Software Development is one of South Africa’s fastest growing career fields. Skills linked to coding, data systems, mobile apps and artificial intelligence are in high demand across banking, retail, health, gaming and government projects. This career path suits learners who enjoy problem solving, logic and technology.
School subjects
There is no single fixed subject list, but universities and colleges prefer learners with strong technical foundations.
Recommended subjects include:
• Mathematics
• Information Technology or Computer Applications Technology
• Physical Sciences
English is required as a home or first additional language.
Mathematical Literacy may be accepted by some private colleges and training academies but is not accepted for most university degrees.
Marks needed
Marks depend on the study route chosen.
Typical university degree requirements:
• Mathematics. 60 to 70 percent
• English. 60 percent or higher
• APS score. 26 to 34 depending on the institution
Diplomas and private colleges often accept lower Maths marks, usually from 50 percent.
Many institutions place more weight on logical thinking than pure theory.
Where to study
Software Development can be studied at universities, universities of technology and private institutions.
Universities offering degrees include:
• University of Cape Town
• University of the Witwatersrand
• University of Pretoria
• Stellenbosch University
• University of Johannesburg
• North West University
Universities of Technology include:
• Cape Peninsula University of Technology
• Durban University of Technology
• Tshwane University of Technology
Private colleges and academies include:
• Varsity College
• CTU Training Solutions
• WeThinkCode
• HyperionDev
Accreditation and industry links should always be checked before applying.
Study time and qualifications
There are several recognised paths.
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or Information Technology. 3 to 4 years
• Diploma in Software Development or IT. 3 years
• Coding bootcamps and certificates. 6 to 18 months
Degrees and diplomas offer broader theory. Short courses focus on job ready skills.
Extra requirements
Some institutions may require:
• Online assessments or coding tasks
• Maths or logic placement tests
• Portfolio projects for private academies
Workplace exposure, internships and personal coding projects improve job prospects. Many employers assess skills rather than formal exams.
Other careers with the same subjects
The same subject choices allow entry into related digital careers.
Options include:
• Systems Analyst
• Data Analyst
• Web Developer
• Cybersecurity Analyst
• Game Developer
• Network Technician
• IT Project Coordinator
Many of these roles overlap in first year study content.
Expected earnings
Earnings vary by experience, skills and sector.
Estimated monthly earnings in South Africa:
• Junior Software Developer. R20 000 to R35 000
• Intermediate Developer. R40 000 to R65 000
• Senior Developer. R70 000 to R100 000
• Specialist roles. R120 000 or more
Developers with cloud, mobile or data skills often earn higher salaries.
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