15 Best Cyber Security Courses in South Africa | Cost and Requirements

Cybersecurity protects systems, networks, and data from hacking and data breaches. It’s not just about fighting off viruses or setting up firewalls; it’s about creating safe spaces in an increasingly digital world. It’s more than just managing passwords!

It involves securing networks, databases, applications, and devices from various threats. The demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals grows as the world becomes more connected. This is where cyber security courses in South Africa come into play.

If you’re interested in transitioning into or pursuing a career in this field, there are many options for learning. Cyber security courses in South Africa cater to beginners and professionals looking to upgrade their skills.

These courses cover everything from the basics of cybersecurity to advanced techniques in ethical hacking, network security, and data protection.

In this article, we will discuss 15 top cyber security courses in South Africa you can choose from.

Cyber security in South Africa
- Does cyber security pay well in South Africa?
Cyber Security Courses
Is it hard to study cyber security?
How much does it cost to study cyber security in South Africa?
What are the requirements to study cyber security in South Africa?
Which university in South Africa is best for cyber security?
FAQs
Conclusion
References
Recommendations

Cyber security in South Africa

Cybersecurity in South Africa is becoming more important than ever. As we rely more on the internet, cybercrimes like hacking, identity theft, and online fraud have become actual threats.

A notable example is the Experian breach of 2020, which exposed millions of South Africans’ personal details. These incidents make people worry about their online safety, whether it’s protecting their personal information or businesses from cyberattacks.

But here’s the thing: there’s a growing demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals. Companies and even government organizations scramble to find experts to secure their systems.

Sadly, there’s a big skills gap, which means that if you’re looking to get into the field, this could be a golden opportunity.

The job market is hot, and the pay is solid. In a world where everything is digital, cyber security is one career path that seems not just smart but essential. Very important!

Read: 10 Best Cyber Security Courses Online for Beginners and Experts

Does cyber security pay well in South Africa?

Yes, cybersecurity pays well in South Africa! On average, a cybersecurity professional makes about R786,648 per year or roughly R403 per hour – according to School of IT.

If you’re just starting, entry-level roles can earn around R324,012 annually. But as you gain more experience, things can get pretty lucrative. Some of the most experienced pros are earning up to R8,040,000 a year.

It’s a field where the more skills and expertise you have, the more you can expect to be compensated. It’s a career that offers great financial rewards!

Cyber Security Courses

See the best cyber security courses in South Africa:

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
CompTIA Security+
Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)
Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
Certified Authorization Professional (CAP)
Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional (CSSLP)
GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC)
SANS Security Analyst Certification (GCSA)
Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)
SANS Penetration Testing Toolkit (GPEN)
EC-Council Certified Security Analyst (ECSA)

1. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification is a game-changer for anyone serious about advancing in cybersecurity. It focuses on helping you design, implement, and manage top-notch security programs.

The course covers critical areas like risk management, asset security, security engineering, and more.

Studying this course through institutions like Optimi College costs R3,328.50. You can pay upfront or in instalments (R1,667.40 deposit and monthly payments of R553.70).

The course is designed for flexibility. You will have 12 months of access to the online material, which you can complete at your own pace.

Alternatively, you can attend this course at School of IT at R12900.

2. Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) course is an exciting learning into cybersecurity, where you’ll learn real-world hacking techniques.

You’ll cover everything from scanning networks to defending against spyware and cracking passwords.

The course teaches you how to hack mobile phones, use SQL coding, crack Wi-Fi, and even hack wireless networks! It’s a great way to understand how hackers think and how to defend against their attacks.

The School of IT offers this course for R12,900. It’s hands-on learning focusing on practical skills, perfect for anyone interested in ethical hacking. This is an excellent option if you want to kickstart or advance your cybersecurity career.

3. CompTIA Security+

The CompTIA Security+ course is perfect for anyone starting in cybersecurity. It covers the essentials, such as network security, risk management, cryptography, and protecting information from cyber threats.

This course is ideal for those who want to build a solid foundation in cybersecurity practices and prepare for the globally recognized Security+ certification.

This one-month course at the School of IT costs R12,900, with the full payment due upfront. It will teach you practical skills that can kickstart your cybersecurity career.

Also, read: Nosa Courses and Prices in South Africa

4. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

The Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) course focuses on mastering the skills needed to manage and govern an organization’s information security program.

It covers key areas like risk management, incident response, governance, and security strategy. Essentially, it’s for those who want to take on leadership roles in cybersecurity and ensure their company’s data and systems are secure.

