Best Universities for Engineering in South Africa

Discover the best universities for engineering in South Africa, including UCT, Wits, UP, Stellenbosch, UKZN and UJ, plus requirements, courses and bursaries.

Best Universities for Engineering in South Africa

Engineering is one of the most popular study choices for South African students interested in mathematics, science, technology, construction, manufacturing, energy and innovation. However, choosing the right university can be difficult because different institutions are known for different engineering disciplines.

The best university for engineering in South Africa will depend on the branch of engineering you want to study, your matric results, your budget, location and the type of career you want after graduation.

South Africa has several universities offering engineering degrees, including civil, mechanical, electrical, chemical, industrial, mining, computer, electronic and mechatronic engineering.

This guide looks at some of the best universities for engineering in South Africa, what they offer, admission requirements, engineering fields and what students should consider before applying.

Best Engineering Universities in South Africa

There is no single official national ranking that determines the “best” engineering university. Instead, students should consider factors such as programme quality, engineering disciplines offered, accreditation, facilities, research, industry connections and admission requirements.

Some of the leading universities to consider include:

University of Cape Town (UCT)
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
University of Pretoria (UP)
Stellenbosch University
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
University of Johannesburg (UJ)
North-West University (NWU)
University of the Western Cape (UWC)
Nelson Mandela University (NMU)
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)

1. University of Cape Town

The University of Cape Town (UCT) is one of the most competitive universities in South Africa and has a strong Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment.

Students can pursue engineering fields including:

Civil Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Mechatronics Engineering
Computer Engineering
Other engineering and built-environment fields

UCT’s engineering admission requirements are relatively demanding.

For the admission cycle, UCT listed an FPS of 500 for guaranteed admission to several engineering programmes, with different minimum Mathematics and Physical Sciences requirements depending on the discipline. For example, Civil Engineering required at least 75% Mathematics and 70% Physical Sciences for the listed guaranteed-admission band, while Mechanical Engineering required at least 80% Mathematics and 75% Physical Sciences.

UCT also requires undergraduate Engineering & Built Environment applicants in South Africa to write the National Benchmark Tests. The NBT results are required but are not used in the admission calculation for the Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment.

UCT Engineering & the Built Environment

Why choose UCT for Engineering?

UCT may be a strong choice if you want:

A research-focused university
A wide range of engineering disciplines
Strong academic and technical training
Access to major research facilities
An engineering degree with international recognition

2. University of the Witwatersrand

The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) is another leading choice for engineering in South Africa.

Its Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment offers programmes in areas such as:

Civil Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Industrial Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Mining Engineering
Aeronautical Engineering
Biomedical Engineering
Computer-related engineering fields

Wits lists an APS of 42+ for several of its engineering programmes, with English, Mathematics and Physical Sciences generally required at Level 5. Applicants who achieve Level 6 in these subjects generally have a better chance of being accepted because admission is competitive.

For example, Wits’ Civil Engineering programme lists:

Requirement	Minimum
APS	42+
English	Level 5
Mathematics	Level 5
Physical Sciences	Level 5

Wits makes it clear that meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission because the university has a limited number of places.

Wits Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment

3. University of Pretoria

The University of Pretoria (UP) is one of the most established engineering universities in South Africa and offers a broad selection of engineering degrees.

Engineering fields include:

Civil Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Electronic Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Industrial Engineering
Mining Engineering
Metallurgical Engineering
Computer Engineering
Mechatronic Engineering

UP offers four-year Bachelor of Engineering programmes in several disciplines.

For example, the BEng Civil Engineering four-year programme requires:

English Home Language or First Additional Language: Level 5
Mathematics: Level 6
Physical Sciences: Level 6
APS: 35

UP also provides a five-year engineering route with lower percentage thresholds in certain cases. For the 5-year Civil Engineering programme, the published minimums include 65% for English, Mathematics and Physical Sciences and an APS of 33.

UP also states that meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.

University of Pretoria Engineering

4. Stellenbosch University

Stellenbosch University is another excellent option for students interested in engineering.

Its Faculty of Engineering offers programmes in fields such as:

Civil Engineering
Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Industrial Engineering

The university is particularly attractive to students who want to combine engineering education with research and innovation.

Prospective students should check the latest Stellenbosch programme requirements before applying because APS and subject requirements can vary between engineering programmes and admission years.

