Minimum APS for Engineering South Africa 2026 — BEng Requirements at All Universities
Engineering is South Africa's most in-demand graduate profession, with a critical skills shortage driving high salaries and abundant bursaries. Whether you want to study at UCT, Wits, UP, or a University of Technology, this guide covers everything you need to know about APS requirements, subject prerequisites, engineering degree types, and available bursaries for 2026 entry.
BEng APS Requirements at South African Universities — 2026
| University | Degree | Min APS | Maths Required | Physical Sciences |
|---|
| UCT | BEng (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical) | 36–38 | 70%+ | 60%+ |
| Wits | BEng (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Mining, Chemical) | 36–38 | 60%+ | 60%+ |
| Stellenbosch | BEng (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, Industrial) | 35–38 | 60%+ | 60%+ |
| UP | BEng (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Mining, Industrial) | 35–38 | 60%+ | 60%+ |
| UKZN | BEng (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical) | 34–36 | 60%+ | 60%+ |
| UJ | BEng and BEngTech (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical) | 34–36 | 60%+ | 60%+ |
| NWU | BEng (Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial, Chemical) | 32–36 | 60%+ | 60%+ |
| TUT | BTech / Diploma (Electrical, Civil, Mechanical) | 22–28 | 50%+ | 50%+ |
| CPUT | BTech / Diploma (Electrical, Civil, Mechanical, Chemical) | 22–28 | 50%+ | 50%+ |
| DUT | BTech / Diploma (Electrical, Civil, Mechanical) | 22–26 | 50%+ | 50%+ |
Engineering Degree Types — BEng vs BTech vs N Diploma
- BEng (Bachelor of Engineering) — 4-year research and theory-oriented degree at traditional universities (UCT, Wits, UP, Stellenbosch, UKZN). Graduates qualify for professional registration with ECSA (Engineering Council of SA) as a Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng). APS 34–40.
- BTech Engineering — 4-year practice-oriented degree at universities of technology. Focused on applied skills and workplace readiness. APS 22–28.
- National N Diploma (TVET) — NATED N4–N6 (18 months) + 18 months workplace experience. Most accessible route into engineering. APS not required — Grade 9 or matric needed. Artisan path to Red Seal Certificate.
Older Engineering Funding Listings — Verify Current Calls
The organisations below appeared in older funding listings. Career Helper has not verified current availability, APS rules, fields, benefits, or dates:
- Sasol: Older listing included engineering fields, APS 35+, tuition, a stipend, and vacation work — all unverified for the current cycle.
- Eskom: Older listing included engineering fields, APS 30+, tuition, and an allowance — all unverified for the current cycle.
- SANRAL: Older listing included transport-related engineering fields, APS 30+, tuition, accommodation, and a stipend — all unverified for the current cycle.
- Anglo American: Older listing included mining-related engineering fields, APS 32+, tuition, and a stipend — all unverified for the current cycle.
- Transnet: Older listing included engineering and IT fields with APS 28+ — verify the current official call.
- NSFAS: Older guidance listed support for some engineering students at qualifying public institutions. Verify current household-income, institution, programme, and benefit rules.
Use Career Helper's free APS Calculator to see exactly which engineering programmes you qualify for. Take the RIASEC Quiz to confirm engineering aligns with your personality type.