Coding Bootcamps To Attend In South Africa
Coding bootcamps provide unique learning opportunities to aspiring developers that are looking to improve their skill set fast and really get a feel for the industry they are entering into.
The first coding bootcamp was launched (in the US) in 2011, and since then, coding bootcamps have expanded around the world. In South Africa, there is a selection of coding bootcamps that aspiring developers can attend – some virtually and some in-person.
For those considering breaking into development careers, coding bootcamps provide an alternative avenue for learning more about coding specialisations and utilising their fledgling skillset in a practical way.
Coding bootcamps are a great way for aspiring coding students to rapidly grow their theoretical and applied knowledge, and set themselves up for a promising career in the tech industry.
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What is a coding bootcamp?
Coding bootcamps are designed to provide essential and in-demand skills to those wanting to break into the tech industry. Coding bootcamps are short-term and intensive programmes that enable rapid improvement of theory and applied skills related to specific development frameworks.
How do coding bootcamps work?
Coding bootcamps usually combine training in a specific development skill with hands-on support and resources for candidates. They are different to coding courses which may be shorter (or longer), are self-paced and self-taught by following curated resources and designed by an institution or an expert in the skill.
In coding bootcamps, candidates study a wide range of theoretical material, and apply their knowledge to complete assignments, with guidance and evaluation. Support in job placement is a common benefit of many coding bootcamps.
What qualification or certification can I get from a coding bootcamp?
At the end of a coding bootcamp, students are typically provided with a certificate, a job-ready foundation and the ability to take on more industry-relevant certifications from companies like Google, Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, MICTSeta and more.
How long is a coding bootcamp and where do they take place?
Coding bootcamps can take place online or in-person, on a part-time, full-time or sometimes self-paced basis.
Full-time coding bootcamps can take around 3-6 months to complete, whereas part-time coding bootcamps may take over 6 months and up to 1-2 years to complete.
What are the different courses taught at coding bootcamps?
Coding bootcamps are career focused and usually focus on specific skills that are current and relevant to the tech industry.
To give you an idea, here is a list of development skills one can expect to focus on in coding bootcamps:
- Full-Stack Web Development
- App Development
- Data Science
- Game Development
- JavaScript
- Node,js
- Python
- SQL
- Frontend development
- Back-end development
- UI/UX Design
What does a coding bootcamp cost in South Africa?
The price of coding bootcamps varies in cost depending on the organisation offering the course, the specialisation, length of the course, its quality and the end certification.
On average, coding bootcamps can cost anywhere from between R10 000 up to R80 000 for entire bootcamps.
Some organisations may offer payment plans, learnerships or discounts. You can also explore Fundiconnect’s funding options and student loans which enable students to reach their full educational potential without financial issues influencing their ability to achieve their goals.
6 Top coding bootcamps South Africa
Coding Bootcamps To Attend In South Africa
When deciding to enrol in a coding bootcamp or any short-term intensive coding course, prospective students will be able to find coding bootcamps in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Pretoria that take place in-person, as well as purely online coding bootcamps that involve immersive online training and guidance from experts with industry experience.
Whether you’re looking to enrol online or in-person when completing a coding bootcamp part-time or full-time, there are options available to suit the needs and schedule of every student.
These 6 bootcamps are some of the best in the country and will give you the skills you need to succeed as a coder! Explore the coding bootcamps we’ve curated below.
HyperionDev is an accredited tech education provider that provides career focused skills with online coding bootcamps that blend practical skills development and career readiness coaching.
HyperionDev’s coding bootcamps allow learners to study from anywhere in a structure that fits your needs, life, and goals. Coding bootcamps can be attended online or on-site, on a part-time and full-time basis.
HyperionDev currently offers coding bootcamps across a range of coding skills from web development to software engineering and data science.
HyperionDev prides itself in taking candidates from beginner to job-ready and to date, 84% of students secure a job in their field within 6 months of graduating.
At the end of your coding bootcamp you will walk away with a portfolio of real-world work to show prospective employers, gain 30 SAQA credits aligned to NQF Level-5, and a certificate.
While candidates don’t have to have a wealth of previous experience in development, it may help to have previous experience in, or a strong inclination toward, coding, computer science or IT. Candidates will need to submit their application and complete a trial to move forward with their bootcamp of choice.
CodeSpace offers several short-term and intensive coding courses that can be completed in 3-10 months depending on the specialisation.
CodeSpace’s coding bootcamps provide industry-ready training by using weekly webinars, group coaching, peer learning and a structure of weekly assignments to support learning and test competency. You can choose to learn at your own pace with their on-demand offering, as well as on a part-time or full-time basis.
CodeSpace’s development courses include Frontend Development, Web Design, Mobile Development, Backend Development, Software Development, AWS Cloud Foundations and Software Engineering.
CodeSpace’s coding bootcamps are equivalent to NQF level 5 and upon successfully completing the full course and meeting the passing criteria you will receive a certificate. Their coding bootcamps will also prepare you to gain industry-approved certifications from internationally recognized institutions including Google, Amazon Web Services, MICTSeta and Microsoft.
