This article contains a list of all the top engineering schools in South Africa for 2023.
Over the years, the number of International students that travel to South Africa for their academic pursuit is on the increase. South Africa is a developing country that is known for its serenity, diverse culture and nature’s beauty. This might just be why students are attracted to the country’s world-class universities, Moreover, international students have realized studying in South Africa can prove more affordable than other international destinations.
Moreover, South African universities offer real value for money. This gives the student the opportunity to save significant amounts every year due to relatively low course fees, reduced cost of living, and favourable exchange rates for International students.
So if you’re looking for an excellent education, as well as a little bit of adventure, then South Africa might just be an option. It’s one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Although many South Africans are yet to embrace the modern world, the country faces several environmental challenges created by overpopulation, climate change, etc. As such, South Africa is an ideal destination for students interested in conservation, development, or sustainability studies. None of this should deter you from a South African adventure. Vast parts of the country are perfectly safe for locals, tourists, and students alike.
When it comes to lucrative courses to study in South Africa, Engineering happens to be one of them. Engineering is a great but quite challenging career. You need to enroll in a good Engineering University in order to study great Engineering courses. So, if you’re a South African student or you wish to study engineering in South Africa as an International school, learn about the best engineering universities in South Africa.
This is why this article is centred on Engineering Schools in South Africa.
Below are Top Engineering schools in South Africa:
1. THE UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA
It was established as a public university on March 4, 1908, and since then it has been an excellent place to study engineering.
Their engineering school is one of the largest schools in South Africa and has several areas of expertise in various departments. All engineering school programs have been accredited by the Engineering Council of South Africa.
The faculty of Engineering of the University of Pretoria offers its students the necessary training to make a significant contribution to engineering in South Africa and abroad. Some of the notable departments/ courses in the Engineering faculty of the school include;
- Civil Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Mining Engineering
- Electrical &Electronic Engineering
- Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering
- Computer Engineering
2. UNIVERSITY OF KWAZULU NATAL
The school is located at King George V Avenue, Glenwood, Durban. It was founded on January 1, 2014. Though the University is relatively new, it has made remarkable progress. The institution has a large student population of more than 30,000 students enrolled.
The school offers a variety of degree options, ranging from university degrees to doctorates, which are fully accredited by the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA).
The school offers eight areas of specialization.
The best University of KwaZulu Natal Engineering Courses include;
- Electrical, Electronic Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Bioresources Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering.
3. UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWN
The University of Cape Town is the oldest institution of higher education in sub-Saharan Africa. It welcomes more than 26,000 students from all over the world.
The University of Cape Town obtained a ranking of 198 in the World Ranking QS in 2019 and 156 in the World Ranking of Universities 2019 of the University of Higher Education, which makes it the best ranked African university in this ranking.
The faculty has strong links with industries and government, which sponsor and fund important research projects and all degrees are internationally accredited, so your skills are transferable anywhere in the world as well as ability to be lifelong learners. One of the core visions of the school is to produce outstanding graduates and scholars, who contribute to society and address socioeconomic challenges through their work.
The Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment (EBE) of the university offers the following courses: Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering, Architecture, Planning, and Geomatics, among others.
The best UCT Engineering Courses include,
- Civil Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
4. UNIVERSITY OF WITWATERSRAND
The University of Witwatersrand is located in Johannesburg, South Africa; and it is one of the best engineering schools that competes with institutions such as the University of Cape Town and the University of Pretoria. It was established in 1922 and is the third oldest university in South Africa.
The faculty has the highest number of professors
They offer a variety of programs that include information engineering, biomedical engineering, environmental engineering, architecture, urban and regional planning, property studies and construction studies.
The faculty has five engineering schools and two built environment schools, which offer the best teaching, learning, and research facilities. Above all, the degrees are Internationally accredited too.
The best University of Witwatersrand Engineering Courses include;
- Civil Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Electrical &Electronic Engineering
- Metallurgy and Materials Engineering
- Mining Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
- Aeronautical Engineering
- Information Engineering.
5. THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AFRICA (UNISA)
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa, the school was established in1873. Formerly known as the University of Cape of Good Hope, the University of South Africa is the largest university in the country and Africa as a whole with hundreds of thousands of students enrolled.
The School of Engineering offers national engineering degree programs through open distance learning (ODL) to students wishing to become professional technicians and technologists in various engineering disciplines.
The School of Engineering strives to provide relevant, affordable, accessible, and high-quality engineering programs. This engineering school includes several departments such as electricity, mining, civil engineering, mechanics and engineering, etc.
The best Engineering Courses in UNISA include;
- Civil Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Electrical &Electronic Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mining Engineering
6. UNIVERSITY OF STELLENBOSCH
Location: Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch, South Africa
The Engineering faculty played an important role by contributing to the creation of the first microsatellite in Africa, SUNSET, which was launched in 1999. The faculty was established in 1944.
Best University of Stellenbosch Engineering Courses include,
- Civil Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Electrical &Electronic Engineering
7. UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG
The school which is located in Pretoria is a public university that was established in 2015. This was as a result of the merging of three Institutions. It is one of the largest residential universities in the country.
The Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment (FEBE) is one of nine faculties of the University of Johannesburg. It offers both undergraduate and postgraduate programs in engineering technology and engineering science in 12 departments and five schools.
The Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment of the University awards diplomas in the following fields: metrology, metallurgy, mining, civil engineering, mechanics, electricity and electronics and several others.
Best University of Johannesburg Engineering Courses include;
- Civil Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Mining Engineering
- Electrical &Electronic Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
8. TSHWANE UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
Located in Staatsartillerie Rd, Pretoria West, Pretoria, 0183, South Africa, the Tshwane University of Technology came into existence from the fusion of three technikons: Technikon Northern Gauteng, Technikon North-West, and Technikon Pretoria.
Best Tshwane University of Technology Engineering Courses includes;
- Chemical Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Mechatronics Engineering
- Electrical &Electronic Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
9. NORTH WEST UNIVERSITY
This is currently one of the largest universities in South Africa with more than 64,000 students. It was created in 2004 following the merger of the two universities. Like most universities on the list, its engineering school offers similar courses for studies such as mechanical, civil, mechanical, electrical and electronic engineering.
The faculty of engineering at Potchefstroom Campus at Northwestern University is constantly striving to become a training centre for high quality, versatile engineers.
Best North-West University Engineering Courses
- Civil Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Electromechanical Engineering
- Computer and Electronic Engineering
- Electrical &Electronic Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering,
10. NELSON MANDELA UNIVERSITY
Nelson Mandela University, formerly known as the University of Port Elizabeth was founded in January 2005 by the merger of three institutions.
The School of Engineering offers a variety of academic programs, including national degrees including, a new senior certificate in Mechatronics Engineering, Bachelors degree, Bachelor of Engineering Technology, Masters and Doctorate degree.
Best Nelson Mandela University Engineering Courses include
- Civil Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Mechatronics Engineering
- Electrical &Electronic Engineering
- Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering
- Marine Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
CONCLUSION
South Africa is blessed with many world-class Engineering schools that will give you the opportunity to participate and contribute to the country’s development. Moreso, these universities being Internationally recognized will not only boost your employability but will also put you in a position to earn big. I believe this article will serve as a guide to help with your decision making.
