Sport & Fitness
Professional Athlete
You compete at the highest level in your sport.
- Starting salary
- R5 000 – R25 000
- Job demand
- Emerging
- Key subjects
- Life Orientation, Life Sciences
What do they do?
You compete at the highest level in your sport.
A day in the life
You train twice a day, recover, eat carefully, study opponents and compete on match days.
Skills you need
- Discipline
- Talent
- Resilience
- Teamwork
School subjects that help
- Life Orientation
- Life Sciences
- Any strong academic subjects as a backup
How long does it take?
3 main steps after school, usually 3–6 years of study, plus practical experience.
Study path
- 1School sport
- 2Academy / provincial level
- 3Semi-pro contract
- 4Professional contract
Ways in: Sports academy · University sport bursary · Club development programme. University is not the only route.
Where can I study?
- Stellenbosch University
- University of Pretoria
- North-West University
- University of Johannesburg
- Provincial sports academies
Admission requirements differ by institution, always check the official website.
What can I earn?
Entry level
R5 000 – R25 000
per month (estimate)
Mid career
R30 000 – R120 000
per month (estimate)
Experienced / senior
Highly variable; top earners far more
per month (estimate)
Estimated salary ranges only. Salaries vary based on experience, qualification, industry, location and employer.
How to start preparing now
- • Train consistently and safely
- • Join a club, not just school sport
- • Keep your marks up as a plan B
Try this career
Keep a training and nutrition journal for one month.
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This tool is designed to help you explore career possibilities. It does not replace professional career counselling, school guidance or official university admission requirements.