Study Cybersecurity

Computing foundation with security specialisation

Protect systems and information by understanding threats, designing controls and investigating security incidents.

Pay in South AfricaNot researched for this field yet.Computer Science & IT pay ›

Work abroad4.5 of 5best: Ireland, Germany*AI outlookTransformingAI is reinventing the daily work* closest field Where to study1 programmesubjects differ by programme

2 bursaries list Cybersecurity

* From Computer Science & IT, the closest field we research.

Study time: 3 years at UP
School subjects: Differ by programme: see the examples below
Programme examples

Working abroad 4.5 of 5

From Computer Science & IT, the closest field we research.

Score out of 5. Tap a country for steps and visas.

AI outlook

From Computer Science & IT, the closest field we research.

TransformingAI is reinventing the daily work

Coding is where AI tools are most advanced and most used, so the work is changing fastest here. Developers who direct these tools well are already far more productive, and demand for them may grow rather than shrink.

Hands-on In-person care Licensed & accountable

How AI changes each field

What you study

Networks and operating systems
Programming and scripting
Security principles and risk
Incident analysis and ethical practice

Careers

Junior security analyst
Security operations analyst
Security engineer after relevant experience

Where to study 1

Tap a name for the official page. My Matric Map can check the ones marked “NSC/IEB check” against your results. Compare study costs

BIT Information Systems: a computing foundation, not a dedicated cybersecurity degree

University of Pretoria · 2027 intake NSC/IEB check in My Map

Requirements

UP foundation example: English level 5, Mathematics level 5 and APS 30. Confirm security modules and further-study routes separately.

Ranking and available places apply; minimums do not guarantee admission.

Your qualification route

Build a strong computing or information technology foundation through a relevant qualification.
Choose security modules or further training and practise only in authorised labs.
Use projects, internships and role-relevant certifications to demonstrate skills; check entry-level job expectations carefully.

Cybersecurity is often a specialisation rather than a single standard undergraduate degree. For example, UJ’s continuing-education Cyber Security certificate requires IT industry experience; it is not a replacement for an undergraduate foundation.

Sources (2) · guide reviewed 2026-09-25

Career and study guide. Separate salary, AI and country-recognition comparisons have not yet been researched for this field.

General information, not immigration or legal advice. Researched 2026-10-10.