The CISM course at the IT Business Campus in South Africa costs just R3,999. It’s a great investment for anyone looking to become an expert in cybersecurity management and advance their career.

5. Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

The Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) course helps you become an expert in auditing and assessing information systems.

This globally recognized certification showcases your ability to apply a risk-based approach to auditing. You’ll learn how to assess, control, and secure IT systems within an organization.

This course costs R3,328.50 at Optimi College in South Africa, or you can break it up into installments of R553.70 over three months. If you’re serious about boosting your career in IT auditing, this certification is a fantastic option!

6. Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)

The Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) is a hands-on, technical certification for penetration testers, focusing on using Kali Linux to attack and defend live systems in a controlled lab environment.

It’s one of the toughest and most respected certifications in cybersecurity. It requires real-world skills to penetrate machines successfully and demonstrate one’s ability to think like a hacker.

The PEN-200 course is offered by Bilginç IT Academy in Cape Town for roughly R124,000.

This course provides a 12-month OffSec subscription, giving you access to learning modules, tools, and expert guidance to prepare for the OSCP exam.

7. Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP)

The Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) is a top certification that focuses on cloud security. It teaches you how to secure data, applications, and systems in a cloud environment. If you’re looking to advance your career in cloud security, this is a key certification to consider!

Here’s where you can study it in South Africa:

School of IT offers it for R12,900.
Accredited Institute of Information Technology has it at R2,700.
Optimi College offers it for R3,328.50.

Each of these institutions will equip you with the skills needed to tackle modern cloud security challenges and offer different pricing options to fit your budget.

8. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

The Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) course is perfect for those who want to take on leadership roles in information security.

It’s all about mastering skills like risk assessment, systems auditing, and developing security strategies. The course dives into the CISM® domains, aligning directly with real-world job practices in managing and protecting company information systems.

Offered by Optimi College for R3,328.50, this course will prepare you to handle the complexities of information security management and help you stand out in the cybersecurity industry.

Whether aiming for technical or managerial positions, this certification is a great step to advance your career.

9. Certified Authorization Professional (CAP)

The Certified Authorization Professional (CAP) certification is ideal for those who want to explore the world of cybersecurity and risk management.

It focuses on authorizing information systems, ensuring they meet security standards and are ready for use. Essentially, it’s about ensuring systems are secure, compliant, and trusted by the organization.

By getting CAP certified, you’ll demonstrate your ability to manage risk, implement security policies, and effectively handle system authorization processes. This can set you apart in roles involving security management and compliance.

Stuvia offers the Certified Authorization Professional (CAP) course, which covers the fundamentals of system authorization and risk management. At Optimi College, you can expect to pay R3,328.50 for the course.

10. Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional (CSSLP)

The Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional (CSSLP) certification is about showing that you’re a pro at securing software throughout its development process.

This means you’re skilled at handling things like authentication, authorization, and auditing, ensuring the software is secure at every stage, from design to deployment.

If you’re interested in building secure applications and want to prove your expertise in using best practices and policies, this is a great opportunity for you.

Offered by Optimi College, this course costs R3,328.50, and you can pay in full or in easy instalments. It’s a solid investment to stand out in software security.

11. GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC)

The GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC) is perfect for anyone who wants to demonstrate a solid understanding of essential cybersecurity practices.

It’s ideal for beginners with at least a year of IT security experience or professionals in roles like system administrators, network administrators, or IT managers who want to validate their skills. It’s also great for those stepping into specialized roles like forensic analysts or auditors.

In terms of costs, certification attempts start at $999, with retakes costing $899. Discounts are available for those with active GIAC certifications.

Practice tests are $399, and extensions or renewals cost around $479 to $499. To convert these into South African currency, multiply by the current exchange rate, approximately 18 ZAR/USD, attempting roughly ZAR 18,000.

You can get this directly from GIAC Certifications.

12. SANS Security Analyst Certification (GCSA)

The SANS Security Analyst Certification (GCSA) equips you with the skills to analyze and defend against cyber threats using advanced techniques such as threat hunting, incident response, and malware analysis.

Think of it as a way to sharpen your expertise in understanding how attackers operate and how to stop them effectively. It’s a great choice for cybersecurity professionals who want to stand out in the field and prove they have the skills to handle real-world challenges.

With this certification, you’ll learn to detect, analyze, and respond to various security events using cutting-edge tools and frameworks. It’s ideal for analysts, forensic experts, or anyone serious about mastering cybersecurity defence.

