Journalist
Report news for newspapers, broadcasters and online publications, and hold power to account.
What the job involves
- Research, interview and verify stories.
- Write, film or broadcast news reports on deadline.
- Work for newsrooms, freelance, or in digital media.
School subjects you need
Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy accepted. Confirm the exact requirement with the institution you apply to.
- English
- History
- A second language
- Business Studies
Marks you normally need
- Minimum NSC pass
- Diploma or Bachelor's pass
- Indicative APS
- Roughly 24–32
- Subject percentages institutions look for
- English: 60%+ is commonly expected
These are indicative ranges for guidance only. Every university, university of technology and TVET college sets its own admission requirements — check the current prospectus of the institution you are applying to.
Study routes
- BA Journalism / Media Studies3 years
Internships at newsrooms are the main route into a first job.
- Journalism diploma2–3 years
Practical newsroom-style training at universities of technology and colleges.
What you could earn
- Entry level
- R12 000 – R22 000 per month
- Mid-career
- R25 000 – R45 000 per month
- Senior
- R55 000 – R100 000 per month (editors and senior correspondents)
Indicative gross monthly ranges from public South African salary sources. They vary by employer, province and experience, and are not guarantees. Compare all careers.
Where you can study this
Public institutions that commonly offer this field. Confirm the exact programme, its minimum APS and the closing date on the institution's own admissions page.
- University of Cape TownUCT · Cape Town
- University of the WitwatersrandWits · Johannesburg
- Stellenbosch UniversitySU · Stellenbosch
- University of PretoriaUP · Pretoria
- University of JohannesburgUJ · Johannesburg
- Rhodes UniversityRhodes · Makhanda
- Nelson Mandela UniversityNMU · Gqeberha
- Sol Plaatje UniversitySPU · Kimberley
- University of South AfricaUnisa · Distance learning, head office in Pretoria
- Cape Peninsula University of TechnologyCPUT · Cape Town and Bellville
- Durban University of TechnologyDUT · Durban and Pietermaritzburg
- Tshwane University of TechnologyTUT · Pretoria and surrounding campuses
- Vaal University of TechnologyVUT · Vanderbijlpark
Official sources
Questions learners ask
Isifinyezo / Opsomming
isiZulu: Ubika izindaba emaphephandabeni, kumsakazo nakuma-inthanethi.
Afrikaans: Doen verslag oor nuus vir koerante, uitsaaiers en aanlyn media.