Stellenbosch University Faculty of Engineering

5. University of KwaZulu-Natal

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is another major South African university offering engineering and technology programmes.

Students can pursue engineering-related studies in areas including:

Civil Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Electronic Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Chemical Engineering

UKZN’s location also gives students access to the economic and industrial environment of KwaZulu-Natal.

Students should check the university’s current undergraduate prospectus for the latest requirements for their chosen engineering programme.

UKZN Engineering

6. University of Johannesburg

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is a strong option for students interested in engineering technology, engineering and applied technology.

UJ offers programmes across areas such as:

Civil Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Industrial Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Mining Engineering
Electronic Engineering
Computer and related technology fields

The university has a strong focus on applied learning and industry-relevant skills.

ECSA’s 2024/25 annual report records UJ among institutions with engineering programmes undergoing the formal engineering programme quality-assurance process, including BEng Tech and MEng programmes.

University of Johannesburg Engineering and the Built Environment

7. North-West University

North-West University (NWU) offers engineering programmes and engineering-related qualifications through its engineering and technology faculties.

Students can explore fields including:

Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Industrial Engineering
Computer-related fields

NWU can be worth considering for students who want a university outside the major Cape Town, Johannesburg and Pretoria centres.

North-West University Engineering

8. University of the Western Cape

The University of the Western Cape (UWC) is another institution that students should consider when researching engineering and technology-related study options.

Its science and technology programmes can provide alternative pathways into technical careers.

Students should distinguish between traditional professional engineering degrees and engineering technology qualifications when comparing programmes.

University of the Western Cape

9. Nelson Mandela University

Nelson Mandela University (NMU) offers engineering programmes in Gqeberha and is particularly attractive to students interested in engineering within the Eastern Cape.

Engineering areas include fields such as:

Civil Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Mechatronics
Industrial Engineering

Its location also places students relatively close to important manufacturing and automotive industries in the Eastern Cape.

Nelson Mandela University Engineering

10. Tshwane University of Technology

Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) is a major university of technology offering engineering and engineering technology qualifications.

Students can find programmes in areas including:

Civil Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Industrial Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Mechatronics
Computer and information-related technology

TUT can be particularly attractive to students interested in practical and technology-focused education.

ECSA’s 2024/25 report recorded several TUT engineering programmes receiving ECSA endorsement, including Mechanical Engineering and postgraduate Mechatronics Engineering programmes.

Tshwane University of Technology Engineering

Engineering Universities Comparison

University	Examples of Engineering Fields	Location
UCT	Civil, Chemical, Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics	Cape Town
Wits	Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Mining, Chemical	Johannesburg
UP	Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Mining	Pretoria
Stellenbosch	Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, Industrial	Stellenbosch
UKZN	Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Electronic, Chemical	KwaZulu-Natal
UJ	Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial, Mining	Johannesburg
NWU	Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, Industrial	North West
UWC	Science and technology fields	Cape Town
NMU	Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics	Gqeberha
TUT	Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, Mechatronics	Pretoria

Which Engineering University Is the Best?

The answer depends on what you want to study.

Best for highly competitive academic programmes

UCT, Wits and UP are strong choices for students looking for academically demanding engineering programmes.

Best for a wide range of engineering disciplines

UP, Wits and UCT offer a broad selection of traditional engineering fields.

Best for engineering in Gauteng

Students based in Gauteng can consider UP, Wits, UJ and TUT.

Best for engineering in the Western Cape

Students can consider UCT and Stellenbosch University.

Best for engineering in KwaZulu-Natal

UKZN is one of the major options.

Best for engineering in the Eastern Cape

Nelson Mandela University is an important option.

What Engineering Courses Can You Study in South Africa?

Engineering is a broad field. Before applying, decide which branch interests you most.

Civil Engineering

Civil engineers work on infrastructure such as:

Roads
Bridges
Buildings
Water systems
Dams
Transport infrastructure

Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineering involves machinery, manufacturing, energy systems, vehicles and mechanical equipment.

Electrical Engineering

Electrical engineers work with electricity, power systems, electronics, control systems and related technologies.

Chemical Engineering

Chemical engineers work with industrial processes involving chemicals, materials, energy and manufacturing.

Mining Engineering

Mining engineers work in the extraction and processing of mineral resources.

