STEM

How to Become a Software Engineer in South Africa

Build the apps and systems that power the digital world

APS 28–40
APS Range
R250k – R1.8m per year
Annual Salary (ZAR)
Very High
Job Demand
Investigative / Realistic
RIASEC Profile
About this Career

Software engineers design, develop, test, and maintain software systems. South Africa has a significant tech talent shortage — skilled developers are among the most in-demand professionals in the country. You can study a BSc Computer Science or BSc Software Engineering at a traditional university, or follow a diploma route through TUT, CPUT, or Wits Engineering. Many top developers are self-taught or bootcamp graduates.

What Does a Software Engineer Do?

Software engineers write and review code, attend daily stand-up meetings, debug issues, collaborate on architecture decisions, write tests, and deploy new features. Remote work is common.

APS & Subject Requirements
Minimum APS
28 points
Typical APS Range
28–40 points
Required Subjects:
Mathematics (Level 5+), IT/Computer Applications Technology (recommended), English (Level 4+)
✗ Pure Mathematics is required — Mathematical Literacy is NOT accepted

Use the free Career Helper APS Calculator to calculate your exact score for each SA university.

SA Universities Offering This Programme

Programme names and requirements vary by institution. Always verify directly with the university before applying.

Step-by-Step Career Roadmap

  1. Achieve APS 28+ with Mathematics. BSc Computer Science at UCT/Wits or BSc Software Engineering at UP are top routes. TUT and CPUT offer strong Diploma in ICT programmes for lower APS.

  2. Complete the 3–4 year degree or diploma. Build a portfolio of personal projects and contribute to open-source software on GitHub. Intern at a tech company or startup.

  3. Work as a junior developer, grow to mid and senior developer over 3–5 years. Remote work for international companies paying in USD is a major salary opportunity for SA developers.

Frequently Asked Questions
What APS do I need for Computer Science or Software Engineering?
BSc Computer Science at UCT requires APS 40; at Wits, 36; at UP, 32. TUT Diploma in ICT requires APS 26. Mathematical Literacy is not accepted — pure Mathematics is essential.
Do I need a degree to become a software developer in South Africa?
Not strictly — many SA companies hire self-taught developers with strong portfolios. However, a degree at a top university opens doors at major tech companies and fast-tracks senior positions.
What do software engineers earn in South Africa?
Junior developers earn R250,000–R400,000. Mid-level engineers R500,000–R800,000. Senior engineers R900,000–R1,500,000. Remote contractors billing internationally can earn significantly more.
Salary Range in South Africa (2026)
Starting Salary
R250k/year
Senior / Experienced
R1.8m+/year

Salary ranges are indicative for South Africa 2026 based on market data. Actual salaries vary by employer, location, and experience.