All Engineering Programmes in South Africa - APS Comparison 2026
25 programmes listed, APS range 16-42
| Institution | Programme | Min APS | Subject Requirements | Career Paths |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| False Bay TVET College TVET College |
Welding Applications NC(V) Certificate · 3 years |
16 | Math Lit OK (L3+) English L3+ |
Welder, Fabricator |
| Ekurhuleni East TVET College TVET College |
Automotive Repair and Maintenance NC(V) Certificate · 3 years |
16 | Math Lit OK (L3+) English L3+ |
Motor Mechanic, Service Advisor |
| South West Gauteng TVET College TVET College |
Electrical Engineering (N1-N6) N1-N6 Certificate · 18 months - 3 years |
16 | Math Lit OK (L3+) English L3+ |
Electrician, Electrical Technician |
| South West Gauteng TVET College TVET College |
Mechanical Engineering (N1-N6) N1-N6 Certificate · 18 months - 3 years |
16 | Math Lit OK (L3+) English L3+ |
Fitter, Turner |
| Coastal KZN TVET College TVET College |
Civil Engineering (N1-N6) N1-N6 Certificate · 18 months - 3 years |
16 | Math Lit OK (L3+) English L3+ |
Construction Worker, Site Supervisor |
| College of Cape Town TVET TVET College |
Fitting and Turning (N1-N6) N1-N6 Certificate · 18 months - 3 years |
16 | Math Lit OK (L3+) English L3+ |
Fitter and Turner, Millwright |
| False Bay TVET College TVET College |
Electrical Infrastructure Construction N1-N6 Certificate · 18 months - 3 years |
18 | Math Lit OK (L3+) English L3+ |
Electrician, Electrical Contractor |
| Ekurhuleni East TVET College TVET College |
Information Technology NC(V) Certificate · 3 years |
18 | Math Lit OK (L3+) English L3+ |
IT Support Technician, Network Administrator |
| Walter Sisulu University University |
Diploma in ICT Diploma · 3 years |
22 | Math Lit OK (L3+) English L3+ |
IT Support, Network Technician |
| Central University of Technology University of Technology |
Diploma in IT Diploma · 3 years |
22 | Math Lit OK (L3+) English L3+ |
IT Support Technician, Web Developer |
| Durban University of Technology University of Technology |
Diploma in Civil Engineering Diploma · 3 years |
24 | Maths only (L4+) English L3+ Physical Sciences Level 4 |
Civil Engineering Technician, Construction Supervisor |
| Vaal University of Technology University of Technology |
Diploma in Electrical Engineering Diploma · 3 years |
24 | Maths only (L4+) English L3+ Physical Sciences Level 4 |
Electrical Technician, Electrician |
| Mangosuthu University of Technology University of Technology |
Diploma in Chemical Engineering Diploma · 3 years |
24 | Maths only (L4+) English L3+ Physical Sciences Level 4 |
Chemical Engineering Technician, Process Technician |
| Central University of Technology University of Technology |
BEng Technology (Civil) BEng Tech · 4 years |
26 | Maths only (L4+) English L4+ Physical Sciences Level 4 |
Civil Technologist, Construction Manager |
| North-West University University |
BEng Electrical & Electronic BEng · 4 years |
30 | Maths only (L5+) English L4+ Physical Sciences Level 5 |
Electrical Engineer, Electronic Engineer |
| University of Pretoria University |
Information Technology BIT · 4 years |
32 | Maths only (L5+) English L5+ |
IT Specialist, Software Developer |
| Nelson Mandela University University |
BEng Mechatronics BEng · 4 years |
32 | Maths only (L5+) English L4+ Physical Sciences Level 5 |
Mechatronics Engineer, Automation Specialist |
| University of Pretoria University |
Mechanical Engineering BEng · 4 years |
35 | Maths only (L6+) English L5+ Physical Sciences Level 6 |
Mechanical Engineer, Design Engineer |
| University of KwaZulu-Natal University |
BSc Engineering (Chemical) BSc Engineering · 4 years |
36 | Maths only (L6+) English L5+ Physical Sciences Level 5 |
Chemical Engineer, Process Engineer |
| University of the Witwatersrand University |
Mining Engineering BSc Engineering · 4 years |
38 | Maths only (L6+) English L5+ Physical Sciences Level 5 |
Mining Engineer, Mine Manager |
| Stellenbosch University University |
Industrial Engineering BEng · 4 years |
38 | Maths only (L6+) English L5+ Physical Sciences Level 5 |
Industrial Engineer, Operations Manager |
| Stellenbosch University University |
Mechatronic Engineering BEng · 4 years |
38 | Maths only (L6+) English L5+ Physical Sciences Level 6 |
Mechatronics Engineer, Robotics Engineer |
| University of Cape Town University |
Computer Science BSc · 3 years |
40 | Maths only (L6+) English L5+ |
Software Developer, Data Scientist |
| University of the Witwatersrand University |
Electrical Engineering BSc Engineering · 4 years |
40 | Maths only (L6+) English L5+ Physical Sciences Level 6 |
Electrical Engineer, Electronics Designer |
| University of Cape Town University |
Civil Engineering BSc Engineering · 4 years |
42 | Maths only (L6+) English L5+ Physical Sciences Level 6 |
Civil Engineer, Structural Engineer |
Frequently Asked Questions
What APS do I need to study Engineering in South Africa?
APS requirements for Engineering in South Africa range from 16 to 42 points depending on the institution and specific programme. The lowest entry point is 16 APS (False Bay TVET College), while the most competitive programmes require 42 APS (UCT). Use the free APS Calculator on Career Helper to see exactly which programmes you qualify for.
Can I study Engineering with Mathematical Literacy?
Most Engineering programmes require Pure Mathematics. Only 10 out of 25 programmes accept Mathematical Literacy. Always check the specific programme requirements before applying.
Which South African university is best for Engineering?
Top-ranked institutions for Engineering in South Africa include: University of Pretoria, University of KwaZulu-Natal, University of the Witwatersrand. The best university depends on your APS, location, and career goals. Use Career Helper's free Career Roadmap for personalised guidance.
How long does it take to study Engineering?
Programme durations for Engineering in South Africa: 3 years, 18 months - 3 years, 4 years. Bachelor's degrees are typically 3-4 years. Diploma programmes at universities of technology take 3 years.
Can I get NSFAS funding to study Engineering?
Yes, NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) funds eligible students at all 26 public universities and all 50 TVET colleges, including for Engineering programmes. To qualify: South African citizenship, household income under R350,000/year, and admission to a qualifying programme. Apply at nsfas.org.za. SASSA grant recipients automatically qualify.