You can get this course at SANS Institute at R164,650.

13. Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)

The Certified Incident Handler (GCIH) course teaches you how to effectively manage and respond to cybersecurity incidents. Imagine being equipped to confidently tackle malware attacks, ransomware, data breaches, and insider threats!

This course covers everything from preparing and detecting incidents to analyzing and responding to them. You’ll also learn how to create strong response plans, handle legal aspects, and reduce the impact on organizations.

It’s perfect for security officers, incident responders, or anyone managing security risks. Offered by Africa NIL, the course lasts five days and is suitable for intermediate-level learners. You can request a quote directly from Africa NIL for pricing.

14. SANS Penetration Testing Toolkit (GPEN)

The SANS Penetration Testing Toolkit (GPEN) certification is a game-changer if you’re interested in ethical hacking.

This course gives you the practical skills to perform penetration tests testing a system’s defences like a hacker would but with good intentions! You’ll learn to find and fix security flaws before the bad guys do.

Offered at The Knowledge Academy in South Africa for R28,395, it’s an investment that will give you hands-on, real-world skills and a globally recognized qualification.

Whether you’re a beginner or looking to level up, this course is perfect for anyone serious about cybersecurity.

15. EC-Council Certified Security Analyst (ECSA)

The EC-Council Certified Security Analyst (ECSA) course is crucial for anyone serious about becoming a security expert. It gives you the skills to assess and improve security systems, a huge plus for any cybersecurity career.

With this certification, you’re boosting your knowledge and making yourself highly attractive to hiring managers, which could lead to promotions or new job opportunities.

If you’re wondering about the cost, it’s around R19,000. It’s definitely an investment that can pay off in the long run!

Is it hard to study cyber security?

It can feel challenging at first, especially if you’re new to tech. But here’s the thing – it’s all about building a strong foundation.

Things start to click once you understand the basics, like networks, firewalls, and encryption. The key is consistency, practice, and not being afraid to ask questions when you hit a roadblock.

Plus, the good news is that there’s tons of support – from online courses to communities. So, yeah, it takes some work, but if you’re passionate about it, you’ll get the hang of it before you know it!

How much does it cost to study cyber security in South Africa?

Well, prices can vary depending on the course and where you choose to study. You might pay around R10,000 to R20,000 for a solid, foundational course.

If you’re looking at something more advanced, like certifications from recognized organizations, you’re probably looking at R25,000 to R40,000 or more.

But don’t let that scare you! There are also more affordable online options that can cost less but still give you great value.

The best part? Cybersecurity is in high demand so that the investment can pay off in your career!

What are the requirements to study cyber security in South Africa?

To study cybersecurity in South Africa, here’s what you’ll typically need:

Basic Computer Skills: Understanding how computers and networks work.
Math Skills: Basic problem-solving and logical thinking.
Interest in Technology: A passion for tech and security.
High School Diploma: Most programs require this as a minimum.
IT Knowledge (Optional but Helpful): Familiarity with IT or networking.
Certifications: Basic ones like CompTIA Security+ can help.
Patience and Persistence: It can be challenging, but keep at it!

Which university in South Africa is best for cyber security?

The University of Pretoria and the University of Cape Town (UCT) are two of the best in South Africa for cybersecurity. There’s also the UNISA cybersecurity course.

UP offers a comprehensive program focused on practical skills and research and is highly respected in the IT field. UCT, on the other hand, is known for its strong reputation in tech and engineering. It offers cutting-edge courses in cybersecurity and access to top industry professionals.

Both universities provide excellent resources and opportunities for students to excel in the rapidly evolving field of cybersecurity.

FAQs

Does South Africa have good cyber security?

South Africa has strong cybersecurity initiatives, but challenges remain, including skill shortages and increasing cyber threats, requiring continuous improvement.

Is cyber security expensive?

Cybersecurity can be expensive, with costs varying based on the course or certification, ranging from a few thousand to more.

How long is cyber security course in South Africa?

Cybersecurity courses in South Africa typically last 6 months to 4 years, depending on the program level.

Conclusion

There you have it—the top 15 cyber security courses in South Africa, covering everything from the basics of cyber security to the advanced practice of protecting digital information and systems from unauthorized access, attacks, and damage.

Even better, some of these courses can be taken online, so you don’t have to be in South Africa to take advantage of them. So it doesn’t matter if you’re in South Africa or abroad. These courses can set you up for a solid career in cybersecurity!