In an age where the world is more connected than ever, many South African students are choosing degrees not only for their local relevance but for their international value.
The dream of moving abroad, whether for better career opportunities, lifestyle changes, or personal growth, is more achievable when you’re equipped with the right education.
But not all degrees are created equal when it comes to global mobility. Some qualifications open doors across continents, while others may require additional certification or retraining.
Best Degrees to Study in South Africa If You Want to Move Abroad
So, what should you study in South Africa if your goal is to live and work abroad?
In this article, we’ll break down the best degrees South African students can pursue that offer the highest potential for international employment, recognition, and ease of immigration.
1. Engineering Degrees (Especially Civil, Mechanical, Electrical & Software Engineering)
Engineering remains one of the most in-demand professions globally. Countries like Canada, Australia, Germany, and the United States are constantly on the lookout for skilled engineers due to infrastructure development, technology expansion, and retiring workforces.
Why it works abroad:
- Engineering qualifications from accredited South African universities (like UCT, Wits, and Stellenbosch) are often recognised by international accreditation bodies through the Washington Accord.
- Many immigration programs (e.g., Australia’s Skilled Independent visa or Canada’s Express Entry) place engineers on their critical skills list.
Tip: Software engineering and mechatronics are in especially high demand due to the global rise of AI, automation, and robotics.
2. Nursing and Healthcare Degrees
If you have a passion for helping others, nursing and other health-related qualifications (such as physiotherapy, radiography, and medical laboratory science) are among the best for overseas opportunities.
Why it works abroad:
- Countries like the UK, Ireland, Canada, and New Zealand face nursing shortages and actively recruit internationally.
- South African-trained nurses are often respected for their practical training and resilience under pressure.
- Most countries offer work-and-settle routes for qualified healthcare professionals.
Note: Nurses may need to pass licensing exams like the NCLEX (USA), OSCE (UK), or NCAS (Canada), but a South African degree provides a strong foundation.
3. Information Technology and Computer Science
The tech world knows no borders, and with the rise of remote work, a degree in IT or computer science has never been more valuable.
Why it works abroad:
- Almost every country needs software developers, data analysts, cybersecurity experts, and AI specialists.
- Many international companies hire remotely, meaning you can work for a US or UK company without immediately relocating.
- A computer science degree from a top SA institution is a great springboard for jobs, freelancing, or even launching your own tech startup abroad.
Bonus: You can supplement your degree with certifications in programming languages (Python, Java), cloud platforms (AWS, Azure), or project management (Scrum, Agile) to become globally competitive.
4. Finance, Accounting & Actuarial Science
If numbers are your strength, you’re in luck. Degrees in finance, accounting, or actuarial science are highly portable, especially when paired with global certifications.
Why it works abroad:
- Many SA universities align their accounting programs with global bodies like ACCA, CIMA, or IFAC, making your transition smoother.
- Chartered accountants from South Africa are well-respected globally, especially those certified by SAICA.
- Actuarial science graduates can pursue fellowships with international actuarial bodies, opening up job markets in the UK, the US, and Australia.
Tip: Combine your degree with global certifications (like CFA or ACCA) to increase your job mobility and earning potential.
5. Teaching and Education Degrees
Many South African teachers have successfully migrated to countries like the UAE, China, the UK, and Australia.
Why it works abroad:
- There’s a strong global demand for English-speaking teachers, especially those who can teach STEM subjects.
- TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or CELTA certification can further boost opportunities, even with a general education degree.
- The UK, for instance, runs teacher shortage lists and offers sponsorship to qualified international educators.
Important: Depending on the country, you might need to register with their teaching council or meet specific qualifications, but a South African B.Ed is often a solid starting point.
6. Law (With a Global Mindset)
While law is largely jurisdiction-specific, a law degree from South Africa can still be your ticket abroad, especially if you plan.
Why it works abroad (with effort):
- South African law degrees often provide a strong foundation in both common law and Roman-Dutch law, making it easier to adapt to systems in the UK, Australia, or Canada.
- You can supplement your LLB with an LLM from an international university to specialize in international law, human rights, or commercial law.
- Legal researchers, paralegals, or compliance officers are often in demand globally, even if full legal practice takes more steps.
Tip: Target fields like international trade law, human rights law, or intellectual property to work with NGOs, global firms, or international courts.
7. Environmental Science and Sustainable Development
With climate change at the center of global policy, degrees in environmental science, conservation biology, and sustainability are becoming goldmines for international job seekers.
Why it works abroad:
- The EU, Canada, and Nordic countries are investing heavily in green energy, conservation, and sustainability programs.
- International organizations (like the UN, WWF, or Greenpeace) are always in need of experts who understand both global and regional environmental issues.
Bonus: South Africa’s rich biodiversity gives graduates a unique edge in global ecological knowledge.
8. Hospitality and Tourism Management
While the tourism industry took a hit during COVID-19, it’s rebounding rapidly, and well-trained professionals are once again in demand worldwide.
Why it works abroad:
- South African hospitality degrees are internationally recognized, especially when gained from institutions like the University of Johannesburg or CPUT.
- Cruise ships, luxury resorts, and global hotel chains are often on the lookout for well-spoken, multilingual, service-oriented staff.
Tip: Pair your degree with experience and language skills to stand out in competitive hospitality markets like the UAE, Maldives, or Europe.
Your Degree Is Your Passport – If You Choose Wisely
Studying in South Africa gives you access to high-quality education that’s globally respected, if you pick a degree that aligns with international demand. But beyond the degree, your skills, adaptability, certifications, and willingness to learn will determine how far your qualification takes you.
Here are a few additional tips:
- Research immigration policies in your target country. Look at their skilled occupation lists.
- Network globally, LinkedIn, international job boards, and alumni networks can connect you with opportunities.
- Consider postgraduate studies abroad to increase your chances of work visas and permanent residency.
So, whether you dream of coding in Canada, nursing in New Zealand, teaching in Tokyo, or managing eco-projects in Sweden, your South African degree can be the launchpad to a world of opportunity.
Study smart. Dream big. Go global.
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