Subjects needed for engineering

You can study a four-year engineering degree (BEng or BSc Eng) at a university, or a three-year engineering diploma at a university of technology. Degrees accredited by the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) lead to registration as a professional engineer.

School subjects you'll usually need

Requirements at selected universities

Minimums published on each university's website, checked 26 September 2026. Meeting the minimum doesn't guarantee a place, and competitive programmes usually select above it.

UJ accepts Technical Mathematics for its BEng degrees, so Technical Mathematics can lead to a degree at some universities, not only to diplomas. Selection for engineering is competitive, so aim well above the minimum. UJ's 2027 applications for these BEng programmes run until 31 October 2026.

Your route from Grade 9 to engineer

1. Grade 9: choose Mathematics (or Technical Mathematics) and Physical Sciences (or Technical Sciences). Without them, engineering is closed.
2. Grade 11: your Grade 11 Maths and Physical Sciences marks drive both university offers and bursary awards.
3. Grade 12, from April: apply to universities and for engineering bursaries. Big bursaries such as Sasol's close as early as May.
4. University: a four-year BEng/BSc Eng, or a diploma or BEngTech at a university of technology.
5. After graduating: work under supervision, then register with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA).

Common mistakes to avoid

• Dropping Physical Sciences in Grade 10. Almost every engineering programme needs it.
• Waiting for final matric results to apply for bursaries. Most close during Grade 12.
• Applying only to the most competitive universities. Add a university of technology as a backup.

Related careers

• Engineering technician, surveyor, architect and data scientist. See careers with Mathematics.

Degree or diploma?

Degrees are more theoretical and lead to professional engineer registration. Diplomas are more hands-on and lead to engineering technician roles, with the option to continue studying later.

Always check the latest rules. Each university sets its own subject minimums and APS, and they can change every year. Use this page as a guide, then confirm on the university's prospectus before you choose subjects or apply.

Check your APS

Your subjects get you in the door; your APS decides how competitive you are. Work out your APS in one minute, then see which courses you qualify for in the EduRance app.

Three checks before applying for engineering

1. Confirm that the programme accepts your Mathematics or Technical Mathematics subject and mark.
2. Check the Physical Sciences requirement and the institution's own APS or selection score.
3. Compare university engineering degrees with university of technology diplomas; they lead to different study routes and may use different entry rules.

Meeting a minimum does not guarantee selection where places are limited. Compare several accredited programmes and read each institution's current prospectus before applying.

Frequently asked questions