Here are the
Best IT courses in South Africa:
So, you’re thinking of starting a career in IT? Congratulations, you are now on the path to more job opportunities, higher earning potential, and the possibility to work flexibly. But with so many educational institutions claiming to have the best IT courses in South Africa, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. We believe that starting a new career should be an exciting experience, not a stressful one. That’s why we’ve simplified the process and given you a list of the best IT courses in South Africa right now. This means you can spend less time worrying about which course to choose and more time working toward your future.
Why should you study IT?
Aside from hopping on the trend train, there are many other reasons why you should still consider studying IT in 2023. The first major reason is that technology is continually evolving. This means that South Africa, and many other countries, are constantly in need of ICT professionals to fill IT jobs. In fact, IT Web suggests that South Africa currently needs 70 000 ICT professionals.
If this isn’t enough motivation, improving your IT skills has many other benefits too. There are a large number of IT jobs to choose from, it has a higher earning potential, you could have a flexible working style, and it creates an opportunity to work on a freelance basis or start your own business. Therefore, the possibilities in information technology are vast and endless, now it’s up to decide if you want to pursue them or not.
How to choose which qualification to study:
For those that are ready for the challenge, you may have already done some research into the various IT study options to choose from. With so much on offer, this part can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve outlined the various qualifications you can complete at a higher education institute of your choice:
1. Degrees/Diplomas:
This form of study is run by a college or university and can run over the course of 3 or more years. By studying for an IT degree or diploma, you can broaden your horizons, have higher earning potential, gain intensive knowledge from experienced lecturers, and even make friends along the way. However, this form of study can be more expensive, take longer to complete, and doesn’t always guarantee a job straight out of college without having adequate work experience.
2. Certificate Programmes:
Much shorter in length but still accredited, certificate programmes often put a lot of focus on the skills of the subject and how they are applied in the workplace. This is a great option to gain foundational knowledge for many entry-level positions in IT. Additionally, certificate programmes often have flexible learning options. You could learn onsite at the campus of your choice or online to fit your busy schedule.
3. Short courses:
Another suitable option, IT short courses can range in length but are much shorter than diplomas, degrees, and certificates. A short course can range from one week to 6 months to complete. These are often focused on a specific job role, application, or skillset needed within an industry. They present knowledge that is suitable for both beginners and experts. And let’s not forget another benefit, you can choose to do a lot of IT short courses online.
Let's start off our list of best IT courses in South Africa with
The best IT degrees and diplomas in South Africa:
1. University of Cape Town -
A computer science degree might be the right place to start if you’d like to broaden your career options in IT. This form of study covers a wide range of skills that are needed for various Information Technology professions. You’ll learn how to write programmes in various coding languages, develop algorithms, use problem solving techniques, participate in mobile application design, and so much more. With this knowledge, you’ll be able to apply for software developer, cyber security analyst, web developer, data analysis, and machine learning engineer positions.
Our university of choice for this degree is the University of Cape Town. Ranked as one of the top universities in South Africa, and Africa as a whole, the University of Cape Town is known for its excellence. You’ll receive an internationally recognized certification, be taught by the best in the business, and meet other students from different parts of the world. The only thing standing in your way may be the costs associated with moving to the Mother City.
2. University of Johannesburg -
Now for our second contender, a diploma in Business Information Technology. Information technology plays a big role in the functioning of many successful businesses. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that many businesses seek out IT professionals that can provide business solutions to IT problems. By enrolling in a Business Information Technology Diploma, you’ll learn how to develop, analyse, interpret, and apply information technology business management principles and methods in any work environment.
One of the best places to study for a diploma like this is at the University of Johannesburg. Known for its high-quality education, the University of Johannesburg, or UJ for short, has produced many notable alumni over the years. It has 4 campuses in Johannesburg to choose from, high-quality resources for your studies, a vibrant student lifestyle, and suitable student accommodation should you need it.
3. Varsity College -
For those wanting a more specialized option, a qualification in application development might be the way to go. This qualification will give you knowledge in programming, web development, mobile app development, database design, testing, troubleshooting, and more. Before you know it, you’ll be climbing the ranks as a software developer, cloud computing developer, or application developer.
