter expertise. Embury’s partnerships with accredited examination bodies and alignment with South African education curricula ensure graduates are fully prepared for teaching careers in both public and private schools.
Financial aid and funding support are available to eligible Embury Institute students demonstrating financial need and academic potential. The institution partners with the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), a major source of government funding for South African students. NSFAS-eligible students can apply for grants and loans to cover tuition fees and living costs. Financial awards are determined through the NSFAS means test, which evaluates household income and financial circumstances.
Embury Institute also offers institutional bursaries and scholarships for financially needy students showing strong academic performance. Teaching bursaries are available through various government and non-governmental organizations supporting educator training in South Africa. Teacher development bursaries specifically target candidates committed to teaching in rural or historically disadvantaged areas.
Merit-based scholarships recognize academic excellence and exceptional teaching potential. Students should apply for financial aid annually, as funding is awarded on a yearly basis. For comprehensive information about bursary opportunities, application deadlines, and financial aid options, prospective and current students are encouraged to consult the financial aid office at their respective campus.
Embury Institute for Higher Education provides strategic campus locations across South Africa’s major education hubs, ensuring accessible teacher education for students nationwide. The flagship Durban campus in the KwaZulu-Natal province is situated at 75 Silverton Road, Musgrave, offering comprehensive contact learning programs with on-campus teaching laboratories and student facilities.
The Pretoria campus located in Centurion serves the Gauteng region, providing BEd and PGCE programs in both contact and distance learning formats. The Waterfall Estate campus in Midrand offers additional study center facilities with modern learning technology and collaborative study spaces supporting blended and distance learning students. Both Gauteng campuses are equipped with computer labs, library facilities, and student support services.
All Embury campuses are designed to support diverse learning needs and provide accessible teacher training across urban and semi-urban areas of South Africa. Whether choosing on-campus intensive programs or flexible distance learning options, students benefit from quality educational infrastructure and supportive learning environments. Students are welcome to visit any campus to explore facilities and meet academic advisers.
Applying to Embury Institute for Higher Education is straightforward and accessible through multiple convenient methods. Prospective students can submit online applications through the official website, visit any Embury campus in person during business hours (8:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Monday to Friday), or contact the admissions office via email or telephone. In-person campus visits offer the advantage of meeting recruitment advisers who can explain program options, learning modes, and financial aid while assisting with the application process.
Applicants should prepare certified copies of Grade 12 results, university transcripts (for postgraduate programs), identification documents, and a recent photograph. Online applications require uploading scanned copies of these documents. The application form requests personal information, educational history, intended program selection, and preferred learning delivery mode (contact, distance, or blended).
Applications are processed on a rolling basis, with admission decisions typically communicated within 2-4 weeks of submission. Accepted students receive formal acceptance letters and enrollment instructions including registration procedures, orientation schedules, and payment options. The institution encourages early application to secure preferred study options and allow adequate time for funding applications and bursary processing.
Applications for 2026 are currently open for both contact learning and distance learning semester programs. Prospective students are encouraged to submit applications early to secure their places in preferred programs and learning modes. The early application deadline is typically August 31, 2026, with the final deadline set for November 30, 2026. However, applications may close earlier for programs with limited enrollment capacity, particularly for specialized on-campus teaching programs.
The 2026 academic year runs on a semester system with flexible entry points for distance learning programs. Semester 1 2026 enrollment typically begins in February, while Semester 2 2026 commencement is scheduled for late July or early August. On-campus contact programs follow a traditional academic calendar aligned with South African school terms, providing students with practical teaching experience during actual school operations.
Prospective students can visit any of the Embury Institute campuses between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM, Monday to Friday, to meet with recruitment advisers and complete the application process in person. Applications can also be submitted online or via email, with dedicated student support advisers available to guide applicants through all stages of the enrollment process.
Embury Institute tuition fees for 2026 are competitively priced to make quality teacher education accessible to aspiring educators. Undergraduate BEd degree fees typically range from R45,000 to R85,000 per annum, depending on the specific program and learning delivery mode. Postgraduate PGCE program fees range from R60,000 to R150,000 per year, reflecting the specialized nature and intensive practical training components of postgraduate teacher education. Distance learning programs are generally more affordable than full-time contact learning, making them ideal for working professionals seeking teacher qualifications.
Flexible payment plans are available to accommodate various financial situations. Students can arrange monthly installment payments, semester-based payment schedules, or lump-sum annual payments with available discounts. The institution works closely with students to establish sustainable payment arrangements that don’t compromise academic progress.
International student fees and special program fees may differ from standard domestic rates. Students requiring accommodation assistance or having special circumstances should discuss options with student support services. Embury also provides fee payment transparency, ensuring students understand all costs upfront before enrollment.
Prospective students seeking admission to Embury Institute teacher education programs must meet specific academic entry requirements. For BEd degree programs, applicants require a Grade 12 qualification (Matric) with a minimum achievement level in English and Mathematics. Specific subject requirements vary by specialization; for example, Foundation Phase Teaching typically requires passes in languages and numeracy, while Intermediate Phase programs may require additional subjects based on intended specialization.
PGCE program admission requires a bachelor’s degree from a recognized higher education institution in any field of study. Applicants must demonstrate strong academic performance and subject matter knowledge applicable to their intended teaching specialization. Additionally, PGCE candidates typically undergo interviews and teaching aptitude assessments to evaluate their suitability for professional educator roles.
Admission criteria also consider prior work experience, community involvement, and demonstrated commitment to education. The institution welcomes applications from mature students and career-changers seeking teaching qualifications. Students with alternative qualifications or mature entrance status are encouraged to contact the admissions team to discuss eligibility and potential bridging programs.
Embury Institute offers comprehensive teacher education qualifications designed to prepare educators for various teaching phases and specializations. All accredited teaching programs are structured to meet DHET and CHE requirements, ensuring graduates obtain nationally recognized qualifications. The institution provides flexible learning delivery modes including full-time contact, part-time contact, distance learning, and hybrid blended learning options.
Bachelor of Education (BEd) Programs include Foundation Phase Teaching (Early Childhood Development and Grade R-3 teaching), and Intermediate Phase Teaching (Grades 4-6 specializations). The BEd qualification combines education theory, pedagogy, and practical teaching experience. Graduates emerge with professional teaching credentials recognized by the South African Council of Educators (SACE) and are eligible for immediate employment in schools nationwide.
Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) programs cater to graduates with bachelor’s degrees in other disciplines who wish to qualify as professional educators. The PGCE program offers accelerated teacher training in foundation phase, intermediate phase, and senior/FET phase specializations. Students benefit from experienced mentorship, classroom observation, and practical teaching placements with established schools.
Embury Institute for Higher Education operates multiple campuses across South Africa to serve prospective students conveniently. The primary Durban campus is located at 75 Silverton Road, Musgrave, Durban, with contact telephone number +27 31 303 7390 and email address musgrave@embury.ac.za. The Durban location serves students throughout KwaZulu-Natal province and offers comprehensive teacher training programs with modern facilities and experienced faculty.
Gauteng campuses include locations in Centurion, Pretoria and Waterfall Estate, Midrand, serving the Gauteng region and surrounding provinces. These campus centers provide equivalent teacher education programs and support services as the Durban location.
For general inquiries, students can visit the official website or contact any campus directly. Recruitment advisers provide detailed information about programs, fees, dates, and funding options. Campus visits are welcome during operating hours, and advisers can provide facility tours, program demonstrations, and personalized guidance based on individual educational goals.