There are no universal high school subject requirements for studying digital marketing in South Africa. The requirements depend on the course, college or university you choose.
Some marketing courses do not require specific school subjects, while formal qualifications may require Matric, a certain APS score or particular subject results. Even when subjects are not compulsory, choosing relevant subjects can make it easier to understand marketing, business communication and campaign data.
- English
- Maths or Maths Literacy
- Economics
- Business Studies
- Computer Applications Technology
- Information Technology
English
Digital marketers regularly write social media content, advertisements, emails, website pages and reports. Strong English skills can help you communicate clearly and adapt your message for different audiences.
Good grammar and spelling are particularly useful for content marketing, advertising and professional communication.
Business Studies
Business Studies introduces you to topics such as marketing, entrepreneurship, management and business operations.
This knowledge can help you understand how marketing supports sales, customer relationships and the overall goals of an organisation.
Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy
You do not necessarily need pure Mathematics to study marketing. Mathematical Literacy may be accepted, depending on your chosen qualification.
Basic numerical skills are helpful when working with:
- Advertising budgets
- Campaign costs
- Conversion rates
- Percentages
- Sales figures
- Website traffic
- Marketing reports
Economics
Economics can help you understand markets, consumer behaviour and the factors that influence buying decisions.
Although it is not usually compulsory, it can provide useful background knowledge for marketing strategy and market research.
Computer Applications Technology
Computer Applications Technology can help you become more comfortable with spreadsheets, presentations, documents and other digital tools.
These skills are useful because digital marketers work with content platforms, analytics software, advertising systems and marketing reports.
Information Technology
Information Technology is not required for most marketing courses, but it can be helpful if you are interested in websites, ecommerce, automation or the more technical side of digital marketing.
You generally do not need programming knowledge to enter this career.
What Is The Job Of A Digital Marketer?
Digital Marketing is a form of business marketing that is simply done online. This means using social media platforms and digital means to advertise and promote the business or company. A Digital Marketer may have many responsibilities, including but not limited to:
- Marketing research
- Research analysis
- Creating marketing strategies
- Developing and implementing marketing strategies
- Researching results of implemented marketing strategies
- Readjusting marketing campaigns to better the reach of the company
Digital marketers may specialise in one area or work across several channels, which is an easier way to get through understanding the full aspects of what marketing can be.
Is Digital Marketing A Tech Job?
Digital marketing is a technology-enabled business and communication field.
You do not usually need to repair computers or develop software. However, you must be comfortable using digital platforms and learning new systems.
Common tools include:
- Website content-management systems
- Social media scheduling platforms
- Search engine optimisation tools
- Advertising platforms
- Email marketing software
- Customer relationship management systems
- Analytics and reporting tools
- Spreadsheets
- Design and content tools
Artificial intelligence is also becoming part of everyday marketing work. It can assist with research, planning, content ideas, automation and data analysis. Marketers still need to review the output, protect customer information and ensure that published content is accurate.
Is Digital Marketing In Demand?
Businesses increasingly rely on websites, search engines, social media, email and online advertising to reach customers. This creates opportunities for people who understand how to plan campaigns and measure their results.
Demand differs according to the role and industry. Employers may look for skills in:
- Content marketing
- Social media management
- Search engine optimisation
- Paid advertising
- Email marketing
- Ecommerce
- Marketing analytics
- Graphic content
- Marketing automation
Practical experience and evidence of your work can be especially valuable when applying for digital marketing positions.
Do You Need A Degree To Be A Digital Marketer?
You do not always need a degree to work in digital marketing.
Some employers prefer candidates with a degree or diploma in marketing, communication, business or a related field. Others place more importance on relevant skills, experience and a portfolio of work.
You can demonstrate your abilities by creating:
- Social media campaigns
- Blog content
- Basic marketing plans
- Email campaigns
- Website content
- Campaign reports
- Personal or community projects
Internships, junior marketing positions, freelance work and volunteer projects can also help you gain experience.
How Long Does It Take To Be A Digital Marketer?
The study period depends on the type of programme you choose.
A formal bachelor’s degree commonly takes three years of full-time study in South Africa, although some degrees take four years or longer. A formal diploma commonly takes about three years.
Short courses and provider programmes may take a few months to one year.
Skills Academy offers three provider Marketing Management options:
- Marketing Management Short Course: Approximately four months
- Marketing Management Certificate Course: Approximately eight months
- Comprehensive Marketing Management Course: Approximately 12 months
The NATED Marketing Management pathway includes N4, N5 and N6 theory studies. Students must also complete 18 months of relevant practical experience to qualify for the National Diploma.
What Is The Average Salary Of A Digital Marketer?
According to Indeed South Africa, the average base salary for a digital marketer was approximately R15,266 per month in 2026.
Actual earnings depend on factors such as:
- Experience
- Location
- Employer
- Industry
- Responsibilities
- Specialisation
- Campaign results
Senior specialists and managers may earn more, while entry-level employees may start below the reported average.
How Can I Start Digital Marketing?
You can start your journey to your Digital Marketing career with a NATED Marketing Management course, or you can choose to study a Short Course in Marketing Management.
NATED Courses
NATED courses are designed by the Department of Higher Education and Training, and are accredited by QCTO (the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations). This means that they are recognised as formal qualifications in South Africa.
NATED qualifications take three years to complete. This consists of 18 months of theory study followed by 18 months of practical study.
NATED courses have three levels of theory study, which each take six months to complete. This is then followed by 18 months of work experience, which counts as the practical side of the qualification.
You will apply to be placed at a business or company relevant to your stream of study through iWIL, a free placement service. Note that you do not automatically gain a placement. Your work hours and progress will be tracked, and then the records will be submitted for review before you can get your Diploma.
Where Can I Study NATED Marketing Management?
There are many reputable distance learning colleges that offer NATED Marketing Management, such as:
Short Courses
Short courses are designed to equip you as quickly and efficiently as possible with the skills and tools you will need to start your career. You can study a Short Course at an institute such as:
The short courses offered at Skills Academy are provider programmes which are open-access. Open-access means that there are only two requirements you have to meet to be able to apply, which are:
- You must be over the age of 16
- You must be able to understand, read and write in English
What Have We Learned?
You do not need specific high school subjects to begin every marketing course. Useful subjects such as English, Business Studies, Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy, Economics and Computer Applications Technology can give you a helpful foundation.
If you have Matric, you can consider the NATED Marketing Management pathway. If you do not have Matric, Skills Academy’s provider Marketing Management courses give you another way to start developing relevant skills.
Explore Marketing Management courses at Skills Academy and choose a study option that suits your goals to become a digital marketer.
Last Updated: 5 August 2026