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.

Top Engineering Bursaries Available for 2026

Engineering students are among the most aggressively recruited by South African corporates. These bursaries are worth applying for:

• Sasol Bursary: Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering. Full tuition + R10 000/month stipend + vacation work. APS 35+.
• Eskom Bursary: Electrical and Mechanical Engineering. Full tuition + allowance. APS 30+.
• SANRAL Scholarship: Civil, Structural, Transportation Engineering. Full tuition + accommodation + stipend. APS 30+.
• Anglo American Bursary: Mining, Civil, Mechanical Engineering. Full tuition + R8 000/month. APS 32+.
• Transnet Bursary: Civil, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering, IT. APS 28+.
• NSFAS: Available to all engineering students at public universities. Household income below R350 000/year.

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.