Varsity College is a private college that is suitable for learners that prefer smaller classes, more attention from lecturers, and access to private facilities. Varsity College certifications hold international recognition and are accredited by the British Accreditation Council. However, like any private college, Varsity College comes with a higher price tag compared to its university competitors.
The best IT certificate Programmes in South Africa:
1. Rosebank College –
The beauty of certificate programmes is that you can study a programme that is focused on the area of study you are most interested in but in a shorter time frame. One great example of this is studying for a higher certificate in support services. This certificate programme is suitable for those that are wanting to apply for IT support jobs and provide technical support to others. You’ll focus on end-user computing, basic web development, help desk support, and business practice and communication.
Rosebank College is a college that falls within the Independent Institute of Education. This is a private education provider that also houses the Varsity College brand. You can expect interactive videos, case studies, and graphics as well as collaborative and reflective activities when you enroll at Rosebank College. It provides suitable onsite and offline learning options and a variety of payment methods so you can gain an education at an affordable price.
2. Edge ICT –
For those looking for something a little more creative, an Interactive Media qualification, will expand your options in the design and advertising field. This qualification covers web development, gathering interactive media content and information, designing, and developing elements for interactive media solutions, and of course, creative problem-solving. Ultimately, you’ll open the door to becoming a web developer, social media specialist, video editor, user interface designer, and more.
Edge ICT is one of the best places to find a top-quality Interactive Media Certificate programme. This programme is fully accredited with MICT SETA which gives you credits to further your studies. The course can be completed online or in person alongside one of our expert IT professional facilitators. Edge ICT is always up to date with the latest trends and technologies so that you can excel in your career path of choice.
3. Eduvos –
Another exciting career option is in Information Systems. In this area of study, you’ll focus on one programming and database language and learn how to apply these in a business context. It is often a mix between software and hardware knowledge as well as technical experience. Learning this skill is valuable because it’ll open the door to work in many different areas of IT.
If this sounds like the right certificate for you, you can apply to Eduvos. Perhaps the best thing about studying with Eduvos is that it offers a wide range of study options. You can either visit one of their various campuses, full-time or part-time, or you can learn online at your own pace. Additionally, their qualifications are internationally recognized.
The best IT Short Courses in South Africa:
1. Eduvos –
Knowing how to use coding programmes can put you at the top of the list for many companies hiring IT professionals. This is because it is a vital skill needed for the functioning of many jobs in tech. Software developers for example need to know how to code to create stunning digital software. That’s why learning to code can help if you plan on studying one of the many software development courses out there. Additionally, learning how to code can increase your earning potential, teach you valuable problem-solving skills and even expand your career options to work overseas.
2. Edge ICT –
Before jumping into the hard stuff, you may be wanting to focus on improving your basic IT skills first. Being knowledgeable in Microsoft Excel and having basic computer skills can make a world of difference to your CV. Many businesses need employees with these basic computer skills. This, therefore, opens the job market and broadens your work options. It’ll help you perform data analysis faster and more efficiently, manage your projects more effectively, and take on more challenging tasks. While it is possible to teach yourself Microsoft Excel, by enrolling in an online course you can get a more tailor-made experience and access to support.
3. The University of Cape Town –
Over the past few years, cybersecurity has grown to become one of the 5 essential IT skills in demand in South Africa. This is because businesses are constantly in need of IT professionals that can protect their important information and data. When you sign up for a cybersecurity short course you’ll learn about the fundamentals of cybersecurity, how to assess and manage security risks, how to implement secure network designs and so much more.
Next Steps:
Now that you have more information on the best IT courses in South Africa, you’re ready to start your journey in Information Technology and become an IT professional. The good news is you could start today, right now! Edge ICT offers various accredited, industry-standard IT qualifications that’ll give you the kickstart you need to make your mark in the world of IT. Make sure to check out our various certificate programmes to see which one can best suit your career needs. Your journey in IT awaits.