The ALX Software Engineering Programme is a 12-month, full-stack developer training run by ALX Africa, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation. It’s free for accepted African learners apart from a one-off administration fee. Applicants must be 18 or older, English-proficient, with a laptop or desktop and stable internet. Apply at tech.alxafrica.com/apply/se.
This guide explains what the ALX Software Engineering Programme covers, who can apply, the cost, the application process, and what you get at the end.
What is ALX?
ALX is a tech training programme by African Leadership International (ALI) — the same group behind African Leadership Academy and African Leadership University. ALX delivers job-ready training in software engineering, data science, AI, cloud computing, and Salesforce administration. It runs in-person hubs in Nairobi, Lagos, Accra, Cairo, Casablanca, Johannesburg, Kigali, and other African cities, plus full remote tracks.
What you learn in the programme
The Software Engineering Programme runs as a 12-month, full-time bootcamp split into four 12-week sprints:
- Foundations of programming — C language, data structures, version control, the Linux command line, and Git/GitHub.
- Programming Foundations 1 — Python, shell scripting, SQL databases, web servers, and DevOps basics.
- Programming Foundations 2 — JavaScript, web frameworks, APIs, and full-stack project work.
- Specialisation — pick Front-End, Back-End, AR/VR, Augmented Backend, DevOps, or Blockchain.
You graduate with a certificate, a portfolio of projects, and access to The ROOM — ALX’s talent network used by tech employers across Africa and globally.
Programme requirements
- 18 years or older.
- Reliable laptop or desktop (8GB RAM minimum recommended).
- Stable internet connection.
- Proficiency in spoken and written English.
- No prior coding experience required — ALX assesses you in-course.
- Time commitment: ~70–80 hours per week for the 12 months.
Cost and scholarships
For African learners, the programme is run on Mastercard Foundation and other partner scholarships, with all tuition costs waived. Once accepted, you pay a one-off administration fee to confirm your seat. Out-of-Africa applicants may pay tuition in full ($7,500–$49,000 depending on track).
A separate, shorter Intro to Software Engineering Programme runs for 3 months at 20 hours/week — useful if you’re not ready to commit to the full bootcamp.
How to apply
- Open tech.alxafrica.com/apply/se.
- Fill the registration form (about 5 minutes) — name, country, email, phone.
- You’ll be directed to the full application platform — about 90 minutes. It has three sections including an English proficiency test and a logical-reasoning section.
- Submit. ALX reviews and emails you the result within a few weeks.
- If accepted, pay the admin fee, sign the learner agreement, and join the next cohort.
Application tips
- Plan a 2-hour quiet block for the application — once the timer starts, you can’t pause.
- Use a stable internet connection — the platform doesn’t auto-save. Drop-offs cost time.
- Work through the practice questions ALX shares before the timed section. Logical reasoning carries the most weight.
- Be ready to commit fully — the programme is intense. Part-time is not an option for the standard SE track.
- Check your spam folder for the acceptance email.
What you get after graduation
- ALX Software Engineering certificate.
- A live portfolio of full-stack projects on GitHub.
- Membership in The ROOM — ALX’s talent community, with access to job leads, mentors, peer events, and partner companies.
- An employer network spanning Microsoft, Andela, Flutterwave, MTN, and several African startups.
Cohort start dates
ALX runs multiple cohorts a year. Applications generally open in waves — January, April/May, August, and November. Confirm the next opening on the ALX Africa website.
FAQs
Is the ALX Software Engineering Programme free?
For accepted African learners, tuition is fully covered by the Mastercard Foundation and partners. You pay a one-off administration fee on enrolment.
How long does the programme last?
12 months for the full Software Engineering Programme. The Intro track is 3 months.
Can I work or study while doing ALX?
Not the full SE track — it requires 70–80 hours/week. The 3-month Intro track at 20 hours/week is more flexible.
What language is the curriculum in?
English. There’s an English proficiency test in the application.
Do I need a degree to apply?
No degree required. You only need to be 18 or older with the listed equipment and English proficiency.
How competitive is admission?
ALX is selective — acceptance rates vary by cohort but reportedly run in the 10–20% range. Strong logical reasoning scores and clear motivation help.
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This is truly a wonderful opportunity for all those seeking to pursue a career in the tech industry…
when i checked on their official website, they stated clearly that all fees have been waived for 2022. Meanwhile, considering the fact that the program runs till August next year.. It made me wonder if we would be required to pay up for lessons from next year??