Firefighter
Fight fires, perform rescues and respond to hazardous incidents for a municipal fire service.
What the job involves
- Respond to fires, accidents and rescues.
- Maintain equipment and train constantly.
- Do fire-safety inspections and public education.
School subjects you need
Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy accepted. Confirm the exact requirement with the institution you apply to.
- English
- Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy
- Physical Sciences
- Life Sciences
- Life Orientation
Marks you normally need
- Minimum NSC pass
- National Senior Certificate (Grade 12)
- Indicative APS
- Not applicable — municipalities recruit directly
- Subject percentages institutions look for
- English: pass level
- Physical fitness testing is a major selection factor
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
- Municipal firefighter recruitment and Fire Fighter I & II training6–18 months
Most services also require a driver's licence and a first-aid qualification.
- Fire technology diploma3 years
Supports promotion into fire-safety and management roles.
What you could earn
- Entry level
- R12 000 – R20 000 per month
- Mid-career
- R22 000 – R35 000 per month
- Senior
- R40 000 – R70 000 per month (station and divisional officers)
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 KwaZulu-NatalUKZN · Durban and Pietermaritzburg
- University of JohannesburgUJ · Johannesburg
- University of the Western CapeUWC · Bellville, Cape Town
- University of Fort HareUFH · Alice and East London
- University of LimpopoUL · Mankweng, Polokwane
- University of VendaUniven · Thohoyandou
- Walter Sisulu UniversityWSU · Mthatha, East London, Butterworth, Komani
- University of MpumalangaUMP · Mbombela and Siyabuswa
- University of South AfricaUnisa · Distance learning, head office in Pretoria
- Tshwane University of TechnologyTUT · Pretoria and surrounding campuses
Official sources
Questions learners ask
Isifinyezo / Opsomming
isiZulu: Ucima imililo futhi ahlenge abantu emasipaleni.
Afrikaans: Blus brande en doen reddings vir 'n munisipale diens.