Sport & Fitness
Sports Scientist
You use science to make athletes faster, stronger and injury-free.
- Starting salary
- R15 000 – R28 000
- Job demand
- Growing fast
- Key subjects
- Life Sciences, Physical Sciences
What do they do?
You use science to make athletes faster, stronger and injury-free.
A day in the life
You test fitness, analyse performance data, design training programmes and work with coaches.
Skills you need
- Science
- Data analysis
- Motivation
- Fitness knowledge
School subjects that help
- Life Sciences
- Physical Sciences
- Mathematics
How long does it take?
3 main steps after school, usually 3–6 years of study, plus practical experience.
Study path
- 1High school
- 2BSc Sport Science
- 3Honours / Biokinetics
- 4Sports scientist
Ways in: University degree · University of Technology · Professional certification. University is not the only route.
Where can I study?
- Stellenbosch University
- University of Pretoria
- University of Johannesburg
- North-West University
- University of the Free State
- Nelson Mandela University
Admission requirements differ by institution, always check the official website.
What can I earn?
Entry level
R15 000 – R28 000
per month (estimate)
Mid career
R30 000 – R50 000
per month (estimate)
Experienced / senior
R55 000 – R100 000+
per month (estimate)
Estimated salary ranges only. Salaries vary based on experience, qualification, industry, location and employer.
How to start preparing now
- • Track your own training data
- • Help your school team warm up
- • Learn about muscles and energy
Try this career
Design and test a 4-week fitness plan for yourself, tracking progress.
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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.