Cisco offers a wealth of free online courses that can equip you with valuable networking skills. This guide explores these resources with a focus on South African learners.
Free Cisco Courses Available
There are two primary avenues for free Cisco courses in South Africa:
- Cisco Networking Academy: (https://www.netacad.com/)
- This is a global program offering free online and in-person courses aligned with industry certifications like CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate).
- The program partners with institutions worldwide, including South African colleges and universities. You can find a list of Cisco Networking Academy academies near you by searching on their website.
- Courses are self-paced and cover various networking fundamentals like routing, switching, and security.
- While the platform itself is free, some academies might charge enrollment fees for additional resources or instructor-led sessions.
- Cisco Skills for All: (https://skillsforall.com/)
- This platform offers free, bite-sized online courses on various IT topics, including networking basics aligned with Cisco technologies.
- Courses are self-paced and accessible on any device.
- You can earn digital badges upon course completion, showcasing your newly acquired skills.
Focus on South Africa:
While both platforms cater to a global audience, some Cisco Networking Academy partners in South Africa offer additional benefits:
- Localized Support: Some academies might provide additional support in English or Afrikaans.
- Career Guidance: Some academies might offer career guidance workshops or job placement assistance specifically tailored to the South African IT market.
Remember: It’s always best to check with your chosen academy for specific details on language support and additional services.
Taking Advantage of Free Cisco Courses
- Identify Your Goals: Determine the specific networking skills you want to develop. Cisco offers courses for beginners to advanced learners.
- Choose the Right Platform: Cisco Networking Academy provides a more structured curriculum with certifications, while Skills for All offers shorter, introductory courses.
- Check Academy Details: If you opt for the Cisco Networking Academy route, locate an academy near you and inquire about their programs and any associated fees.
- Set a Schedule: Commit to dedicating time for consistent learning to progress through the courses.
- Explore Additional Resources: Cisco provides a wealth of free resources like documentation, white papers, and online communities to supplement your learning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Are there any hidden costs? The core Cisco Networking Academy curriculum and Skills for All courses are free. However, some academies might charge additional fees for enrollment or instructor-led sessions.
- Do I need any prior knowledge? Cisco Networking Academy offers beginner courses, while Skills for All has introductory modules. No prior experience is necessary for some courses.
- Can I get a job with just these courses? While these courses provide valuable foundational knowledge, a Cisco certification (obtained through paid exams) might be required for some networking jobs. Skills for All courses can enhance your overall IT skillset.
- Are there any alternatives for in-person learning? Both platforms offer online courses, making them accessible throughout South Africa.
Remember: This guide provides a starting point. Explore the Cisco Networking Academy and Skills for All websites for a comprehensive list of courses and further information.
Overview of Public Universities in South Africa
Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.
University of Pretoria
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
- Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.
University of Cape Town
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
- Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.
Stellenbosch University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
- Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.
University of the Witwatersrand
- Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
- Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.
University of Johannesburg
- Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
- Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.
University of the Free State
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.
University of Venda
- Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
- Application Period: Usually from May to September.
University of Fort Hare
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
- Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.
University of the Western Cape
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
- Application Period: Generally from May to September.
North-West University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
- Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.
Rhodes University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
- Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.
Nelson Mandela University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
- Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.
University of Limpopo
- Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
- Application Period: From April to September.
University of Zululand
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
- Application Period: Usually between April and November.
Central University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
- Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.
Vaal University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
- Application Period: Typically from May to September.
Walter Sisulu University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
- Application Period: From April to September.
This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.