What is the Johannesburg Bible College?

The vision of JBC is to equip and inspire men and women for Bible teaching ministries. We believe the Bible is God’s word and when it is faithfully understood and taught God speaks to us. Through classes and assignments, we enable students to ‘get it right’ (interpret and apply the Bible accurately) and ‘get it across’ (effectively communicate the Bible to people today). We are an interdenominational college, serving many different churches, and our students come from a variety of ethnic, national, socio-economic and theological backgrounds.

Who is JBC for?

If you are a Christian who would like to know and serve God better through a deeper understanding of the Bible and being equipped to teach it well to others, then JBC is for you. If you are already serving (or would like to) in ministries that involve teaching the Bible, then JBC will provide you with the knowledge and skills to be more effective. JBC is also a good foundation for further theological study. We expect you to come with the full support of your pastor and local church.

What will I gain from my time at JBC?

  • Your faith in Christ will be strengthened
  • You will grow in your understanding of the Bible
  • You will gain practical skills in communicating the Bible
  • You will be able to apply the Bible to different aspects of life today
  • You will build good friendships with a variety of Christians

What is the structure of the JBC course?

The course can be completed:

  • Full time over one year (3 or 4 days a week) or
  • Part time over two or three years (1 or 2 days a week)

The course starts in February and ends in November. There are four terms in the year of seven weeks each. Classes are held on Monday to Thursday mornings, starting at 8am and finishing at 12pm.

The term dates for 2014

Registration 3 February 9am-12pm

Term 1: 10th February – 27th March

Term 2: 7th April – 5th June

Term 3: 14th July – 28th August

Term 4: 15th September – 30th October

Graduation: 7th November

What is taught?

Our classes cover the following:

  • An overview of the whole Bible
  • Individual Bible books
  • Skills to understand and interpret the Bible
  • Preaching workshops
  • Key theological topics/doctrines
  • Engagement with God’s world
  • Christian leadership and church planting
  • Women Serving Christ course

Classes are conducted in English and use a variety of teaching styles. Most of the work is done in class, although some courses set homework. There are no exams, but you will have an assignment to complete each term. We do not offer any correspondence courses.

What do I need to do in order to graduate?

  • Full attendance at class on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday
  • Pass each of the four assignments
  • Make four satisfactory presentations in the preaching workshops
  • Pay your fees in full

When you graduate you receive a certificate stating that you have attended and completed the JBC course. We are not accredited and so we do not offer diplomas or degrees.

Where is JBC located?

Our main campus is in Auckland Park, beside the University of Johannesburg, Kingsway Campus. We have a campus in Soweto, which meets on Monday and Thursday evenings and we also teach at the Zandspruit Bible School on Thursday evenings. We run two evening courses on Monday and Tuesday evenings for six weeks per term. We do not provide accommodation for students.

How much does it cost to attend JBC?

Our discounted fees for 2014 are:

Registration Fee R2000

1 day attended per year R2400(R600 per term or R240 per month)

2 days attended per yearR4800(R1200 per term or R480 per month)

3 days attended per yearR6200(R1550 per term or R620 per month)

4 days attended per year R7500 (R1875 per term or R750 per month)

What should I do next?

Registration is open so we can receive applications for 2014.

  • Complete all parts of our application form
  • Attach a stamped copy of your passport
  • Attach two letters of reference, one of which has to be from your church pastor/leader
  • Attach 1 passport\ID photo
  • Send all of the above to JBC

Once we have received all of the above documents and you have been accepted to study with us

  • Pay your registration fee of R2000.00 (this is non –refundable)

Once we have received your payment we will send you aconditional acceptance letter that you need to apply for your study permit.

JBC Banking Information:

Johannesburg Bible College

First National Bank (FNB)

Account number: 62078805888

Branch & Code: Melville – 256505

Swift Code: FIRN ZA JJ

Reference: Your name

Please fax proof of payment to (+27) 88011830 0820 or email

APPLICATIONS CLOSE 30 NOVEMBER 2013

Once you have received conditional acceptance from us you need to apply for your study permit.

What you need to apply for your study permit:

1)A passport valid for no less than 30 days after the expiry of intended visit

2)A vaccination certificate, if required by the Act

3)A medical clearance certificate ( Radiology – chest x-ray and TB scan)

4)Proof of medical insurance– Momentum () or Fedhealth ( is often used by our international students or alternative find one in your own country – It has be a medical insurance that is recognized in South Africa.

5)If you are 18 years and older, a police clearance certificate from each country in which you resided for 12 months or longer since the age of 18 years is required. This should be submitted with the application or within three months of submission

6)You will need the acceptance letter from us.

7)You will also need to pay at repatriationfee (minimum of ZAR 3500.00), please note that this amount might be different in your country – this fee will be returned once you have returned home.

8)In some cases you will be asked to show proof of a return flight or bus ticket or you can also be asked to show that you have enough funds for your study fees, accommodation and expenses for your during of studies in South Africa ( in the form of income or bank statements).

You can also visit more information onstudy permits.

Once you have obtained all the above documents you can now visit the South African embassy, consulate or mission in your country.

Please take a stamped copy of each document with you, along with your passport and the repatriation fee.

At the Embassy you will have to fill out a B1/1738 form.

If your country does not have a South African Embassy please visit Home Affairs.

Please note that your study permit does not cover your spouse and/or children. You will have to find out from the embassy what kind of permit they will need to accompany you.

We do offer discounts for couples who are interested to study together.

Please note you have to organize your own accommodation – Just letting ( and Gumtree ( are useful property sites to use in looking for accommodation.

Very Important: Before you can register at JBC, it is your responsibility to organise and then supply to us:

  • A valid study permit (February 2014- November 2014)
  • Proof of accommodation in Johannesburg
  • Proof that you have medical insurance that is recognized in South Africa until November 2014
  • Payment of your first term fees