There are many routes into the tech industry. The traditional route of studying Computer Science or Engineering at university is now competing with a range of other learning paths, such as short courses, diplomas, certifications, and the ever-expanding world of online education. And as research has shown, developer salaries are worth achieving.
South Africa’s education system operates under the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), which recognises and categorises qualifications into levels of achievement ranging from NQF Level 1 (Grade 9 of high school) all the way to NQF Level 10 (Post-doctoral research degree). Below are qualifications that fit into the NQF in South Africa.
Short courses
Part-time online courses, internationally recognised and good CV-boosters.
FOR DEVELOPERS
There are hundreds of short courses to help you become a developer, some of them specialising in a particular area such as Java or Software Engineering
WHERE TO STUDY
Damelin, UNISA, Hyperion Development, CTI Education Group, Mancosa, Intec College
DURATION
3 – 9 months
COST
R8,000 to R15,000 per course
Higher Certificate NQF Level 5
Skills-based, typically industry-orientated, and could help propel you into the world of technology.
FOR DEVELOPERS
Higher Certificate in IT or Systems Network Engineering
WHERE TO STUDY
Please see a list of all the public Technical Vocational Education and Training Colleges in South Africa here. Note that not all of these colleges will offer an IT-related qualification.
DURATION
1 year
COST
About R20,000 for a full certificate
National Diploma NQF Level 5
These are good qualifications in South Africa, and while they are a lot like degrees, they are more career-centric and practical.
FOR DEVELOPERS
National Diploma in IT or Software Development
WHERE TO STUDY
Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Central University of Technology, Durban University of Technology, Mangosuthu University of Technology, Sol Plaatje University, Tshwane University of Technology, University of Mpumalanga, Vaal University of Technology
DURATION
Usually 2 or 3 years full-time
COST
About R30,000 a year
Tech NQF Level 7
WHY
A practical-focused qualification that is an alternative to Bachelor degrees in South Africa, with less of a focus on theoretical Computer Science or Engineering knowledge.
FOR DEVELOPERS
B.Tech IT B.Tech Software Development
WHERE CAN I STUDY IT
Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Central University of Technology, Durban University of Technology, Mangosuthu University of Technology, Sol Plaatje University, Tshwane University of Technology, University of Mpumalanga, Vaal University of Technology
DURATION
1-year top-up following completion of a National Diploma
COST
Tuition varies upon university, with annual fees between R30,000 and R50,000 or more.
Bachelor’s Degree NQF Level 7
One of the more traditional route to becoming a developer is through studying a BSc, which aims to balance theoretical Computer Science with software development skills.
FOR DEVELOPERS
BSc Computer Science BSc IT
WHERE CAN I STUDY IT
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, North West University, Rhodes University, Stellenbosch University, University of Cape Town, University of Fort Hare, University of Johannesburg, University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, University of Pretoria, University of Witwatersrand, University of the Free State, University of the Western Cape, Walter Sisulu University
DURATION
3 years full-time, 4 – 5 years part-time
COST
Annual fees vary between R30,000 and R50,000 or more.
Honours Degree NQF Level 8
Specialises in one subject and is at least 25% research.
WHERE TO STUDY
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, North West University, Rhodes University, Stellenbosch University, University of Cape Town, University of Fort Hare, University of Johannesburg, University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, University of Pretoria, University of Witwatersrand, University of the Free State, University of the Western Cape, Walter Sisulu University
DURATION
1-year top-up following completion of a Bachelor’s Degree
COST
Between R30,000 and R50,000
