BSc (Computer Science)
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
Faculty of Science3 years
Subject requirements
Maths 65%+English 50%+
NBT components: AL, QL
What you need in matric
You must have
- English
Also good to have
- Mathematics (needed for a Computer Science degree)
- Information Technology (IT) or CAT
- Physical Sciences
University requirements
Compare the APS and subject requirements for programmes that can lead to Software Developer. Universities use different APS scales, so check your marks against each university separately.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
DegreeAPS 410
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Stellenbosch University
Faculty of Science
Subject requirements
Maths 70%+English HL 50%+English FAL 50%+Afrikaans HL 50%+Afrikaans FAL 50%+Physical Sciences 50%+
NBT components: AL, QL, MAT
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
University of Pretoria
Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Subject requirements
Maths 70%+English 60%+
BSc in Computer Science
University of Venda
Faculty of Science, Engineering and Agriculture
Subject requirements
Maths 50%+English HL 50%+English FAL 59%+Physical Sciences 50%+Life Sciences 50%+
Bachelor of Science - Computer Science
University of the Western Cape
Faculty of Natural Sciences
Subject requirements
Maths 65%+English HL 50%+English FAL 50%+Afrikaans HL 40%+Afrikaans FAL 40%+IsiNdebele HL 40%+IsiNdebele FAL 40%+IsiXhosa HL 40%+IsiXhosa FAL 40%+IsiZulu HL 40%+IsiZulu FAL 40%+Sepedi HL 40%+Sepedi FAL 40%+Sesotho HL 40%+Sesotho FAL 40%+Setswana HL 40%+Setswana FAL 40%+Siswati HL 40%+Siswati FAL 40%+Tshivenda HL 40%+Tshivenda FAL 40%+Xitsonga HL 40%+Xitsonga FAL 40%+Physical Sciences 50%+Life Sciences 50%+Information Technology 50%+
Computer Science
University of the Witwatersrand
Faculty of Science
Subject requirements
Maths 70%+English 60%+
NBT components: AL, QL, MAT
Diploma in Computer Science
DiplomaDiploma in Computer Science
Tshwane University of Technology
Faculty of Information and Communication Technology
Subject requirements
Maths 60%+Technical Maths 60%+Maths Lit 80%+English 50%+
Diploma in Computer Science (Extended)
Tshwane University of Technology
Faculty of Information and Communication Technology
Subject requirements
Maths 50%+Technical Maths 50%+Maths Lit 70%+English 40%+
Ways to become a software developer
The best way is first. If your marks are not enough for one way, try the next one down.
DegreeNQF 73 yearsBest way
BSc Computer Science or IT
To get in: About 30 APS or more. English, Mathematics. A Computer Science degree needs pure Maths. It goes deepest and opens the most doors.
Universities offer this. You can also go into data, AI, or research from here. You can work as a developer, or move into data, AI, or research.
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DiplomaNQF 62 to 3 years
Diploma in IT or Software Development
To get in: About 24 APS or more. English, Maths or Maths Literacy. More practical, and lower marks than the degree.
Universities of technology, TVET colleges, and private colleges offer this. You work as a developer or IT technician.
You can study up to a degree.
Occupational3 months to about 16 months
Coding bootcamp
To get in: You often just need to pass an aptitude test. No degree needed. Some bootcamps are free.
Bootcamps like WeThinkCode_ (free) teach you to code fast. You get a job on your skills and portfolio. You work as a developer, based on your skills.
No degree or low marks? A coding bootcamp is the fastest way in, and some are free. Build a portfolio and apply for junior jobs.
If you don’t get in yet
No degree, or marks too low for a Computer Science degree? This is one career where that is not a dead end.
Join a coding bootcamp
Some bootcamps, like WeThinkCode_, are free and train you as a developer in months. You get a job on your skills, not a degree.
Teach yourself and build a portfolio
Free websites and videos can teach you to code. Build real projects, put them online, and apply for junior jobs. Employers care most about what you can build.
Start with a diploma
A diploma in IT at a TVET college or university of technology needs lower marks than the degree, and you can study up.
Questions people ask
Related careers
Not sure yet? These jobs use some of the same school subjects and ways to study.
Engineering & technologyEngineer
Engineers use maths and science to design and build things that solve problems, from roads and power to machines and computers.
From R 35 000/mo · In demand
How to become a engineer
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