NQF 5
qualification level
The Occupational Certificate: Artificial Intelligence Software Developer is an occupational Certificate offered by CTU for 2027 learners. This page covers the Grade 12 subjects and admission score you need to qualify, what the course involves, where you can study it, the careers it leads to, and how to apply.
Do you qualify
Grade 12 Required Subjects to study Occupational Certificate: Artificial Intelligence Software Developer at CTU
- An NQF Level 4 qualification such as a National Senior Certificate
- Computer Applications Technology (CAT) or Computer Science is strongly recommended
- Learners with Grade 11 can enter through CTU's bridging programme
What you study
About This Course
This QCTO occupational certificate (SAQA ID 118792, NQF Level 5) teaches you to build intelligent applications. You start with programming fundamentals in Python, then move into artificial intelligence, machine learning, and using AI and machine learning APIs to add smart features to software. It is offered through full-time day classes, part-time evening classes and distance learning.
In CTU's AI Solutions Architect pathway, it is followed by the Software Engineer qualification over three years, with certifications such as CompTIA Tech+, Microsoft Azure AI fundamentals and AI app development, and Python. CTU also offers an Agritech AI and Smart Farming pathway that pairs AI development with agriculture technology. It is an occupational qualification registered with the QCTO, so you complete knowledge, practical and workplace components and then write an external integrated summative assessment (EISA) to be certified. It suits matriculants with an interest in technology, ideally those who took CAT or Computer Science at school.
CTU keeps classes small and teaches through real projects, so you get plenty of hands-on work and contact with lecturers. You finish with a national qualification plus internationally recognised vendor certifications, a combination employers look for. Check with your nearest campus that the programme runs there in the study mode you want.
After you graduate
Careers This Course Leads To
AI software engineer, AI application developer, deep learning engineer, natural language processing (NLP) engineer or computer vision engineer. It can lead to the Software Engineer qualification.
Course intelligence for Occupational Certificate: Artificial Intelligence Software Developer
Data-driven planning insights for this specific course: job market outlook, NSFAS funding, and how competitive admission is likely to be.
Job market outlook
Occupational Certificate: Artificial Intelligence Software Developer doesn’t currently appear on the national scarce-skills list. That’s not a red flag on its own, most jobs in South Africa aren’t on that list, it just tracks where employers reported the strongest hiring pressure. Your own results, experience and network will matter more here than national demand trends.
NSFAS funding
NSFAS does not usually fund students at private institutions like CTU. Ask CTU directly about its own bursaries or payment plans, and check whether a sector SETA offers funding for this field.
Admission chances
CTU’s intake and this course’s requirements with its published admission requirements generally leave more room than the most sought-after courses, so you likely have a reasonable window to apply without rushing, though applying early is always the safer bet.
These insights are estimates generated from South Africa’s National List of Occupations in High Demand (DHET, November 2023 draft), NSFAS’s published funding rules, and this university’s general applicant demand. They’re planning guidance, not a guarantee. Always confirm funding and admission specifics directly with CTU and NSFAS.
Step by step
How to Apply at CTU for 2027
Apply online through CTU's registration portal (full-time) or the part-time and distance application portal, or visit your nearest campus. You will need a certified ID copy and your highest school or post-school results. CTU has two intakes a year, in February and July, and you can book an Open Day or speak to a career consultant on WhatsApp 083 825 9366 before you register.
Ready to apply? This takes you straight to CTU Training Solutions’s own official application page.
Apply NowYou will leave studies.mycourses.co.za and apply directly with CTU Training Solutions.
Answers
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Source: Official website: https://ctutraining.ac.za/qualifications/artificial-intelligence-software-developer/, last verified 2026-09-22. Requirements and fees change. Always confirm current details directly with CTU Training Solutions before applying.