On this page, we give expert opinions in terms of what are the best courses to study in South Africa. This is based on identifying those courses that have more job opportunities here in South Africa.
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Best Courses that Are in Demand in South Africa 2024 – 2025
Below is a list of the best courses to study in south Africa, simply because they have high demand, meaning it will be easier to get a job after completing those courses.
Nursing Courses
In South Africa, nursing courses will be in high demand for the next 10 years due to a number of factors that are, unfortunately, impacting negatively on South Africa’s healthcare system. Despite a 199.6% increase in the number of nurses between 1998 and 2022, the South African nurse-to-patient ratio remains very high, with 224 patients per nurse. This obviously leads to high workloads, longer waiting times for patients and little care for patients who desperately need help.
On the other hand, a growing population and diseases like HIV/AIDS further put pressure on our healthcare services. Also, the low retention rates, as a result of poor hospital working conditions, with low salaries, push nurses to seek opportunities overseas, in countries like the UK and Australia.
So the point here is that students who want to pursue nursing careers will always get jobs, however, working in those jobs for longer periods is not guaranteed due to the hostile working conditions.
Nursing Courses on Demand
If you would like to study nursing, consider these courses that are always in high demand, and can easily increase your chances of getting a job:
Diploma in Nursing (Staff Nurse)
- Institution: Durban University of Technology (DUT)
Bachelor of Nursing (BNursing)
- Institution: University of Pretoria (UP)
Bachelor of Arts in Nursing Science
- Institution: University of South Africa (UNISA)
Postgraduate Diploma in Primary Care Nursing
- Institution: Stellenbosch University (SU)
Bachelor of Nursing Science (Clinical, Community, and General Nursing)
- Institution: Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
Information Technology (IT) Courses
Now, the Information Technology is a great place to pursue your career in. Careers in this industry are unlimited. Do you know that Information Technology (IT) jobs are currently booming because of the rapid technological changes and the growing digital transformation across all industries? The South African ICT market is projected to grow from USD 36.81 billion in 2024 to USD 53.85 billion by 2029, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.90%, reflecting increased demand for IT solutions in sectors like finance, healthcare, and education.
In South African Rands (ZAR), using an exchange rate of R19 per USD:
- 2024: USD 36.81 billion = R699.39 billion
- 2029: USD 53.85 billion = R1.02 trillion
This growth is driven by the expansion of cloud computing, cybersecurity needs, and the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics. Additionally, businesses are shifting to digital platforms, fueling demand for skilled IT professionals who can manage networks, software development, and data infrastructure.
Why you should study IT courses in South Africa?
- High Job Demand – you will easily get an IT job in South Africa. Do you know why? because IT is a “skill” qualification, not simply a theoretical qualification like HR, Public Relations, Business Management, etc. I mean, if you know how to code, you can code, right?
- Versatile Career Options – you can easily become a “Jack of All Trades” within the IT space, which increases your chances of getting a Job. Example: one person can easily develop websites and apps, manage servers, do Search Engine Optimisation, design graphics, and also know how to do advanced data analytics.
- Competitive Salaries – in the eIT industry, you are paid based on your skills. If you are highly skilled, you can even get paid higher than your manager.
- Global Opportunities – you can work anywhere in the world. IT skills are universal. They are not like Legal and Law skills which are based within a country.
IT Courses on Demand
- Software Development Courses
- Courses:
2. Data Science and Analytics
- Courses:
- Bachelor of Science in Data Science – University of Pretoria (UP)
- Bachelor of Science in Computational and Applied Mathematics – University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
- Bachelor of Data Science – Stellenbosch University
3. Cybersecurity
- Courses:
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology – University of Johannesburg (UJ)
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (with Cybersecurity Specialization) – Rhodes University
- Advanced Diploma in Information Security – Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
4. Cloud Computing
- Courses:
- Bachelor of Information Systems (Cloud Computing Specialization) – University of Cape Town (UCT)
- Advanced Diploma in ICT: Cloud Computing – Durban University of Technology (DUT)
5. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning
- Courses:
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (with AI Specialization) – University of Pretoria (UP)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Artificial Intelligence – University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
6. Network Engineering
- Courses:
- Bachelor of Information Technology (Networking) – Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
- Bachelor of Technology in Networking and Security – Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical) Courses
Engineering courses in Civil, Mechanical, and Electrical fields are in high demand in South Africa. This is because of South African development needs, as the population and the economy grows.
Here’s a list of Engineering courses which are in high demand and can easily get you a job, covering Civil, Mechanical, and Electrical Engineering:
1. Civil Engineering in Demand
- Courses:
- Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) in Civil Engineering – University of Pretoria (UP)
- Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Civil Engineering – University of Cape Town (UCT)
- Bachelor of Engineering Technology (BEngTech) in Civil Engineering – Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
- Diploma in Civil Engineering – Durban University of Technology (DUT)
2. Mechanical Engineering in Demand
- Courses:
- Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) in Mechanical Engineering – Stellenbosch University
- Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Mechanical Engineering – University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
- Bachelor of Engineering Technology (BEngTech) in Mechanical Engineering – University of Johannesburg (UJ)
- Diploma in Mechanical Engineering – Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)
3. Electrical Engineering in Demand
- Courses:
- Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) in Electrical Engineering – University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
- Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Electrical Engineering – University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
- Bachelor of Engineering Technology (BEngTech) in Electrical Engineering – Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
- Diploma in Electrical Engineering – Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
4. Industrial Engineering in Demand
- Courses:
- Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) in Industrial Engineering – Stellenbosch University
- Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Industrial Engineering – University of Pretoria (UP)
- Bachelor of Engineering Technology (BEngTech) in Industrial Engineering – Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)
- Diploma in Industrial Engineering – Vaal University of Technology (VUT)
5. Chemical Engineering in Demand
- Courses:
- Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Chemical Engineering – University of Cape Town (UCT)
- Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) in Chemical Engineering – University of Pretoria (UP)
- Bachelor of Engineering Technology (BEngTech) in Chemical Engineering – Durban University of Technology (DUT)
- Diploma in Chemical Engineering – Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT)
6. Mining Engineering in Demand
- Courses:
- Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Mining Engineering – University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
- Bachelor of Engineering Technology (BEngTech) in Mining Engineering – University of Johannesburg (UJ)
- Diploma in Mining Engineering – University of South Africa (UNISA)
7. Electrical and Electronic Engineering in Demand
- Courses:
- Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering – Stellenbosch University
- Bachelor of Engineering Technology (BEngTech) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering – Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)
- Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering – Vaal University of Technology (VUT)
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