CodeSpace simply requires that you have access to a computer and a reliable internet connection, and that you can set aside enough time to complete learning outcomes on a weekly basis (usually between 10-20hrs per week depending on whether you’re learning part-time or full-time)
codeX prides itself on being different from other computer programming courses and is designed by experts in the tech industry that set out to provide better skills development to benefit newbies in the industry.
codeX courses are self-paced and managed by mentors that help you keep up to date with learning outcomes. ‘Hackathons’ are also arranged to give you a chance to work in a team setting, develop interesting ideas, and apply theoretical knowledge. codeX provides a space that’s available 24/7 in Harrington Street, Cape Town.
codeX facilitates one course in full-stack web development that takes place over two terms of 4.5 months each. The Agile Full Stack Developer course will teach you to think like a developer, use version control, process data, work with data, and build web applications.
codeX is an accredited training provider with the MICT SETA, meaning you will receive an NQF-accredited certificate of completion. In addition, you will leave with a GitHub profile to show your code to the professional world of developers and help you find employment.
In order to be admitted into the programme, codeX requires potential attendees to meet certain educational requirements and complete an application process.
Applicants must have at least a Grade 12 NSC Certification, or equivalent (NQF 4), and they must be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or have a legal work permit to apply to codeX.
You’ll then need to study online courses which will be sent to you for free (this should take 10-40 hours) to prepare you for a quick online interview to assess readiness for a 2-week coding bootcamp.
The 2-week bootcamp comprises the final phase of the application process, covers 5 coding concepts, and assesses your problem-solving and collaboration skills. Based on all of these criteria you will be assessed to qualify for the 1-year bootcamp program.
WeThinkCode is a tuition-free 2-year programming bootcamp in Johannesburg, South Africa. You will complete a fully virtual curriculum with no teachers and no classes. Learning is facilitated through a peer-to-peer problem-solving environment equipping you with the skills and training to become a software engineer that thinks differently and thrives in the digital era.
The bootcamp is completely online, however in-person Code Clinics and Technical Mentors are used to augment the peer-to-peer learning environment.
Although no prior coding experience is needed, students are required to attend a hands-on 4-week coding bootcamp before admittance to the 2-year course in Software Engineering.
Students will have the chance to learn how to use coding as a tool to solve problems in a peer-to-peer environment. Developed by French Ecole 42, the curriculum allows students to gain skills applicable to game and app design, cloud computing, cryptography, artificial intelligence, web design, malware, and more.
During the program, students will gain 8-months work experience through internships at partnered tech companies.
Qualifications are fully SETA accredited, up to NQF level 5 Information Technology in Systems Development. You will also leave with work experience and a portfolio showing off your skills.
In order to be admitted into the programme, prospective students must complete an application form, an online assessment, and complete their selection bootcamp, followed by a selection interview to confirm they have been admitted to the programme.
The School of IT offers multiple online courses in coding, including a full-stack development bootcamp. Depending on how intensive the student’s course schedule is, the bootcamps can be completed in 3 – 6 months.
Students can choose to take courses in a number of programming and development areas and languages, including Python, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, Ruby, and Angular. Students work one-on-one with a mentor, and classes can be scheduled to work around the student’s availability.
Students receive a certificate of achievement upon completion of the program and can choose to complete industry accreditation exams, including those in Microsoft, Oracle, and Adobe.
Anyone who has a passion for IT. No prior education or coding experience is required.
Code College’s flexible, hybrid training model provides training courses and international certifications, following a combination of practical and exam-oriented workshops. Their aim is to get employed professionals skilled up with industry-standard certifications and to get the unemployed individuals employed.
Code College offers 2 major coding bootcamps: web developer and java developer coding bootcamps which can be completed over a duration of between 3 to 12 months.
Code College is an Oracle Workplace Skills Development Partner and has incorporated Oracle Java OCP 1 and 2 Syllabi into their Java bootcamp.
Upon completion of a candidate’s chosen bootcamp, Code College provides students with NQF level 5 assessments.
If you have no previous coding experience, Code College requires that candidates do the Intro To Programming course first.
What are the entry requirements for coding bootcamps?
Before enrolling in a coding bootcamp, candidates will have to satisfy any entry requirements, which usually involve submitting their previous academic achievements and successfully completing an initial competency assessment or entry test and possibly an online or in-person interview.
If you’re absolutely new to the world of coding, don’t despair – many bootcamps offer beginner-friendly courses that will teach you the basics of coding, and from there you can move on to more advanced levels.
Final thoughts on coding bootcamps to attend in South Africa
Coding bootcamps are a great way to acquire the skills you need to start your coding career quickly and efficiently. Do some research to figure out which bootcamp would be the best fit for you and your schedule, then get started on your journey to becoming a developer.
Don’t let the lack of finance hinder your educational potential. For primary, high school, and varsity, get a study loan from Fundi and embark on the educational journey that will enable you to fulfil that potential.
If you need assistance with funding, we can help! FundiConnect offers student financing that covers a range of costs. Try our loan calculator to learn more.
