What are the entry requirements for engineering?

You need matric with high marks in pure Mathematics and Physical Sciences, plus English, and the APS the university asks for. Engineering is one of the harder degrees to get into.

What subjects do I need to become an engineer?

Pure Mathematics and Physical Sciences, at high marks. English too. You cannot do most engineering degrees with Maths Literacy.

Can I study engineering with Maths Literacy?

No. Engineering needs pure Mathematics, not Maths Literacy, plus Physical Sciences.

What APS do I need for engineering?

It is high, often around 34 or more at universities, and it changes by university and discipline. Diplomas need less. Check each one.

How long is an engineering degree?

The BEng or BSc(Eng) takes four years. A diploma takes three years.

Engineering requirements: subjects, APS and how to qualify

What you need in matric

You must have

English
Mathematics (not Maths Literacy)
Physical Sciences

Also good to have

A very high overall average
Information Technology

Ways to become a engineer

The best way is first. If your marks are not enough for one way, try the next one down.

DegreeNQF 84 yearsBest way

BEng or BSc(Eng)

To get in: About 34 APS or more. English, Mathematics, Physical Sciences. You need high marks in pure Maths and Physical Science. No Maths Literacy.

Universities offer this. You pick a discipline like civil, mechanical, or electrical. After the degree and about three to four years of work, you register with ECSA. You can register as a Professional Engineer (Pr Eng), the top engineering level.

DegreeNQF 74 years

BEngTech

To get in: About 30 APS or more. English, Mathematics, Physical Sciences. More hands-on than the BEng, and the marks needed are a bit lower.

Universities of technology offer this, with workplace training built in. You register with ECSA as a Professional Engineering Technologist (Pr Tech Eng).

You can bridge to a BEng later.

DiplomaNQF 63 years

Diploma in Engineering

To get in: About 26 APS or more. English, Mathematics, Physical Sciences. Lower marks than the degrees. Includes workplace training.

Universities of technology and TVET colleges offer this. You register with ECSA as an Engineering Technician.

You can study further, up to the BEngTech or BEng.

Marks too low for the degree? Start with a diploma or a TVET engineering course, work as a technician, and study up.

If you don’t get in yet

Are your marks too low for the engineering degree? You can still build an engineering career, step by step.

Start with a diploma or TVET course

A Diploma in Engineering (at a university of technology) or engineering N-courses (at a TVET college) need lower marks. You work as a technician, and you can study up to the degree.

Ask about an extended engineering programme

Some universities let you do the first year of engineering over two years, with extra help. This is for students who are close but a bit short.

Upgrade your Maths and Science

Engineering needs strong pure Maths and Physical Science. Rewrite these subjects to get better marks, using the free Second Chance programme, then apply again.

Get ready to apply →

How to sign up to work

You sign up with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA).

To use the title Professional Engineer and sign off work, you must register with ECSA.
After your degree, you register as a Candidate, then work for about three to four years.
You submit a report and register as a Professional Engineer (Pr Eng), Technologist, or Technician.
The level you register at depends on your qualification (degree, BEngTech, or diploma).
You keep learning and pay a fee each year to stay registered.