Requirements To Study Mechanical Engineering In South Africa (2023)

Mechanical Engineering is a prestigious field of work. Mechanical Engineers are vital to the development of any nation because they oil the wheels of production and commerce. They are involved with the design, development, manufacturing, management, and maintenance of various mechanical equipment including transport, energy conversion, manufacturing, electricity generation, weapons, cooling, and heating systems of heavy machines, as well as aerodynamics.

Mechanical Engineers also deal with industrial installations, process equipment, manufacturing machinery, and mining equipment. Because they are vital to the success of the industry and the country at large, Mechanical Engineers are well paid. Some of them are captains of industry, running privately-owned companies, and employing people. To join the ranks of Mechanical Engineers, you have to study and qualify as an Engineer.

Requirements To Study Mechanical Engineering In South Africa

Admission to study for a BEng degree in Mechanical Engineering requires you to have a full matriculation exemption, with an APS count of at least 31. You need the following subjects: 

• Mathematics level 6 (70–79%)  
• Physical Sciences level 5 (60–69%)
• The language requirement is a pass at level 5 (60–69%) in the language of teaching and learning, in either the home or first additional language. 
• The requirements above apply to both NSC and IEB.

Minimum admission requirements for applicants with international status are as follows: 

• English/Afrikaans: C on A Level or GED and SAT score 170
• Mathematics: C on A-Level, or GED 170
• Physics and Chemistry: B on A-Level, GED: 180 SAT 560

It is advisable to seek further instruction from any University of your choice about whatever other requirements they may have.

Below are some of the best places to study mechanical engineering.

University of Witwatersrand (Wits University)

• Qualification Offered: Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering

The University of Witwatersrand is located in Johannesburg, South Africa; and was created as far back as  1922, making it one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in South Africa. This school has one of the most famous Faculties of Engineering in the country.

At Witwatersrand, you can study for the Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering degree, which is obtainable after four years of study. The school is robust, and you may choose to switch programs to other related courses such as Aeronautical Engineering, Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, and Construction studies.

There are many more engineering options at this University.

University of Johannesburg

Qualification Offered: Bachelor of Engineering

The University of Johannesburg is a famous and well-established citadel of learning. The school offers you the opportunity to study for a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Mechanical Engineering. One advantage the school offers is that it is close to the Commercial Capital of the country, so you should have plenty of opportunities to network and share ideas.

University of South Africa 

Qualification Offered: National Diploma Mechanical Engineering

The University of South Africa dates back to 1873.  This is South Africa’s largest University, and perhaps the biggest in Africa as well.  

This university strives to provide relevant and affordable education to everybody, on a basis of equal opportunity. The School of Engineering offers a National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering which can be obtained after three years of study. The program is through open distance learning (ODL) for students wishing to become engineering professionals.

At this university, you can get quality in mechanical engineering, and if you decide to change courses you may switch to any related course including electrical engineering, mining engineering, and civil engineering. There are many other engineering options.

Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University

Qualification Offered: Bachelor of Engineering Technology

Nelson Mandela University has a long history dating back to 1882. The school was formerly known as the University of Port Elizabeth. However, the current structure of Nelson Mandela University was established in January 2005 by the merger of three institutions. 

The School of Engineering offers you the opportunity to study for a Bachelor of Engineering Technology degree in which you would major in Mechanical Engineering. This is attainable after 4 years of study. 

You may then decide to change course to other related programs such as Mechatronics Engineering, Civil Engineering, Marine Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, or Chemical Engineering.

Vaal University of Technology 

Qualification Offered: Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering

The Vaal University of Technology offers you a chance to study for a Bachelor of Technology degree in which you would major in Mechanical Engineering. This is a very solid place of learning, and you are guaranteed quality education.

You may decide to change course to any of the following related courses including Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering & Operations Management, Electrical & Electronic Engineering, as well as Metallurgical Engineering.

Other Universities where you can study Mechanical Engineering in South Africa include: 

University of Pretoria

Qualification Offered: Bachelor of Engineering

Cape Peninsula University of Technology

Qualification Offered: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

North Western University

Qualification Offered: Bachelor of Engineering

More information about the Course

Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering are interdisciplinary degrees that teach students how to create concepts, or improve existing designs in mechanical and thermal devices and systems, using time-tested processes, and computer analysis. Engineering schools teach students how to find solutions, to problems in Engineering, ranging from small components to extremely large plants or vehicles.

You should study for a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering if you have a passion for building machines. Even if you just like to visualize or sketch machines and how they can work to create value and solve problems. If you can add the wealth of existing theoretical knowledge to what you are already born with, you have all it takes to bring transformation to the world of Engineering, thus solving many age-old problems, earning a reputation for yourself, and making an impact.

The main professional bodies associated with Engineering Schools in South Africa include:

Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA).

South African Institute of Mechanical Engineering (SAIMechE).

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Conclusion

As a mechanical engineer, you can work in South Africa or abroad in the following industries: Plant layout and management, Manufacturing, Power Generation, Aerodynamics,  Energy Technology, Systems maintenance, Food processing plants, Robotics, and so on.

Your aim should be to solve problems and create something new. If you decide to pursue higher qualifications you may find yourself becoming an academic, whereby you would have the pleasure of teaching students who would be eager to draw from your wealth of knowledge.