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5 skills you can learn in 6 months to make big money without a degree

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Getting a university degree in SA doesn’t always guarantee a high-paying job. With rising unemployment and underemployment, many graduates end up in jobs that barely cover their bills.The world is shifting towards skill-based earnings, where what you can do matters more than what’s on your certificate. And the best part?

Some of the most profitable skills take just 6 months or less to learn if you’re committed. These skills are so profitable that you might wonder if university degrees are still worth it.


If you’re a student, a 9-5 worker looking for a side hustle, or someone who wants to escape the job-search struggle, these five skills can change your financial game.

5 skills you can learn in 6 months to make money

1. Digital Marketing (Social Media & SEO)

Digital marketing is the art of promoting products or services online. Have you’ve ever scrolled through Instagram and seen ads for businesses? That’s digital marketing at work. Companies are willing to pay big money to people who can help them get more customers online.

How to start 

  • Social Media Marketing: Learn how to run ads on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Businesses need experts to manage their pages, create engaging content, and turn followers into buyers.
  • SEO (Search Engine Optimisation): This is about making websites rank higher on Google. If you can master SEO, companies and bloggers will pay you well.

Where to learn for free/low cost

  • Goggle Digital Garage
  • Coursera: Meta Social Media Marketing

2. Copywriting

Ever read a product description or an ad that made you want to buy immediately? That’s copywriting, the art of persuasive writing. Businesses need people who can write sales emails, ads, and website content that convince customers to take action.

How to start 

  • Freelance on Upwork & Fiverr: Many South Africans and international businesses need copywriters for their websites and ads. Beginners charges well per project, while experts make an attractive money monthly.
  • Specialise in a Niche: Finance, health, and tech copywriters earn more because these industries pay well for high-converting content.

Where to learn for free/low cost

  • HubSpot Academy: Free Copywriting Course
  • Udemy: Copywriting for Beginners (Paid but often discounted)

3. UI/UX Design

This is one of those jobs that did not exist 10 years ago; today, many businesses can’t do so without a UI/UX designer. Every app or website you love was designed by a UI/UX designer. These professionals make digital products easy and enjoyable to use, and tech companies pay over R5000 monthly for this skill.

How to start

  • Learn tools like Figma & Adobe XD: These are the industry-standard tools for designing websites and apps.
  • Build a portfolio: Start by redesigning existing apps (e.g., “How would I improve the Bolt app?”) and showcase your work on Behance or Dribbble.
  • Freelance or get remote jobs: Many startups and foreign companies hire UI/UX designers from SA.

Where to learn for free/low cost

  • Goggle UX Design Courses (Free on Coursera)
  • YouTube: Figma Tutorials (Free)

4. Video editing (YouTube & TikTok content)

With the rise of YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram Reels, video editors are in high demand. Influencers, businesses, and media companies pay well per video for skilled editors.

How to start

  • Learn tools like CapCut (Free) & Adobe Premiere Pro: Start by editing short clips and posting them online.
  • Offer services on social media: Many small businesses need video ads, but don’t know how to edit.
  • Work with YouTubers: As channels grow, they hire editors to handle their content.

Where to learn for free/low cost

  • Skillshare: Video editing classes (Free trial available)
  • YouTube: CapCut editing tutorials (Free)

5. Data Analysis 

Businesses collect tons of data but need experts to analyse trends and make decisions. If you can work with tools like Excel, SQL, and Python, you can earn meaningful income monthly in South Africa.

How to start 

  • Learn Excel & Google Sheets first: Many small businesses need basic data tracking.
  • Move to SQL & Python: These are used for deeper analysis in tech and finance.
  • Freelance or Get Hired Remotely: Banks, startups, and e-commerce companies hire data analysts.

Where to learn for free/low cost

  • Goggle Data Analytics Course (Free on Coursera)
  • Kaggle: Free SQL & Python Courses

You don’t need to learn all five. Just pick one and go all in. Build a portfolio and start offering services. The key is consistency. In 6 months, you could be making millions without a degree.

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