Accredited Software Engineer Course (NQF 6) in South Africa
The Occupational Certificate: Software Engineer is Wheelset Academy's structured, QCTO-aligned route into the broader engineering side of software work — system design, database design, project management and testing, not only writing code. Learners combine knowledge, practical skill and workplace-based experience across software design, database design, development and testing.
It's registered at NQF Level 6 with 240 credits. If you've been searching for a "software engineering course in South Africa", "software engineer qualification" or an "accredited software engineering course" that leads to a recognised qualification rather than a certificate of attendance, this is that qualification — delivered from Wheelset Academy's Pretoria and Kempton Park branches.
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What the NQF 6 Software Engineer course covers
The 240-credit qualification is built from knowledge modules (75 credits), 4 practical skill modules (70 credits) and 4 work experience modules (95 credits) — the highest work-experience weighting of Wheelset Academy's IT qualifications.
Knowledge modules · 75 credits
- Software Engineering
- Programming
- Fundamentals of Database Design and Information Systems
- Fundamentals of Project Management in Relation to Software Engineering
- Computing Theory
- Fundamentals of Software Engineering Mathematics
Practical skill modules · 70 credits
- Document System Design
- Design and Manipulate Databases
- Program and Deploy Applications
- Test or Debug Source Code to Ensure Client's Needs Are Met
Work experience modules · 95 credits
- Software Design
- Database Design and Manipulation
- Software Development
- Software Testing
On completion, learners receive a Letter of Competence from Wheelset Academy and, once verified, a Certificate of Competence with a Statement of Results from the QCTO.
System design and engineering discipline, not just code
With 95 of 240 credits sitting in assessed work experience, this qualification puts more weight on applying engineering judgement in a real setting than any other Wheelset Academy IT course.
- Document system design before writing code
- Design and manipulate databases
- Program and deploy applications
- Test and debug source code against client requirements
- Apply project-management fundamentals to a software engineering context
- Work through software design, development and testing processes end to end
Software Engineer vs Software Developer: which one fits you?
Both qualifications sit in Wheelset Academy's IT family, but they're pitched at different levels and different parts of the software lifecycle.
| Qualification | NQF Level | Credits | Main focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Developer | 5 | 220 | Building and deploying web, desktop and mobile applications with HTML5 and Python |
| Software Engineer | 6 | 240 | System design, database design, project management and testing across the software lifecycle |
Entry equivalence, RPL and which qualification best suits your current experience should be confirmed with admissions.
Verify this qualification yourself
Page information reviewed: 14 August 2026.
SAQA ID 119458
Search the SAQA database · Check QCTO accreditation · Wheelset Academy accreditations page
Study Software Engineering in Pretoria or Johannesburg
Pretoria / Hatfield
353 Festival Street, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0028
Kempton Park / Johannesburg
10 Margaret Avenue, Kempton Park, Johannesburg, 1620
Software Engineering career opportunities
Job titles vary by employer, experience and specialisation. This qualification supports preparation for engineering-track and design-focused software roles.
- Software Engineer
- Software Developer
- Applications Programmer
- Systems Designer
- Database Designer
- Software Tester
- Junior Programmer
- Junior Application Developer
- Database Support Developer
- Software Support Technician
A qualification supports career preparation but does not guarantee a particular job title, salary or appointment.
Software Engineer course fees and study options
Course fees, registration charges, payment plans, intake schedules and delivery methods can change. Use Wheelset Academy's current fees information rather than relying on old search snippets or third-party course listings.
Before you register, confirm:
- Current intake dates and application deadlines
- Current tuition, registration and Portfolio of Evidence fees
- Full-time and part-time payment plan options
- Classroom, blended or other delivery arrangements
Software Engineer course FAQs
What is the Software Engineer course?
It's an Occupational Certificate registered at NQF Level 6 with 240 credits, covering software design, database design, project management fundamentals and testing across the software development lifecycle.
What are the entry requirements?
The stated minimum requirement is an NQF Level 4 qualification, a valid South African ID or passport, and good communication, facilitation, organisational and interpersonal skills.
What's the difference between this course and the Software Developer course?
The Software Developer course is an NQF 5 qualification focused on building and deploying applications. This Software Engineer course is an NQF 6 qualification with a broader systems-design, database-design and project-management scope, and a higher proportion of assessed work-experience credits.
Does the course include practical and work-experience training?
Yes. 70 credits are practical skill modules and a further 95 credits — the largest single component of the qualification — are assessed work-experience modules covering software design, database design, development and testing.
What jobs can I get after completing this course?
The qualification supports preparation for roles such as Systems Designer, Database Designer, Software Tester, Applications Programmer and Junior Application Developer, among others.
Can I study this course in Pretoria or Johannesburg?
Yes. Wheelset Academy delivers from a Pretoria/Hatfield branch and a Kempton Park/Johannesburg branch. Confirm current schedule and delivery method with admissions.
How do I apply?
Review the current fees and intake information, then submit your application through Wheelset Academy's online application page.
Ready to engineer real software solutions?
Apply for the Software Engineer course or speak to admissions about how it compares to the Software Developer course.
Qualification information reviewed: 14 August 2026. The SAQA ID, NQF level, credit values and entry requirement above reflect the registered occupational qualification. Fees, intakes, delivery mode and workplace arrangements can change and should be confirmed with Wheelset Academy before enrolment.