Career guide

University Lecturer

Social

Teaches and researches in a university department, supervises students and publishes. Teaching is only part of the job.

School subjects

Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy depending on the discipline; excel in the subject you want to teach.

How you qualify

A degree, Honours and a Master's in your field - a Master's is the practical minimum to be appointed as a lecturer. A PhD is required for senior lecturer and above at most institutions, and increasingly expected even at entry. Expect eight to ten years of study and early-career research. Entry requirements differ by institution - confirm directly with the institution.

Where to study

Public universities

Before you decide. Entry requirements change every year and differ between institutions. We do not publish admission point scores here, because a number that is right for one university in one year is wrong for another. Confirm the requirements directly with the institution before your subject selection form is signed. In KwaZulu-Natal, applications go through the Central Applications Office (cao.ac.za).

Last verified: 2026-08

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