ECCE course in South Africa
Yes. You can take an Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) course online anywhere in South Africa with London College of Teachers. The 120-hour ECCE Certificate costs US$170, and levels run up to the 580-hour Integrated Master Level. South Africa calls the field ECD (Early Childhood Development). Thousands of ECD centres, creches and Grade R classes serve young children, and many practitioners are upgrading their training.
ECCE in South Africa
South Africa calls the field ECD (Early Childhood Development). Thousands of ECD centres, creches and Grade R classes serve young children, and many practitioners are upgrading their training.
Requirements and recognition
ECD practitioners are expected to hold recognised qualifications on the NQF, and Grade R teachers in schools register with SACE. An online ECCE course does not replace these; it supports caregivers, nannies, parents and private centre staff.
Requirements change. Treat this as general guidance (October 2026) and confirm with your employer or the relevant authority.
Where ECCE graduates work in South Africa
- Private ECD centres and creches
- Nanny and au pair roles
- After-school and holiday programmes
- Parent education
ECCE and NQF ECD qualifications
Registered ECD practitioner roles expect NQF-recognised qualifications. LCT's ECCE is a professional development option for caregivers, nannies and parents, not an NQF qualification.
Paying from South Africa
Pay in US dollars by card or PayPal.
Fees for learners in South Africa
You pay in US dollars (or pounds): the 120-hour ECCE Certificate is US$170, and your bank converts from your local currency.
| Course | Hours | Study time | USD | GBP | INR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate in ECCE | 120 | up to 6 months | US$170 | £140 | ₹11,800 incl. GST |
| Diploma in ECCE | 200 | up to 10 months | US$250 | £210 | ₹17,700 incl. GST |
| PG Diploma in ECCE | 240 | up to 12 months | US$399 | £340 | ₹29,500 incl. GST |
| Master Level ECCE | 380 | up to 18 months | US$470 | £370 | ₹40,000 + GST |
| Montessori Teacher Training Certificate | 120 | up to 6 months | US$170 | £140 | ₹11,800 incl. GST |
City guides in South Africa
Studying online from South Africa
You study at your own pace, complete module quizzes and assignments online, and contact tutors and admissions by email, phone or WhatsApp. Local time: SAST (UTC+2).
Frequently asked questions
Can I do an ECCE course online in South Africa?
Yes. London College of Teachers' ECCE courses are fully online, so you can study anywhere in South Africa and start any day. You pay in US dollars (or pounds): the 120-hour ECCE Certificate is US$170, and your bank converts from your local currency.
Is an ECCE certificate useful in South Africa?
ECD practitioners are expected to hold recognised qualifications on the NQF, and Grade R teachers in schools register with SACE. An online ECCE course does not replace these; it supports caregivers, nannies, parents and private centre staff.
Which ECCE course should I take in South Africa?
Most people start with the 120-hour ECCE Certificate or the 200-hour Diploma for preschool and nursery roles. Graduates aiming for lead-teacher, coordinator or centre-head roles usually choose the PG Diploma or a Master Level, and Montessori or Nursery Teacher Training suit those specific settings.
Is LCT's ECCE an NQF qualification?
No. It is a professional development course from a UK provider.