What is TEEC?
TEEC — Theological Education by Extension for the Church in Southern Africa — is an ecumenical theological education institution that provides accredited theological training through a flexible, extension-based model. It was founded specifically to make quality theological education accessible to people who cannot attend residential college, whether because of family responsibilities, geography, employment, or financial constraints.
The Diocese of False Bay recommends and supports TEEC as a pathway for lay people, Lay Ministers, and clergy who want to develop their theological foundations without undertaking full-time residential study. TEEC operates independently of the Diocese, but the Diocese maintains a close and supportive relationship with the programme.
"Study to show yourself approved unto God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
— 2 Timothy 2:15TEEC uses a carefully developed system of self-study materials, accompanied by regular group meetings (called Extension Groups) facilitated by a local tutor. Students work through their study materials at home, then gather with their group to discuss, question, and reflect together. This model makes theological education genuinely accessible across Southern Africa — in urban parishes and rural outposts alike.
Qualifications &
study pathways
TEEC offers a range of qualifications at different levels, enabling students to begin at a foundational level and progress through to degree-level study. All qualifications are accredited and recognised across the Anglican Church of Southern Africa and by partner institutions.
TEEC qualifications are accredited through the Senate of Theology in Southern Africa and are registered with SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority). For full and current details of accreditation and recognition, please visit the TEEC website directly.
Who should consider
TEEC?
TEEC is genuinely flexible and accessible, and the Diocese encourages a wide range of people to consider it. You do not need to be considering ordination to benefit from theological study — the faith of the whole Church is deepened when its members understand it more richly.
In particular, TEEC is well suited to:
Lay Ministers who have completed the Diocesan Lay Ministry Training and wish to deepen their theological foundations for preaching, teaching, and pastoral ministry.
Those discerning a call to ordination often find that TEEC study — begun during the FOV period — both enriches their discernment and provides a head start on theological formation.
Clergy who did not complete a full degree-level qualification during initial training may use TEEC to complete or upgrade their theological qualifications in ministry.
Any baptised Christian who wants to understand their faith more deeply and serve their parish more effectively — no prior qualifications required to begin.
TEEC's extension model is specifically designed to serve people who cannot travel to a residential college. If you are in an outlying area of the Diocese, TEEC may be the most practical theological education pathway available to you.
How to apply
and enrol
Applications to TEEC are made directly through the TEEC organisation — not through the Diocese of False Bay. The Diocese's role is to encourage, support, and where possible co-ordinate Extension Groups within the Diocese, and to advise prospective students on how TEEC fits into the wider vocations pathway.
Visit teec.co.za to find current application forms, intake dates, fees, and contact information for the TEEC office. The Diocese recommends speaking with your parish priest before applying, so that your TEEC study can be integrated into your wider formation and ministry.
If you would like to know whether there is already an Extension Group active in your area of the Diocese, or if you are interested in starting one, please contact the Diocesan office and we will do our best to connect you with the relevant people.