Which Degrees in South Africa Will Still Be in Demand by 2035?
South Africa’s evolving economic, technological, and social landscape is shaping the future of its job market, making certain degrees more valuable than ever. With rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, climate challenges, and a growing need for healthcare and social equity, the degrees that will remain in demand by 2035 are those aligning with these megatrends.
Why Focus on Degrees for 2035 in South Africa?
South Africa’s economy is projected to grow at a 2.5% annual rate through 2035 (World Bank 2025 forecast), driven by technology, infrastructure, and sustainable development. The country faces a 27.1% unemployment rate (Stats SA Q4 2024) and a skills mismatch, with 60% of employers citing a lack of qualified candidates (ManpowerGroup 2024). By 2035, the McKinsey Global Institute predicts that digitization could create 1.2 million new jobs, while the green economy may add 85,000–275,000 roles (Nucamp 2025). Degrees aligning with these trends—offering 36,000+ international students affordable tuition (R30,000–R80,000/year) and producing over 1 million citations annually (EduRank 2025)—are key to future-proofing your career.
Methodology
This list is based on:
Industry Trends: Data from Stats SA, McKinsey, and World Economic Forum (WEF) projections
Job Growth: Forecasted demand by 2035
Research Output: University citations (EduRank 2025)
Employability: Graduate placement rates
Adaptability: Resilience to automation and global shifts
Here are the top degrees in South Africa that will still be in demand by 2035.
1. Computer Science and Information Technology (IT)
Why It’s Future-Proof: The South African tech sector contributes 8% to GDP (Nucamp 2025), with AI and cloud computing markets expected to reach R20 billion and $8.74 billion, respectively, by 2030 (Nucamp 2025). Automation may displace 35% of jobs, but IT skills will create 50,000+ new roles by 2035 (McKinsey 2030 forecast).
- Best University: University of Cape Town (UCT) – BSc in Computer Science
- Global Ranking: #171 (QS 2025)
- Research: 12,300 citations from 650 papers (EduRank 2025)
- Tuition: R50,000–R80,000/year
- Employability: 90% placement rate in tech roles
Career Paths: Software Developer (R600,000/year), Data Scientist (R700,000–R1.5 million/year), Cybersecurity Expert (R50,000–R125,000/month).
2035 Outlook: WEF predicts 70% of new jobs will require digital skills, ensuring IT’s dominance.
2. Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical)
Why It’s Future-Proof: Infrastructure projects worth R800 billion are planned by 2035 (National Development Plan 2030), driving demand for engineers. The renewable energy sector will need 50,000+ engineers for solar and wind projects (Regenesys 2024).
- Best University: University of Pretoria (UP) – BEng (Civil/Mechanical/Electrical)
- Global Ranking: #323 (QS 2025)
- Research: 7,500 citations from 350 papers (EduRank 2025)
- Tuition: R40,000–R75,000/year
- Employability: 92% of graduates in engineering roles
Career Paths: Civil Engineer (R500,000–R900,000/year), Renewable Energy Specialist (R600,000+).
2035 Outlook: 47% of tradespeople believe AI can’t replace hands-on engineering (Regent 2024), ensuring longevity.
3. Healthcare (Medicine, Nursing, Public Health)
Why It’s Future-Proof: An aging population and healthcare gaps will drive demand, with nursing shortages projected at 30,000 by 2035 (SANC 2024). The sector employs 350,000 professionals now, growing 10% annually (Stats SA 2024).
- Best University: University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) – MBChB, BSc Nursing
- Global Ranking: #587 (QS 2025)
- Research: 7,000 citations from 280 papers (EduRank 2025)
- Tuition: R40,000–R70,000/year
- Employability: 90% placement rate in healthcare
Career Paths: Doctor (R800,000–R1.5 million/year), Nurse (R250,000–R450,000/year).
2035 Outlook: 13% growth in healthcare jobs (WEF 2024), fueled by public health needs.
4. Business Administration and Management
Why It’s Future-Proof: The WEF 2024 lists Business Development as a top-growing field, with 426% growth in managerial roles in finance and business services (Nexford 2025). South Africa needs adaptable leaders for its 1.2 million SMEs (Stats SA 2024).
