Career guide

Database Administrator

Investigative

Designs, secures, tunes and backs up the databases an organisation depends on. Quiet work with very low tolerance for mistakes.

This career needs Core Mathematics.
Mathematical Literacy is not accepted for it at South African universities. This choice is made in Grade 9, for Grade 10 — and it is very difficult to reverse later. If this career is on your list, take Core Mathematics.

School subjects

Mathematics (NOT Mathematical Literacy) is required by most public universities for a Computer Science or IT degree; some private providers accept Mathematical Literacy with a compulsory bridging module.

How you qualify

BSc Computer Science or BSc IT (NQF 7), 3 years; or a National Diploma / BSc IT in Computer Systems (NQF 6) at a University of Technology. Entry requirements and APS differ by institution and change yearly - confirm directly with the institution.

Where to study

Public universities and Universities of Technology; DHET-registered private providers

Before you decide. Entry requirements change every year and differ between institutions. We do not publish admission point scores here, because a number that is right for one university in one year is wrong for another. Confirm the requirements directly with the institution before your subject selection form is signed. In KwaZulu-Natal, applications go through the Central Applications Office (cao.ac.za).

Last verified: 2026-08

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