Do I need coding experience or a university degree to apply?

No. WeThinkCode_ is open to applicants with no prior coding experience and does not require a university degree or specific matric subjects. The selection process tests your aptitude and ability to learn, not what you already know.

Is the programme really free, and is there any financial support?

Yes. The programme is 100% tuition-free, with all tuition costs covered by corporate sponsors so you leave with no student debt. Students also receive a monthly stipend of around R2,000 to help with food and transport.

How long is the programme and what do I get at the end?

It is a two-year, full-time programme made up of around 16 months of training plus a one-year paid work placement with a host employer. Graduates earn an NQF Level 5 qualification in systems development, and the organisation reports about 91% of graduates are placed in permanent employment.

How do I apply and when do applications open?

Applications open on an annual cohort cycle via the official portal at apply.wethinkcode.co.za and were confirmed open for the 2026 intake. Selection runs through an online application form, an entrance test, a selection bootcamp and a final interview, so apply as soon as applications are open.

Computer Science & IT WeThinkCode_ (self-administered; funded by corporate sponsors)

WeThinkCode_ Tuition-Free Software Development Programme

WeThinkCode_ runs a 100% tuition-free, two-year software development programme that trains young South Africans to become work-ready developers, with no prior coding experience or university degree required. Corporate sponsors cover all tuition costs plus a monthly stipend for food and transport, and graduates complete a one-year paid work placement with a host employer. It targets talented, motivated people aged 17 to 35 who can study full-time at a Johannesburg, Cape Town or Durban campus.

Amount:

100% tuition-free (no cost to students); tuition plus a monthly stipend of approximately R2,000 for food and transport, funded by corporate sponsors

Deadline:

30 November 2026

Renewable:

Apply on WeThinkCode_ (self-administered; funded by corporate sponsors)'s site

Eligible Fields of Study

WeThinkCode_ (self-administered; funded by corporate sponsors) supports students in the following disciplines

Software development

Systems development

Backend / web development

Computer programming

Information technology

Eligibility Requirements

✓ Aged between 17 and 35
✓ Able to study full-time for two years at a WeThinkCode_ campus in South Africa (Johannesburg, Cape Town or Durban)
✓ Hold a valid South African ID, OR a valid passport with work permit, OR a valid asylum seeker's permit / permanent residency covering the full three-year period (two years study plus one year work placement)
✓ Not currently working or studying at another institution (the programme is full-time)
✓ No prior coding experience or university degree required

What's Included

✓ Fully tuition-free training (no fees, no student debt)
✓ Monthly stipend of approximately R2,000 for food and transport
✓ NQF Level 5 qualification in systems development
✓ World-class software development and backend developer training
✓ One-year paid work placement with a host employer
✓ Strong employment outcomes (the organisation reports around 91% of graduates placed in permanent employment)
✓ Peer-to-peer, project-based learning with no prior coding experience required

Work Commitment

The two-year programme includes a one-year paid work placement with a host employer, during which students apply their training in a real software development role.

How to Apply

Steps to complete your WeThinkCode_ (self-administered; funded by corporate sponsors) bursary application

1
Complete the online application form via the official portal at apply.wethinkcode.co.za while applications are open
2
Take the online entrance test, which assesses logical reasoning and aptitude rather than existing coding knowledge
3
Attend the selection bootcamp, an intensive hands-on assessment of your ability to learn and collaborate
4
Attend a final interview
5
Accept your place and enrol full-time at your assigned WeThinkCode_ campus

Required Documents

📄 Valid South African ID, OR a valid passport with work permit, OR a valid asylum seeker's permit / proof of permanent residency
📄 Proof of age (to confirm you are between 17 and 35)
📄 Contact details and a working email address for the online application
📄 Any supporting information requested during the online application and selection process

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need coding experience or a university degree to apply?: No. WeThinkCode_ is open to applicants with no prior coding experience and does not require a university degree or specific matric subjects. The selection process tests your aptitude and ability to learn, not what you already know.
Is the programme really free, and is there any financial support?: Yes. The programme is 100% tuition-free, with all tuition costs covered by corporate sponsors so you leave with no student debt. Students also receive a monthly stipend of around R2,000 to help with food and transport.
How long is the programme and what do I get at the end?: It is a two-year, full-time programme made up of around 16 months of training plus a one-year paid work placement with a host employer. Graduates earn an NQF Level 5 qualification in systems development, and the organisation reports about 91% of graduates are placed in permanent employment.
How do I apply and when do applications open?: Applications open on an annual cohort cycle via the official portal at apply.wethinkcode.co.za and were confirmed open for the 2026 intake. Selection runs through an online application form, an entrance test, a selection bootcamp and a final interview, so apply as soon as applications are open.

Ready to apply?

Applications close on 30 November 2026

Apply on WeThinkCode_ (self-administered; funded by corporate sponsors)'s official site

Need help? Contact WeThinkCode_ (self-administered; funded by corporate sponsors):

Email: info@wethinkcode.co.za

Information verified 2026-06-08. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.

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