Occupational Certificate
Software Development
Graduate able to read a company's codebase and ship features, with AI-assisted development built in.
With 220 Credits NQF Level 5 certification
Beginner2 years
School of Technology
- Software
- AI
- Data
- Cybersecurity
- Cloud
Every company now runs on software it cannot afford to get wrong. This school trains the people who build it, and the people who keep it standing.
- Programmes
- 10
- Occupational Certificates
- 5 · NQF 4–5
- Bootcamps
- 5 · 6–7 months
- Applications close
- 15 Oct · Data Science
- Taught at
- Cape Town, Durban and online
Our graduates work at
Programmes
What you can study.
Occupational CertificatesNationally registered, 1.5 to 2 years
Occupational Certificate
AI & ML Engineer
Build software that uses large language models, agents and automation.
With 209 Credits NQF Level 5 certification
Beginner1.5–2 years
Occupational Certificate
Data Science
Work with data end to end: collect it, analyse it, model it and present what it means.
With 185 Credits NQF Level 5 certification
Beginner1.5 years
Occupational Certificate
Cybersecurity Analyst
Protect systems and networks, and respond when something goes wrong.
With 173 Credits NQF Level 5 certification
Beginner1.5 years
Occupational Certificate
Cloud Administrator
Run and automate the cloud infrastructure that software lives on.
With NQF Level 4 certification
Beginner18 months
BootcampsFocused job skills, weeks to months
Bootcamp
Fullstack AI Engineer
Build agentic web applications using LLMs, LangChain and n8n.
With NQF Level 4 certificate
Beginner7 months
Bootcamp
Cloud & DevOps Engineering
Build applications, then deploy and automate them on AWS with Linux, Docker, Terraform and CI/CD.
With Certificate of completion + 2 AWS certifications
Beginner7 months
Bootcamp
Fullstack Web Development
Build websites and web applications that solve real problems.
With NQF Level 4 certificate
Beginner6 months
Bootcamp
Data Science
Python, machine learning, data analysis and SQL.
With Certificate of completion + Microsoft DP-900
Beginner7 months
Bootcamp
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity fundamentals and practice, built around the Security+ exam.
With Certificate of completion + CompTIA Security+
Beginner7 months
Start in the School of Technology.
Also at Zaio
School of Business & Marketing
Questions
Questions people ask.
Which IT course is best in South Africa?
The best IT course is the one that matches the job you want and the qualification you need. For a first developer job in six months, a full stack web development bootcamp; for a national qualification, a QCTO-accredited Occupational Certificate such as Software Developer (NQF Level 5); for AI, data or cybersecurity, the programme named after that role.
How long does an IT course take?
At Zaio, a bootcamp takes six to seven months of live online classes. An Occupational Certificate takes 18 months to two years, including workplace modules and the national exam.
What are the requirements for IT courses?
Occupational Certificates need matric or an NQF Level 4 equivalent. Bootcamps need no prior qualification or experience. Both need a laptop and a reliable internet connection for live classes.
Can I do an IT course online without matric?
Yes, a bootcamp: none of Zaio's bootcamps require matric. For an Occupational Certificate you need matric or an NQF Level 4 equivalent, or Recognition of Prior Learning.
Which six-month IT course is best?
The Fullstack Web Development bootcamp is Zaio's six-month programme: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React, Node.js and MongoDB, with a deployed portfolio at the end.
Are Zaio's IT courses accredited?
Zaio is a QCTO-accredited Skills Development Provider. The Occupational Certificates are registered on the NQF with their own SAQA IDs. Bootcamps are job-skills programmes, and selected bootcamps prepare you for AWS, Microsoft and CompTIA certification exams. The accreditation page lists every letter, the qualifications it covers and how to verify them.
How much do IT courses cost at Zaio?
Your advisor gives you every cost in writing before you enrol, including any separate exam fee. Paying upfront is the lowest total price for every programme; instalments and Manati financing cost more in total.