Career guide

Network Engineer

Investigative

Designs, builds and maintains the networks that connect an organisation - routers, switches, firewalls, links between sites. On call when things break.

School subjects

Grade 12 (NQF 4); Mathematics helps but Mathematical Literacy is usually accepted on this route.

How you qualify

A MICT SETA-accredited National Certificate: IT Systems Support (NQF 5) or an IT learnership at NQF 4-5, normally combined with vendor certifications - CompTIA A+ and Network+, Cisco CCNA, or Microsoft equivalents. On this route the certifications carry as much weight with employers as the qualification. A National Diploma or degree remains the route into senior and design roles. Entry requirements differ by provider - confirm directly with the institution.

Where to study

MICT SETA-accredited providers; TVET colleges; vendor-authorised training centres (CompTIA, Cisco, Microsoft)

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 We do not publish admission point scores here, because a number that is right for one university in one year is wrong for another.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

Book a Career Pathfinder assessment

A qualified career counsellor works through your child's personality, interests, strengths and subjects, and writes them a report on what fits.

← All career guides