If you’re interested in and knowledgeable about the field of information technology (IT), you might be thinking of pursuing a career in it by enrolling at a higher institution. The requirements to be accepted to study IT are listed below.
Working as an IT professional will demand you to assist businesses in maintaining their digital infrastructure by assisting tech users with problem-solving.
Keep in mind that different institutions may have different standards, so one institution may ask you to submit a variety of different materials.
When pursuing IT, you could work towards a certificate, diploma, undergraduate degree, or postgraduate degree (Masters, Honours, etc.).
The minimum requirement for admission to undergraduate diploma study is a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with an achievement rating of 3 (Moderate Achievement, 40-49%) or better in 4 recognized NSC 20-credit subjects.
The minimum degree that most IT jobs require is a Bachelor’s degree, which most universities have on offer. Depending on the institution, you can also study further by doing a postgraduate qualification as well, after completing your Bachelor’s degree.
To become eligible to study towards a Bachelor’s degree, applicants holding a South African National Senior Certificate (NSC) need to pass a minimum of 4 subjects at a rating of 4 (Adequate Achievement, 50-59%) or better in any four 20-credit NSC subjects.
With most applications, you’ll need to submit certain documents as well. These include:
- Completed and signed application form.
- Proof of payment of the application fee, if applicable.
- A high school diploma/matric certificate (if you apply for a Bachelor’s).
- A Bachelor’s or Master’s diploma (if you apply for a Master’s or Ph.D. respectively).
- Transcript of records.
- Passport-size photographs, if applicable.
If you study in South Africa, it will usually take three years of full-time study to complete a Bachelor’s degree in IT, and one or two years to complete a Master’s degree.
Areas of study for this field include computer science, information technology, information technology management, and computer engineering.