What to Study in 2025: Education Paths That Actually Lead to Employment
Lots of people in South Africa go to school, college, or university. But struggle to find employment opportunities. According to Stats SA, the country’s youth unemployment rate was 45.5% in early 2024. That means nearly 1 in 2 young people looking for work can’t find it, even with qualifications.
The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 says that while education is still important, many people don’t have the right type of skills for today’s job market. Many study for too long without learning practical or digital skills that employers now want.
Today, the world of work is different. Companies want people who can do the job, not just people with long certificates.
This article will help you choose what to study in 2025, so you can get a job faster, even if you don’t have a degree.
What the WEF Says About Jobs and Skills
The World Economic Forum (WEF) released a big report in 2025. It says:
- Jobs are growing fast in tech, green energy, healthcare, and logistics
- Companies need skills, not just long qualifications
- Most future jobs will need people who can use technology, solve problems, and learn fast
This means you don’t need to study for 3-4 years to succeed. You just need to study smart.
Top 7 Fields to Study in 2025 That Can Lead to a Job
Here are the best areas to study if you want a better chance of getting hired. Each one includes where to study, what job it can lead to, and how much you could earn.
1. Information Technology (IT)
Why it’s in demand: Every company needs tech support, apps, websites, and people who can fix tech problems.
What to study:
- Computer basics
- Coding (HTML, Python, Java)
- IT support and networking
- Cybersecurity
Where to study:
- ExploreAI Academy
- HyperionDev
- Coursera
- TVET colleges with IT courses
Jobs you can get: IT support assistant, junior web developer
Starting salary: R10,000 – R25,000 per month
2. Data and Business Analytics
Why it’s in demand: Companies want to understand their numbers and make better decisions.
What to study:
- Excel
- Data entry
- Power BI or Google Sheets
- SQL (for databases)
Where to study:
Jobs you can get: Data capturer, data analyst assistant
Starting salary: R12,000 – R35,000 per month
3. Renewable Energy and Green Skills
Why it’s in demand: South Africa is moving to solar and wind energy. We need workers who can install and maintain it.
What to study:
- Solar panel installation
- Energy efficiency basics
- Green technology
Where to study:
- TVET colleges like False Bay TVET
- GreenCape
- UWC short courses
- Coursera – Solar Energy
Jobs you can get: Solar technician, green assistant
Starting salary: R8,000 – R25,000 per month
4. Healthcare and Community Care
Why it’s in demand: South Africa needs more caregivers, nurses, and health helpers, especially in rural areas.
What to study:
- Basic nursing
- Home-based care
- Health support work
Where to study:
- Public nursing colleges
- Health SETA programs
- NGO care programs
Jobs you can get: Caregiver, nursing assistant
Starting salary: R6,000 – R18,000 per month
5. Logistics and Delivery
Why it’s in demand: More people buy online. We need workers to move goods and manage stock.
What to study:
- Warehousing
- Transport and supply chain basics
- Delivery management
Where to study:
- TVET colleges with transport programs
- Learnerships from big delivery companies
- Sayouth.mobi
Jobs you can get: Warehouse assistant, driver, delivery packer
Starting salary: R5,000 – R12,000 per month
6. Digital Marketing and Content
Why it’s in demand: Businesses need people who know how to sell online and talk to customers on social media.
What to study:
- Social media marketing
- Email campaigns
- Google Ads and Analytics
Where to study:
- Digify Africa
- Coursera
- Red & Yellow School
Jobs you can get: Social media assistant, content creator
Starting salary: R7,000 – R20,000 per month
7. Trades: Plumbing, Electrical, Welding
Why it’s in demand: These are skills people always need. You can even start your own small business later.
What to study:
- Plumbing
- Electrical work
- Welding or building basics
Where to study:
- TVET colleges
- SETA learnerships
- Local training centres
Jobs you can get: Plumber assistant, handyman, apprentice
Starting salary: R5,000 – R15,000 per month
What to Avoid If You Want a Job Fast
- Long courses that don’t include real work or experience
- Colleges that are not accredited or charge too much
- Studying something without checking if jobs are available
- Doing too many short courses without a clear goal
Degree, TVET, or Short Course?
Here’s how to decide:
- University degree – Good for doctors, lawyers, teachers, or engineers
- TVET colleges – Great for trades, IT, admin, and hands-on jobs
- Short courses (online) – Fast, low-cost way to get job-ready
You don’t have to pick only one. You can start small and grow later.
Don’t Qualify Yet? Start Anyway
If you don’t meet all the requirements:
- Start with a free online course on SAYouth, Coursera, or Google Skills
- Join a learnership while you improve your marks
- Ask about bridging courses at your local college
- Get help upgrading your Matric if needed
Final Thoughts – Study Smart, Not Just Hard
The world is changing. Many jobs are going away. New ones are coming fast.
The smartest thing you can do is choose to study something that helps you:
- Get hired
- Learn real skills
- Grow over time
Pick something useful. Pick something short. Pick something real.
What to Do Next
- Choose one field from the list
- Sign up for a short course this week
- Share this with a friend or family member who’s unsure
- Visit sayouth.mobi to explore training and job options
If this article was helpful to you, let us know on the comment section below.
This article helped me to change my decision on what to study as I wanted study again
Glad you found this helpful. Good luck on your studies.