- Best University: University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) – BCom (Management)
- Global Ranking: #264 (QS 2025)
- Research: 6,900 citations from 320 papers (EduRank 2025)
- Tuition: R45,000–R75,000/year
- Employability: 89% of graduates in managerial roles
Career Paths: Business Manager (R400,000–R800,000/year), HR Specialist (R300,000–R600,000/year).
2035 Outlook: 15% growth in business roles as SMEs digitize (Regent 2024).
5. Environmental Science and Sustainability
Why It’s Future-Proof: Climate change initiatives will create 85,000–275,000 green jobs by 2035 (Nucamp 2025). South Africa’s National Climate Change Response targets a 42% emissions cut, needing skilled professionals.
- Best University: Stellenbosch University (SU) – BSc in Environmental Science
- Global Ranking: #296 (QS 2025)
- Research: 8,200 citations from 400 papers (EduRank 2025)
- Tuition: R40,000–R70,000/year
- Employability: 88% placement rate in sustainability roles
Career Paths: Environmental Consultant (R350,000–R700,000/year), Green Tech Specialist (R400,000+).
2035 Outlook: 20% job growth in renewable energy and conservation (UJ 2024).
6. Data Science and Analytics
Why It’s Future-Proof: Data-driven decision-making is critical, with 70% of AI-related job postings seeking data scientists (Nucamp 2025). South Africa’s data economy could triple productivity by 2030 (McKinsey).
- Best University: University of Johannesburg (UJ) – BSc in Data Science
- Global Ranking: #412 (QS 2025)
- Research: 5,800 citations from 300 papers (EduRank 2025)
- Tuition: R35,000–R65,000/year
- Employability: 87% of graduates in analytics roles
Career Paths: Data Scientist (R700,000–R1.5 million/year), Business Analyst (R400,000–R800,000/year).
2035 Outlook: 30% growth in data roles (Quad Education 2024).
7. Education and E-Learning
Why It’s Future-Proof: With 12 million learners and a teacher shortage of 20,000 (DBE 2024), education remains vital. E-learning is expected to grow 15% annually as digitization accelerates (UJ 2024).
- Best University: University of South Africa (UNISA) – BEd (Bachelor of Education)
- Global Ranking: #851–900 (QS 2025)
- Research: 5,800 citations from 300 papers (EduRank 2025)
- Tuition: R30,000–R50,000/year
- Employability: 85% placement rate in teaching
Career Paths: Teacher (R200,000–R400,000/year), E-Learning Developer (R300,000–R600,000/year).
2035 Outlook: 10% growth in education roles (Oakfields 2024).
Key Statistics for South Africa’s Future Job Market
Tech Growth: IT contributes 8% to GDP, with 50,000 new jobs since 2023 (Nucamp 2025).
Green Jobs: 85,000–275,000 roles projected in sustainability (Nucamp 2025).
Healthcare Demand: 350,000 professionals currently, growing 10% yearly (Stats SA 2024).
Digital Skills: 70% of new jobs will require tech proficiency (WEF 2024).
Research Output: South African universities generated over 1 million citations in 2025 (EduRank).
Why These Degrees Will Endure
Automation Resistance: Engineering, healthcare, and education rely on human expertise, with 47% of tradespeople noting AI’s limitations (Regent 2024).
Global Relevance: IT, data science, and sustainability align with UN Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring international demand.
Local Needs: Business, education, and healthcare address South Africa’s 27.1% unemployment and 55.5% poverty rate (Stats SA 2024).
How to Choose Your Degree
Interest Alignment: Passionate about tech? Go for IT or Data Science.
Budget: UNISA offers the lowest tuition (R30,000/year); UCT provides prestige (R80,000/year).
Location: Urban hubs (Johannesburg, Pretoria) or coastal (Cape Town)?
Career Goals: Ministry, policy, or industry? Match your degree to your vision.
Conclusion
By 2035, South Africa’s job market will demand degrees in Computer Science (UCT), Engineering (UP), Healthcare (UKZN), Business (Wits), Environmental Science (SU), Data Science (UJ), and Education (UNISA). These programs, backed by over 1 million citations and 90%+ employability rates, align with a 2.5% economic growth forecast and 1.2 million new jobs. Apply by September–November 2025 for 2026 intakes and secure your place in South Africa’s future
