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Occupational Certificate

Data Science

Occupational Certificate: Data Science

  • Graduates earn R320,000 – R650,000 a year
  • NQF Level 5, SAQA ID 118708
  • 1.5 years, online and live
Apply nowSpeak to an advisor

What you will work with

Matplotlib
  • Python
  • Pandas
  • NumPy
  • SQL
  • Jupyter
  • GitHub
  • LangChain
  • Matplotlib
Course length
1.5 years
Requirements
NQF Level 4 qualification (e.g. Matric) or equivalent.
Certificate
Occupational Certificate
Learning style
Online and live
Start date
3 Feb 2027
Applications close
29 Jan 2027

Accreditation

Occupational Certificate: Data Science, NQF Level 5, 185 credits (SAQA ID 118708). Offered by Zaio Institute of Technology as a QCTO-accredited Skills Development Provider under accreditation number 07-QCTO/SDP220925101328.

A nationally registered qualification, not a degree. Pass the national EISA and the QCTO issues the certificate. How to verify.

About the occupational certificate

This data science course is the QCTO's Occupational Certificate: Data Science Practitioner, taught by Zaio Institute of Technology over 18 months, online and live. You cover statistics, data analysis and visualisation from the national curriculum, then Zaio modules in Python, SQL, machine learning and AI, and finish with workplace modules and the national EISA exam.

Entry is matric or an NQF Level 4 equivalent plus basic mathematics. Tuition is paid per year and can be financed monthly; the QCTO issues the certificate.

Curriculum

What the qualification covers.

01Knowledge Modules (66 Credits)

24 modules

Foundation in data science theory and advanced analytics.

  • 251102-001-00-KM-01: Introduction to Data Science and Data Analysis (6 Credits)
  • 251102-001-00-KM-02: Logical Thinking and Basic Calculations (4 Credits)
  • 251102-001-00-KM-03: Computers and Computing Systems (4 Credits)
  • 251102-001-00-KM-04: Computing Theory (2 Credits)
  • 251102-001-00-KM-05: Basic Statistics for Data Analytics (10 Credits)

02Practical Skills Modules (59 Credits)

20 modules

Hands-on training with real-world data science projects.

  • 251102-001-00-PM-01: Logical Thinking & Maths Refresher (3 Credits)
  • 251102-001-00-PM-02: Apply Code in Toolkit/Platform (4 Credits)
  • 251102-001-00-PM-03: Analyse & Visualise Data with Spreadsheets (3 Credits)
  • 251102-001-00-PM-04: Visual Analytics Platforms (4 Credits)
  • 251102-001-00-PM-05: Apply Statistical Tools & Techniques (4 Credits)

03Work Experience Modules (60 Credits)

4 modules

Apply your skills in real-world data science environments.

  • 251102-001-00-WM-01: Data Collection & Pre-processing (16 Credits)
  • 251102-001-00-WM-02: Statistical Data Analysis (16 Credits)
  • 251102-001-00-WM-03: Data Visualization & Reporting (16 Credits)
  • 251102-001-00-WM-04: Capstone Project – End-to-end Data Solution (12 Credits)

Every module, and what it is worth in credits

In the 2027 learner prospectus. Read it here, or download the PDF.

View the prospectus

Tools you will use

  • Python
  • Pandas
  • NumPy
  • SQL
  • Jupyter
  • GitHub
  • LangChain
  • Matplotlib

How the time is spent

About 16 months in total

  1. 10 months

    QCTO Curriculum Class time and practical assignments

  2. 3 months

    Zaio Extended Data Science Curriculum

  3. 3 months

    Industry Data Project and Final Assessment

The difference

What makes this different.

The national curriculum, plus the Python, SQL and machine learning that analytics teams hire for:

185
Credits
48
Modules
23
Zaio-exclusive

Registered on the NQF at Level 5 (SAQA ID 118708) and issued by the QCTO after the EISA, with Zaio's machine learning and AI modules on top.

AI-enhanced analytics

Learn to leverage AI and machine learning for advanced data insights.

Modern tech stack

Master the latest data science tools and cloud platforms.

Beyond the curriculum

You work in Python, SQL, Pandas and scikit-learn, the tools analytics teams use every day.

