VerifiedWeThinkCode_ is not a bursary in the usual sense. It is a tuition-free tech academy that turns young people with aptitude but no coding background into software developers in two years, pays them a small stipend while they learn, and places them in paid jobs with its corporate partners. For many applicants it is a faster, cheaper route into tech than a degree.
About WeThinkCode_
- A two-year software development programme with no tuition fees.
- A monthly stipend of about R2 000 for food and transport.
- An NQF Level 5 qualification and a paid one-year work placement; the academy reports about 91% of graduates in permanent jobs.
- Campuses in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.
WeThinkCode_ eligibility requirements
- Aged 17 to 35.
- A valid South African ID, a passport with a work permit, or asylum or permanent residence documents covering the full period.
- Able to study full-time for two years, and not employed or studying elsewhere.
- No coding experience or degree is required.
How to apply to WeThinkCode_
- Complete the online application at apply.wethinkcode.co.za.
- Take the online logical reasoning and aptitude test.
- Attend the selection bootcamp, where you solve problems alone and in teams, then the final interview.
Closing date
30 November 2026 for the 2027 intake.
Contact details
- WeThinkCode_: wethinkcode.co.za
Students taking the university route into tech should see the Amazon bursary, the BET Software bursary and our software engineering bursaries page.
FAQs
1. When do WeThinkCode_ applications close for 2027? +
30 November 2026 for the 2027 intake.
2. What is WeThinkCode_? +
A non-profit tech academy that trains software developers in two years, tuition-free, funded by corporate partners who then take graduates on work placements.
3. What does it cost and what do I get? +
Nothing in tuition. Students receive a monthly stipend of about R2 000 for food and transport, earn an NQF Level 5 qualification and do a paid one-year work placement. The academy reports that about 91% of graduates find permanent jobs.
4. Where are the campuses? +
Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.
5. Who can apply? +
Anyone aged 17 to 35 with a valid South African ID, a passport with a work permit, or asylum or permanent residence documents covering the full period, who can study full-time for two years and is not employed or studying elsewhere. No coding experience or degree is needed.
6. How does selection work? +
Apply online at apply.wethinkcode.co.za, take an online logical reasoning and aptitude test, attend a selection bootcamp solving problems alone and in teams, then a final interview.
Update note (checked September 2026): applications for the 2027 intake are open and close on 30 November 2026. Selection runs through a test, a bootcamp and an interview, so apply early.
