A Basic Understanding of Engineering Requirements

Branches in Engineering:

There are many branches of Engineering – for example:

• Agricultural and Topographical Engineering
• Architecture
• Building and Construction
• Chemical and Power Generation Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Civil, Geological and Geographical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Environmental Engineering and Town Planning
• Installation, Maintenance and Repair
• IT & Telecommunications Engineering
• Marine and Aeronautical Engineering
• Mechanical & Automotive Engineering
• Mechatronics
• Metal Engineering and Tool Making
• Mining and Petro-Chemical Extraction

The path from school to TVET …
or … University of Technology … or … University: 

WARNING:

• Every institution has their OWN requirements.

• Avoid disappointment – Make sure you understand your institution’s requirements. 

NOTE:

• The marks below are MINIMUM marks – i.e. To give yourself the best chance, you should aim much higher! 🙂

Marks:

• 3 = 40%
  
• 4 = 50%
• 5 = 60%
• 6 = 70%
• 7 = 80-100%

All your marks will count – this is called APS (Academic Point Score) and different Universities have different ways of calculating the required entry level.

SCHOOL: 

• Learners can start taking subjects at school for entry at higher education:

• REQUIRED: Maths (M) – not Maths Literacy (ML), Physical Science (PS)

• RECOMMENDED: Civil Technology (CIVT), Electrical Technology (ELECT), Mechanical Technology (MECHT), Engineering Graphics (EGD) 

• Or if the school does not offer these subjects Computer ApplicationsTechnology (CAT), Information Technology (IT), Agricultural Technology (AT) Accounting (ATT)

TVET:

(Example: College of Cape Town)

• Students can start Engineering studies at TVET (FET) Level

• National Certificates: N1 – N3: Required: Grade 9-12, Maths (M)

• National N-Diploma: N4 – N6 Certificates: Required: Grade 10 (N3 Certificate), Mathematics (M), Science PS), Recommended: Electrical Technology (ELECT), English (E).

• National Certificate (Vocational): Electrical Infrastructure Construction – Level 2 – 4: Required: Grade 10 (N3 Certificate), Mathematics (M), Science PS), Recommended: Electrical Technology (ELECT), English (E)

UNIVERSITY of TECHNOLOGY: 

(Example: University of the Western Cape)

Students can start at University of Technology Level

• Civil & Marine: Required: E4, M4, PS4

• Electrical: Required: E4, M4, and either PS4 or ELECT4. Recommended: IT4, or CAT4

• Industrial & Mechanical: Required: E4, M4, Ps4. Recommended: Mecht3

• Mechatronics: Required: E4, M4, Ps4. Recommended: One of the following: Elect3, IT4, Mecht3: 

UNIVERSITIES:

(Example: University of Johannesburg)

Students can start at University Level – Degrees

Civil, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering:

• Required: APS: 32

• English 5 (60%+)
• Add Language 4 (50%+)
• Maths 5 (60%+)
• LO 5 (60%+)
• Physical Science 5 (60%+) 
• Add subject 5 (60%+), Add subject 5 (60%+)

REMEMBER 

• EVERY tertiary institution has different requirements

• Please read this article on our website

• http://tinyurl.com/kjzhmjv 

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.

1. Select the institution of your choice: University, University of Technology, FET etc.
2. Select your province of choice 
3. Click on the institution on the right 
4. Copy the url (the part that starts with http:) and paste into your browser 
5. Read the requirements carefully 
6. Read and follow the application process perfectly

• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions.