Choosing what to study after matric is one of the biggest career decisions you can make. With so many qualifications, universities, TVET colleges and career options available, it can be difficult to know which courses offer good employment prospects.

If you are looking for courses that can lead to high-demand careers in South Africa, it helps to look at the skills and occupations that employers and the economy need.

The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) publishes a National List of Occupations in High Demand, which is designed to support career information, qualifications development, enrolment planning and skills development in South Africa.

This does not mean that studying one of these courses guarantees a job. However, choosing a qualification connected to an occupation in demand can improve your understanding of where employment opportunities may exist.

What Are the Best Courses to Study in South Africa?

There is no single “best” course for everyone. Your best choice depends on your subjects, interests, abilities, finances and long-term career goals.

However, several fields stand out when looking at South Africa’s occupations in high demand.

1. Information Technology and Computer Science

Technology continues to play an important role across almost every industry.

South Africa’s high-demand occupations include several ICT-related roles, including computer network and systems engineers, ICT security specialists and other technical ICT occupations.

Courses to consider:

• Bachelor of Computer Science

• Information Technology

• Information Systems

• Software Development

• Computer Engineering

• Network Engineering

• Cybersecurity

• Data Science

• Artificial Intelligence

• Diploma in Information Technology

Possible careers:

• Software Developer

• IT Specialist

• Network Engineer

• Cybersecurity Specialist

• Systems Analyst

• Data Scientist

• Database Administrator

• IT Support Specialist

Technology is particularly attractive because digital skills can be used in industries ranging from banking and telecommunications to healthcare, government, mining and retail.

2. Engineering

Engineering remains an important career field because South Africa needs technical skills for infrastructure, energy, manufacturing, mining, construction and other industries.

The national high-demand occupations list includes engineering-related occupations such as electrical engineering technicians, electronic engineering technicians, mechanical engineering technicians and engineering supervisors.

Courses to consider:

• Electrical Engineering

• Mechanical Engineering

• Civil Engineering

• Electronic Engineering

• Chemical Engineering

• Industrial Engineering

• Mining Engineering

• Mechatronic Engineering

Possible careers:

• Electrical Engineer

• Mechanical Engineer

• Civil Engineer

• Electronic Engineer

• Mining Engineer

• Engineering Technician

• Maintenance Engineer

• Project Engineer

Engineering can be a demanding field academically, so learners should carefully consider their Mathematics and Physical Sciences performance before applying.

3. Healthcare and Nursing

Healthcare remains an essential sector because South Africa needs qualified professionals to provide medical, nursing and community services.

The national high-demand occupations information includes healthcare occupations such as registered nurses, alongside other health and social-service occupations.

Courses to consider:

• Bachelor of Nursing

• Diploma in Nursing

• Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery

• Pharmacy

• Medical Laboratory Science

• Radiography

• Physiotherapy

• Occupational Therapy

• Emergency Medical Care

• Environmental Health

Possible careers:

• Registered Nurse

• Doctor

• Pharmacist

• Medical Laboratory Scientist

• Radiographer

• Physiotherapist

• Occupational Therapist

• Emergency Care Practitioner

Healthcare qualifications often have specific admission requirements and professional registration requirements, so students should check the requirements of the relevant institution and professional body before applying.

4. Accounting, Finance and Business

Finance and business skills are required across the public and private sectors.

South Africa’s occupations in high demand include occupations within finance and business, while government has also highlighted accountants, financial advisers and business consultants among fields that can offer important career opportunities.

Courses to consider:

• Bachelor of Accounting

• BCom Accounting

• Financial Management

• Finance

• Economics

• Business Management

• Investment Management

• Auditing

• Taxation

• Supply Chain Management

Possible careers:

• Accountant

• Financial Analyst

• Auditor

• Financial Adviser

• Management Accountant

• Tax Practitioner

• Business Analyst

• Supply Chain Specialist

• Procurement Specialist

If you want to pursue a professional accounting career, research the requirements of the relevant professional accounting body and the specific qualification pathway before enrolling.

5. Education and Teaching

Education is another important career field because schools require qualified teachers across different subjects and phases.

South Africa’s high-demand occupations include education-related occupations, and government has identified shortages involving areas such as mathematics and science education.

Courses to consider:

• Bachelor of Education (BEd)

• Education specialising in Mathematics

• Education specialising in Physical Sciences

• Education specialising in Life Sciences

• Foundation Phase Education

• Intermediate Phase Education

• Senior Phase and Further Education and Training

Possible careers:

• Primary School Teacher

• High School Teacher

• Mathematics Teacher

• Science Teacher

• Foundation Phase Teacher

• Special Needs Teacher

• Education Administrator

Teaching can be a good option for learners who enjoy working with people and want a career that contributes directly to education and community development.

6. Renewable Energy and Electrical Skills

South Africa’s energy transition is creating interest in skills related to renewable energy, electricity, energy efficiency and emerging technologies.

The national occupations list includes energy efficiency technicians and electrical engineering technicians, while South Africa’s skills planning also identifies electricity and green hydrogen among areas connected to the Just Energy Transition.

Courses to consider:

• Electrical Engineering

• Renewable Energy

• Energy Management

• Solar Photovoltaic Installation

• Energy Efficiency

• Electrical Engineering Technology

• Mechanical Engineering

• Mechatronics

Possible careers:

• Electrical Technician

• Renewable Energy Technician

• Solar PV Technician

• Energy Efficiency Technician

• Electrical Engineer

• Maintenance Technician

• Energy Consultant

This field can be particularly suitable for students who enjoy Mathematics, Physical Sciences and practical technical work.

7. Mechanical, Electrical and Technical Trades

A university degree is not the only route to a successful career.

TVET colleges and occupational training programmes can provide practical skills for careers in engineering, manufacturing, construction, automotive work and other technical fields.

The national high-demand list includes occupations such as mechanical engineering technicians, electrical engineering technicians, manufacturing technicians, mining technicians, maintenance planners and water plant operators.

Courses and programmes to consider:

• Electrical Engineering

• Mechanical Engineering

• Motor Mechanics

• Welding

• Fitting and Turning

• Boilermaking

• Plumbing

• Automotive Repair

• Millwright

• Mechatronics

• Manufacturing

Possible careers:

• Electrician

• Millwright

• Fitter and Turner

• Welder

• Boilermaker

• Motor Mechanic

• Maintenance Technician

• Manufacturing Technician

For students who prefer practical work to a traditional academic route, a TVET or occupational qualification may be an excellent option.

8. Mining and Mineral-Related Careers

Mining remains an important part of South Africa’s economy and creates demand for technical, engineering and scientific skills.

The national high-demand occupations list includes mining technicians, mining production supervisors, miners and metallurgical or materials technicians.

Courses to consider:

• Mining Engineering

• Metallurgy

• Geology

• Mineral Processing

• Mining Surveying

• Chemical Engineering

• Mechanical Engineering

• Electrical Engineering

Possible careers:

• Mining Engineer

• Geologist

• Mining Technician

• Metallurgist

• Mine Surveyor

• Mining Production Supervisor

• Mineral Processing Technician

Mining careers can involve working in remote locations and demanding environments, so students should consider the working conditions as well as salary and employment prospects.

9. Agriculture and Agricultural Sciences

Agriculture is another sector where technical and scientific knowledge can create career opportunities.

Government has previously highlighted occupations such as agricultural scientists and crop produce analysts among fields associated with South Africa’s development priorities.

Courses to consider:

• Agricultural Science

• Agricultural Economics

• Agronomy

• Animal Science

• Food Science

• Horticulture

• Agricultural Management

• Environmental Management

Possible careers:

• Agricultural Scientist

• Agricultural Economist

• Agronomist

• Agricultural Technician

• Food Technologist

• Farm Manager

• Agricultural Consultant

Agriculture is increasingly connected to technology, environmental sustainability, food security and data-driven farming.

10. Environmental and Water Careers

South Africa needs skills related to water management, environmental protection, infrastructure and sustainable resource management.

The national high-demand list includes occupations such as water control officers and water plant operators.

Courses to consider:

• Environmental Science

• Environmental Management

• Water Management

• Hydrology

• Civil Engineering

• Chemical Engineering

• Environmental Engineering

• Water Quality Management

Possible careers:

• Environmental Scientist

• Environmental Officer

• Water Quality Technician

• Water Control Officer

• Water Plant Operator

• Environmental Consultant

• Hydrologist

Which Course Should You Choose?

A high-demand career should not be your only consideration when choosing what to study.

Before applying, ask yourself:

1. What subjects am I good at?

Your matric subjects can determine which qualifications you can apply for.

For example, many engineering, science and technology qualifications require Mathematics and/or Physical Sciences.

2. What type of work do I enjoy?

Do you prefer:

• Working with computers?

• Working with people?

• Working with numbers?

• Building or fixing things?

• Working outdoors?

• Working in healthcare?

• Working in an office?

• Conducting research?

Your interests matter because you are more likely to succeed in a career that suits your strengths.

3. University or TVET college?

A university degree is not automatically better than a TVET qualification.

Some careers require degrees, while others can be entered through diplomas, certificates, occupational qualifications, apprenticeships and workplace training.

4. What are the admission requirements?

Always check the latest requirements directly with the institution before applying.

Requirements can differ between universities, TVET colleges and qualifications.

5. Can I afford the qualification?

Look into:

• NSFAS

• University bursaries

• Company bursaries

• Government bursaries

• Scholarships

• Learnerships

• Apprenticeships

• TVET funding opportunities

DHET also highlights funding and skills-development mechanisms as part of improving access to post-school education and training.

Top High-Demand Career Fields in South Africa

If you want a quick starting point, consider these fields:

Final Thoughts

Choosing a course is about more than finding the career with the highest salary.

The best qualification is one that combines your interests, abilities, career goals and the skills needed by the economy.

South Africa’s National List of Occupations in High Demand provides useful guidance because it identifies occupations where demand exists or is expected to grow. The 2024 list covers a broad range of professional, technical, business, ICT, health, education, engineering and trade occupations.

Before making your final decision, compare the qualification requirements, duration, costs, funding options, professional registration requirements and potential career paths.

Your course is the starting point. Your skills, experience and determination will help shape where that qualification takes you.

Sources

• South African Government — National List of Occupations in High Demand
• Department of Higher Education and Training — Human Resource Development Planning
• Department of Higher Education and Training — 2024 National List of Occupations in High Demand
• South African Government — Career choices and high-demand skills

Frequently Asked Questions