Industrial Engineering

Industrial engineers focus on improving systems, productivity, processes, quality and efficiency.

Mechatronic Engineering

Mechatronic engineering combines areas such as mechanical engineering, electronics, control systems and computing.

Computer Engineering

Computer engineering combines hardware, electronics, software and computing systems.

Engineering Requirements in South Africa

Engineering admission requirements vary significantly between universities and programmes.

However, students applying directly after matric will commonly need:

A National Senior Certificate with degree admission
Mathematics
Physical Sciences
English
A required APS or points score
Other university-specific requirements

Mathematics and Physical Sciences are particularly important for traditional engineering degrees.

For example, Wits requires Mathematics and Physical Sciences at Level 5 for several engineering programmes, while UP’s Civil Engineering four-year programme requires Level 6 in both subjects.

UCT’s requirements can be even more demanding for certain engineering programmes, with published admission bands specifying Mathematics and Physical Sciences percentages.

Do You Need Mathematics to Study Engineering?

Yes, for traditional university engineering degrees, Mathematics is generally a key admission requirement.

Physical Sciences is also commonly required.

This means Grade 12 students who want to study engineering should take their Mathematics and Physical Sciences results seriously.

Mathematical Literacy generally cannot simply be substituted for Mathematics where a university specifically requires Mathematics. UCT, for example, explicitly states that Mathematical Literacy and Technical Mathematics cannot be substituted for Mathematics for its listed engineering requirements.

Do You Need Physical Sciences for Engineering?

For many traditional engineering degrees, yes.

Physical Sciences is commonly used as an admission requirement because engineering programmes involve concepts related to physics, mechanics, electricity, materials and chemical processes.

However, requirements differ between qualifications, so always check the specific programme before applying.

Is Engineering Difficult to Study?

Engineering can be academically demanding.

Students may study:

Advanced mathematics
Physics
Programming
Engineering design
Technical drawing
Statistics
Mechanics
Electrical systems
Chemistry
Materials science
Engineering economics

The workload can be substantial, particularly during the first two years.

Good time management and consistent studying are therefore important.

How Long Does an Engineering Degree Take?

A traditional professional engineering degree in South Africa is commonly designed around four years of full-time study.

For example, ECSA’s current list of accredited university degrees includes four-year BEng programmes at the University of Pretoria in fields such as Civil, Mechanical, Industrial, Mining, Chemical, Electrical, Metallurgical and Electronic Engineering.

Some universities also offer extended or five-year pathways for selected students.

UP, for example, offers five-year BEng programmes designed as an alternative route for students who meet the relevant five-year admission criteria.

Why ECSA Accreditation Matters

One of the most important things to check before enrolling in an engineering programme is its professional accreditation.

The Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) is responsible for accrediting engineering programmes and regulating the engineering profession.

ECSA explains that accreditation recognises an engineering programme as meeting the relevant educational requirements for a professional registration category.

ECSA also maintains lists of university engineering degrees accredited as meeting the educational requirement for registration as a Professional Engineer.

Therefore, students should not choose an engineering programme based solely on the university’s name.

Check the accreditation status of the specific engineering programme.

A university may offer several engineering qualifications, and accreditation can apply to particular programmes and qualification types.

Engineering Degree vs Engineering Technology

Students should also understand the difference between traditional engineering degrees and engineering technology qualifications.

A traditional professional engineering degree can lead toward the educational requirements for the Professional Engineer category, subject to the applicable ECSA registration requirements.

Engineering technology qualifications follow different professional pathways.

ECSA separately recognises qualifications such as Bachelor of Engineering Technology and related qualifications for the educational requirements toward engineering technologist registration.

This distinction is important when comparing universities of technology with traditional research universities.

How to Choose the Best Engineering University

Before applying, consider the following factors.

1. Choose your engineering field

Do not choose a university simply because it has a good reputation.

First decide whether you are interested in:

Civil
Mechanical
Electrical
Chemical
Mining
Industrial
Mechatronic
Computer
Electronic engineering

Then compare universities offering that specific discipline.

2. Check the admission requirements

Compare your:

Mathematics mark
Physical Sciences mark
English mark
APS
Other programme requirements

with the official requirements.

3. Check ECSA accreditation

This is particularly important if you intend to follow a professional engineering career.

