On this page, we discuss the courses that are currently in demand in South Africa. Meaning that, these courses will prepare you for those careers or jobs which will be in high demand in South Africa.
Check 2024 Jobs in High Demand
The information below is based on the research by HR Forecast, which found out about the future skills which will be in demand in the next 10 years. These skills include: cloud computing (with platforms like Microsoft Azure, AWS, Docker DevOps, and Kubernetes), and cybersecurity (focusing on network security, ethical hacking, vulnerability assessments, and data protection). Additionally, expertise in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (using tools like TensorFlow, Python, and Natural Language Processing) is critical. Big Data Analytics and blockchain development (particularly smart contracts and decentralised applications) are also in high demand. Beyond technical skills, proficiency in User Experience (UX) design, video production, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR) is becoming increasingly valuable. Soft skills such as digital literacy, critical thinking, problem-solving, leadership, data-driven decision-making, and strong abilities in teamwork and collaboration are equally important to thrive in the future workforce.
With technology advancing faster than most of us can keep up, it’s becoming clear that reskilling is no longer just a “good-to-have” but a necessity. In fact, according to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report, 50% of all employees will need to reskill by 2025. Let that sink in: half of the workforce will need new skills just to stay relevant as tech reshapes our industries.
So, what does that mean for courses you are planning to study? Whether you’re looking at long-term formal degrees or quick upskilling via short courses in South Africa, here are some of the key areas you should be paying attention to.
Contents
Courses in Demand
In this section, you will find a summary of the courses in demand. Whether in a long-form degree format or in a short course format.
Long Formal Courses (Degrees and Diplomas) in Demand
Below are the long-form courses which are in demand, in the form of degrees and diplomas offered by the universities and colleges in South Africa:
1. Cloud Computing and Cybersecurity
- BSc in Information Technology – University of Pretoria
- BSc in Computer Science (Cybersecurity focus) – Stellenbosch University
- BEng in Computer Engineering – University of Pretoria
- BSc in Information Systems – University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
The above degree courses will prepare you for the following job roles:
- Cloud Solutions Architect
- Cybersecurity Analyst
- IT Systems Administrator
- Network Security Engineer
- DevOps Engineer
2. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning
- BSc in Computer Science (AI Specialisation) – University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
- BSc in Data Science – Stellenbosch University
- BEng in Electrical and Computer Engineering – University of Cape Town (UCT)
- BSc in Information Technology (AI track) – University of Johannesburg (UJ)
- BCom in Informatics – University of Pretoria
The above degree courses will prepare you for the following job roles:
- AI Specialist
- Machine Learning Engineer
- Data Scientist
- Robotics Engineer
- AI Research Scientist
3. Blockchain Technology
- BSc in Computer Science (Blockchain Development) – University of Johannesburg (UJ)
- BSc in Information Systems – University of Cape Town (UCT)
- BCom in Information Systems – University of the Western Cape (UWC)
- BSc in Computer Engineering – Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
- Advanced Diploma in Computer Systems Engineering – Durban University of Technology (DUT)
The above courses will prepare you for the following job roles:
- Blockchain Developer
- Smart Contract Developer
- Blockchain Project Manager
- Cryptocurrency Analyst
- Blockchain Solutions Architect
4. User Experience (UX) Design
- BA in Interaction Design – Vega School
- BSc in Information Systems (UX Specialisation) – University of Cape Town (UCT)
- Diploma in Graphic Design and Multimedia (UX Track) – University of Johannesburg (UJ)
- Advanced Diploma in Multimedia Design – Durban University of Technology (DUT)
The above courses will prepare you for the following job roles:
- UX Designer
- UX Researcher
- Product Designer
- Interaction Designer
- Information Architect
Short Courses (Online, Certificates) in Demand
Below are the short courses which are in demand, in the form of certificates and online courses offered by the universities, colleges and e-learning platforms in South Africa and internationally:
1. Cloud Computing and Cybersecurity Short Courses
- Cybersecurity: Managing Risk in the Information Age (Short Course) – University of Cape Town (UCT) via GetSmarter
- Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) – offered by Immersive Labs
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner – Amazon Web Services (via online platforms)
The above short courses will prepare you for the following job roles:
- Cloud Engineer
- Cybersecurity Consultant
- Cloud Support Specialist
- Network Security Administrator
- IT Security Consultant
2. AI and Machine Learning Short Courses
- AI for Leaders (Short Course) – Stellenbosch University (via USB-ED)
- AI for Everyone – Coursera (offered by Stanford University)
- Machine Learning with Python – edX (offered by UCT)
- Introduction to Machine Learning – Coursera (offered by University of Johannesburg)
The above short courses will prepare you for the following job roles:
- Machine Learning Developer
- AI Analyst
- Data Analyst
- AI Product Manager
- Deep Learning Engineer
3. Blockchain Technology Short Courses
- Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies (Short Course) – University of Johannesburg (UJ)
- Blockchain Essentials – GetSmarter (offered by University of Cape Town)
- Certified Blockchain Professional (CBP) – Blockchain Council (via online platforms)
- Blockchain Technologies: Business Innovation and Application (Short Course) – MIT (via edX)
- Introduction to Blockchain – Coursera (offered by IBM)
The above short courses will prepare you for the following job roles:
- Blockchain Analyst
- Blockchain Consultant
- DApp Developer
- Smart Contract Auditor
- Blockchain Quality Engineer
4. User Experience (UX) Design Short Courses
- UX Design Principles (Short Course) – University of Cape Town (via GetSmarter)
- Interaction Design Specialisation – Coursera (offered by California Institute of the Arts)
- Introduction to UX Design – edX (offered by Georgia Tech)
- Certified UX Designer – Interaction Design Foundation (IDF)
- UX/UI Bootcamp – HyperionDev (South Africa)
The above short courses will prepare you for the following job roles:
- UX Designer
- UX Researcher
- Product Designer
- Interaction Designer
- Information Architect
Need Help Regarding Your Career?
We have helped 100s of students like you regarding their careers and study options after matric.
