VerifiedThere is no single best university for engineering. Several universities offer ECSA-accredited engineering degrees, and the right choice depends on your discipline, marks, budget and location. International rankings change every year and measure research more than undergraduate teaching.
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What matters more than rankings
| Factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| ECSA accreditation | An accredited BEng or BSc Eng lets you register as a candidate engineer after graduating |
| Your discipline | Not every university offers every branch, such as mining, chemical or mechatronic engineering |
| Entry requirements | Usually high marks in mathematics and physical science; requirements differ between universities |
| Cost and funding | NSFAS funds eligible students at public universities; companies offer engineering bursaries |
| Industry links | Vacation work and bursary employers help with experience |
Universities with long-established engineering faculties
The University of Cape Town, Stellenbosch University, the University of Pretoria, the University of the Witwatersrand, the University of KwaZulu-Natal, the University of Johannesburg and North-West University all offer engineering degrees. Check ECSA’s list of accredited programmes for your chosen discipline before applying.
Degrees vs diplomas
- A four-year BEng or BSc Eng leads towards Professional Engineer.
- Universities of technology offer diplomas and BEngTech degrees leading towards technician or technologist registration.
- TVET colleges offer trades and NC(V) engineering, which can be a first step.
Related: engineering salaries by field and engineering without matric.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the number one engineering university in South Africa?
It depends on the ranking used. More important is that your programme is ECSA-accredited and fits your discipline and budget.
Do I need maths and science for engineering?
Yes. Engineering degrees require mathematics and physical science, usually with high marks.