What Is This Course About?

Software Engineering focuses on the design, development, testing, and maintenance of software systems. It teaches students how to build applications that are reliable, efficient, and scalable. The field blends computer science principles with engineering methods to solve real-world problems using technology.

Students learn programming, algorithms, system design, databases, software testing, project management, and modern development frameworks. The course prepares graduates for careers in software development, systems analysis, cybersecurity, DevOps, mobile app development, and more.

Which South African Universities Offer Software Engineering?

Universities Offering Software Engineering (or closely related Computer Science/IT degrees with Software Engineering specialisation):

Public Universities:

• University of Pretoria (UP) – Computer Science / Software Engineering stream

• University of Cape Town (UCT) – Computer Science

• University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) – Computer Science / Information Systems

• Stellenbosch University – Computer Science / BEng Software Engineering

• University of Johannesburg (UJ) – Computer Science / Informatics

• North-West University (NWU) – Information Technology

• University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) – Computer Science

• University of the Western Cape (UWC) – Computer Science

• Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) – Software Development / ICT

• Durban University of Technology (DUT) – ICT / Software Development

• Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) – ICT / Software Development

• Nelson Mandela University (NMU) – Computing Sciences

• University of South Africa (UNISA) – Software Engineering modules under Computing

• Central University of Technology (CUT) – IT Software Development

• Walter Sisulu University (WSU) – Information Technology

• University of Limpopo (UL) – Computer Science

• University of Venda (UNIVEN) – Computer Science

• University of Fort Hare (UFH) – Computer Science

Which TVET Colleges Offer Software-Related Courses?

(TVETs do not offer “Software Engineering” specifically, but they offer IT & Programming courses that lead into Software Development.)

National Certificate (Vocational) – IT & Computer Science
Offered at many campuses, including:

• Tshwane South TVET College

• Tshwane North TVET College

• Ekurhuleni West TVET College

• Ekurhuleni East TVET College

• Johannesburg TVET College

• Sedibeng TVET College

• West Coast TVET College

• False Bay TVET College

• College of Cape Town

• Coastal KZN TVET College

• Esayidi TVET College

• Majuba TVET College

• Umfolozi TVET College

• Orbit TVET College

• Taletso TVET College

• Goldfields TVET College

Short Courses / IT Certificates (varies by campus):

• Software Development

• Programming (Java, Python, C#, etc.)

• Web Development

• Database Management