Professional edge

With personal branding, GitHub projects, and deployment experience, you won't just be a graduate — you'll be a complete professional.

Outcomes

Where this takes you.

Graduates work as data analysts, junior data scientists and business intelligence analysts, or take the qualification into data engineering.

Tech career paths
  • Data Analyst
  • Machine Learning Engineer
  • Business Intelligence Analyst
  • Data Engineer
  • Research Analyst
  • Data Scientist
  • AI Engineer
Maximise performance in your career
  • Data Team Lead
  • Chief Data Officer (CDO)
  • Analytics Manager
  • Product Manager
  • Business Analyst
  • Research Director
Universal skills that enhance any role
  • Data-driven thinking
  • Statistical analysis
  • Problem-solving
  • Technical communication
  • Collaboration
  • Continuous learning
  • Critical thinking

Faculty

Who teaches it.

All instructors

  • Siphiwe (Jack) Themba

    Data scientist and analytics engineer

    Teaches

    Data science

  • Ketro Sithole

    Data engineering and analytics professional

    Teaches

    Data science

Tuition

What it costs, and how you pay.

Pay by year

  • Year 1R58,950
  • Year 2R32,950
  • EISA ExamR6,000 Approx

Paid year by year as you progress, with the national EISA exam fee at the end.

Speak to an advisor

Pay monthly — flexible financing

R4,900 a month

Spread across the 1.5 years you are studying. Financed through Manati, up to 100% of tuition, so you can start without paying it all upfront. Approval is theirs, and every cost is confirmed in writing before you enrol.

See financing options

Ready to start

Applications close
29 Jan 2027
Starts
3 Feb 2027

Who can apply

  • NQF Level 4 qualification (e.g. Matric) or equivalent.
  • Basic mathematics and logical thinking skills.
Apply now

Takes about five minutes.

FAQ

Questions about the Data Science occupational certificate.

Ask an advisor
(01)Is this data science course accredited?
Yes. It is the QCTO-accredited Occupational Certificate: Data Science Practitioner, NQF Level 5, SAQA ID 118708, offered by Zaio Institute of Technology under accreditation number 07-QCTO/SDP220925101328.
(02)What qualifications do I need for data science?
For this programme, an NQF Level 4 qualification (matric or equivalent) and basic mathematics and logical thinking. You do not need a degree, statistics or programming experience to start.
(03)How long is the data science course?
Eighteen months: ten months of the QCTO curriculum, three months of Zaio's extended data science curriculum, and three months for an industry data project and the final assessment.
(04)What is the difference between this certificate and the Data Science bootcamp?
The bootcamp is seven months, project-based and focused on job skills. This certificate is an 18-month national qualification at NQF Level 5 with statistics and analysis modules, workplace modules and a national exam. Choose the certificate for the qualification; the bootcamp for speed.
(05)What does it cost?
R58,950 for year one and R32,950 for year two, or from R4,900 a month, plus the EISA exam fee of about R6,000 paid separately.
(06)Is NQF Level 5 the same as a diploma?
No. NQF Level 5 is the level of a Higher Certificate; a diploma is Level 6. This is an Occupational Certificate at Level 5, not a diploma or a degree.
(07)Will I get a job after the programme?
Zaio does not guarantee a job. You graduate with a national qualification, a data portfolio and workplace experience, and career services help with your CV, portfolio and interviews.
(08)Who can apply?
NQF Level 4 qualification (e.g. Matric) or equivalent. Basic mathematics and logical thinking skills. You apply online and an advisor will confirm you meet the entry rules before you enrol.
(09)How long does it take?
1.5 years, made up of 10 months (qcto curriculum class time and practical assignments), 3 months (zaio extended data science curriculum), 3 months (industry data project and final assessment).
(10)What do I graduate with?
Occupational Certificate: Data Science, NQF Level 5 (SAQA ID 118708). Zaio is accredited by the QCTO, so the qualification is registered on the National Qualifications Framework.
(11)When does it start?
Applications close 29 Jan 2027 and the programme starts 3 Feb 2027.
(12)How do I apply?
choose a programme, apply online, speak to an advisor, secure your place. The application itself takes about five minutes.

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