Software Developer
Build websites, apps and business systems. One of the few fields where a bootcamp or self-taught portfolio can still open doors.
What the job involves
- Write and test code for websites, apps and systems.
- Work in a team using version control and code reviews.
- Fix bugs and improve existing software.
School subjects you need
Pure Mathematics required. If you take Mathematical Literacy in Grade 10, this career is normally closed to you at degree level.
- Mathematics
- English
- Information Technology
- Computer Applications Technology
- Physical Sciences
Marks you normally need
- Minimum NSC pass
- Bachelor's pass for BSc/BCom degrees; Diploma pass for IT diplomas
- Indicative APS
- Roughly 28–36 for a BSc Computer Science
- Subject percentages institutions look for
- Mathematics: 55–70%+ for BSc
- English: 50%+
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
- BSc Computer Science / BCom Informatics3 years
Strongest long-term route, especially for data and systems roles.
- IT diploma or accredited bootcamp/learnership3 years / 6–12 months
Employers hire on portfolio and practical skill; a public GitHub of real projects matters.
What you could earn
- Entry level
- R25 000 – R40 000 per month
- Mid-career
- R45 000 – R80 000 per month
- Senior
- R90 000 – R150 000 per month (remote international work can pay more)
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 KwaZulu-NatalUKZN · Durban and Pietermaritzburg
- University of JohannesburgUJ · Johannesburg
- North-West UniversityNWU · Potchefstroom, Mahikeng and Vanderbijlpark
- University of the Free StateUFS · Bloemfontein
- University of the Western CapeUWC · Bellville, Cape Town
- Rhodes UniversityRhodes · Makhanda
- Nelson Mandela UniversityNMU · Gqeberha
- University of Fort HareUFH · Alice and East London
- University of LimpopoUL · Mankweng, Polokwane
- University of VendaUniven · Thohoyandou
- University of ZululandUniZulu · KwaDlangezwa, Richards Bay
- Walter Sisulu UniversityWSU · Mthatha, East London, Butterworth, Komani
- Sol Plaatje UniversitySPU · Kimberley
- University of MpumalangaUMP · Mbombela and Siyabuswa
- 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
- Central University of TechnologyCUT · Bloemfontein and Welkom
- Mangosuthu University of TechnologyMUT · Umlazi, Durban
Official sources
Questions learners ask
Isifinyezo / Opsomming
isiZulu: Wakha ama-app namawebhusayithi. Kudinga iMathematics nokuzijwayeza ukubhala ikhodi.
Afrikaans: Bou webwerwe en programme. Wiskunde en 'n portefeulje van projekte help die meeste.