From Broke Student Without Funding to Top-Earning Software Engineer

Money shouldn't stop you from accessing a life-changing education. Code College's Income Share Agreement (ISA) was designed exactly for this — train now, pay back only once you're employed. Here's the story of Xolani, our highest-earning alumnus to date.

Key result: Xolani is Code College's highest-earning alumnus — earning a six-figure annual income as a Full-Stack Java Developer at a major South African bank, 5 years after completing the Java Bootcamp.

What Is an Income Share Agreement?

An Income Share Agreement (ISA) is a financial contract where a person agrees to pay a portion of their future income in exchange for training now. Instead of paying upfront fees or fixed interest, you pay a percentage of your income — only once you're employed. If you don't find work, you don't pay.

Xolani's Story

Xolani was a 2014 matriculant who enrolled on our Java Bootcamp in 2015. He had passed matric with a University exemption — his school fees had been paid by his mother's employers while she worked as a domestic worker. He didn't want to pursue university, even with a SASSA loan available.

"He felt it would take too long to start earning, and he was keen to get employed in software development."

Code College offered him the ISA option — study now, pay back when employed. He applied, passed the interview and aptitude test with flying colours, and was offered a place.

Top of the Class, First to Get a Job

As expected, Xolani was one of the top students in his class. He was also one of the first to get a job. He quickly started paying back his studies and stayed involved with Code College as an ambassador, student advisor, and mentor — appearing in some of our videos.

Code College never required repayment during patches of unemployment in his career. They tracked his growth with great interest.

Six Figures — 5 Years Later

Five years after completing the Java Bootcamp, Xolani proudly showed Code College his job contract when he broke through six-figure annual earnings as a Full-Stack Java Developer at a well-known South African bank. He is Code College's highest-earning alumnus to date.

How to Apply for the Income Share Agreement

If you have completed Matric with a minimum average across your subjects (Maths is a plus but not a requirement if other subjects were strong):

We would not offer this agreement if we were not confident you will find employment. If you don't find work, we also lose — and we are in the business of creating win-win solutions.

Read more about Code College's school leavers bootcamp → or contact us to apply for the ISA →