ECSA states that its accreditation process is designed to ensure engineering programmes meet the educational requirements associated with professional registration categories.

4. Compare university fees

Engineering can be expensive because students may have additional costs for:

Tuition
Accommodation
Textbooks
Laptops
Engineering equipment
Transport
Food

Look for NSFAS eligibility, university funding and engineering bursaries.

5. Consider location

Think about whether you want to study in:

Cape Town
Johannesburg
Pretoria
Stellenbosch
Durban
Gqeberha
North West

Living costs can differ substantially between cities.

6. Look at facilities and practical training

Engineering is not only about classroom theory.

Look at the laboratories, workshops, design projects and opportunities for practical experience available in your chosen programme.

Engineering Bursaries in South Africa

Engineering is a popular field for bursary providers because South Africa continues to need technically skilled graduates.

Students should investigate bursaries offered by:

Mining companies
Engineering companies
Energy companies
Construction companies
Government departments
Banks
Professional organisations
Universities

Many engineering bursaries can cover some combination of:

Tuition fees
Accommodation
Books
Meals
Living allowances
Study materials

Eligibility varies significantly between bursaries.

Students should also investigate NSFAS if they meet the relevant financial and academic requirements.

Engineering Careers in South Africa

An engineering qualification can lead to careers in many industries.

Possible careers include:

Civil Engineer
Mechanical Engineer
Electrical Engineer
Chemical Engineer
Industrial Engineer
Mining Engineer
Environmental Engineer
Mechatronic Engineer
Electronic Engineer
Computer Engineer
Project Engineer
Design Engineer
Process Engineer
Consulting Engineer

Engineers can work in sectors including:

Construction
Mining
Manufacturing
Energy
Telecommunications
Automotive
Transport
Water
Technology
Consulting
Government
Renewable energy

Is Engineering in High Demand in South Africa?

Engineering skills are relevant across many sectors of the South African economy.

The Department of Higher Education and Training’s national occupations-in-demand work is used to support career guidance, skills planning and related decisions. Students interested in engineering should therefore compare their preferred engineering field with current labour-market information rather than choosing a discipline based only on salary claims.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the best university for engineering in South Africa?

There is no single official university ranking that determines the best engineering university. UCT, Wits, UP, Stellenbosch, UKZN, UJ, NWU, NMU and TUT are among the institutions students can consider.

Which university has the best engineering programme in South Africa?

It depends on the engineering field. A university that is strong in mining engineering may not necessarily be your best option for chemical or civil engineering.

What is the best university for civil engineering in South Africa?

UCT, Wits, UP, Stellenbosch, UKZN, UJ and other universities offer civil engineering or related programmes. Compare the specific programme, admission requirements, accreditation and costs before making a decision.

What APS do I need for engineering?

There is no single APS requirement for engineering. For example, Wits lists APS 42+ for several engineering programmes, while UP’s BEng Civil Engineering programme lists APS 35 for its four-year route.

Can I study engineering with Mathematical Literacy?

For traditional engineering degrees, Mathematics is normally required. Students should check the specific university and qualification because Mathematical Literacy may not satisfy the mathematics requirement.

Is Physical Sciences compulsory for engineering?

For many traditional engineering degrees, Physical Sciences is required. The exact minimum mark depends on the programme.

How many years does engineering take in South Africa?

Many traditional BEng programmes are designed to take four years full-time. Some universities also offer extended five-year programmes.

Is an engineering degree accredited by ECSA?

Students should check the specific programme rather than assuming that every engineering qualification at a university has the same accreditation status. ECSA publishes lists of accredited programmes and explains the relationship between accreditation and professional registration.

Which engineering field is best?

There is no single best engineering field for everyone. Consider your strengths, interests, matric subjects, career goals and the industries in which you want to work.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best university for engineering in South Africa requires more than looking at university rankings.

Students should compare the engineering discipline they want to study, admission requirements, programme structure, fees, location, facilities, career opportunities and professional accreditation.

UCT, Wits, UP, Stellenbosch, UKZN, UJ, NWU, NMU and TUT are all institutions worth researching, but the best choice will ultimately depend on the individual student.

Most importantly, check the current admission requirements and ECSA accreditation status of your specific programme before applying. Requirements can change from one admission cycle to another, and meeting minimum requirements does not necessarily guarantee admission at competitive universities.