St Stithians Thandulwazi Teacher-Intern Programme 2027 — Study and Earn While You Teach

The Thandulwazi Maths and Science Academy, in partnership with St Stithians College, is offering a Teacher-Intern Training Programme starting in January 2027. This is one of the more unusual and genuinely valuable education pathways available to young South Africans — you study towards a B.Ed or PGCE through distance learning while gaining real classroom experience inside both an IEB school and a public school environment.

Thandulwazi was established in 2006 as a pioneering private-public partnership focused specifically on Maths and Science education in Johannesburg's public schools. It is funded through corporate CSI contributions and private donations, and is considered the seventh school of St Stithians College. The focus on scarce skills — Maths and Science teachers — means this programme directly addresses one of the most critical gaps in South Africa's education system.

What the Programme Offers

Depending on your financial needs assessment, interns may qualify for some or all of the following:

Who Can Apply

The programme is open to South African citizens who fall into one of three categories:

• Already registered at a public tertiary institution and studying part-time towards a B.Ed (Foundation Phase or Senior/FET Phase) or a 2-year PGCE, majoring in Mathematics and Physical Sciences
• Have passed Grade 12 with a Bachelor pass and been admitted to study part-time in 2027 towards a B.Ed or PGCE in the above subjects
• Currently completing Grade 12 in 2026 and planning to enrol at a public institution in 2027 — you must provide proof that you have applied for the 2027 academic year

All applicants must be South African citizens. The focus subjects are Mathematics and Physical Sciences — if your degree or diploma is in a different field, this programme is not a match.

What Makes This Programme Different

Most teacher training follows a single path — you study and then you teach. This programme runs both simultaneously. You spend time in a well-resourced IEB school environment at St Stithians, benefit from mentorship by experienced educators, and complete a year in a public school. By the time you finish, you have classroom experience in both sectors and a qualification in progress.

For someone serious about teaching Mathematics or Science in South Africa, this is one of the most direct and well-supported routes available. The demand for qualified Maths and Science teachers in public schools remains critical — and this programme was designed specifically to address that gap.