Engineering

The Faculty of Engineering is one of Stellenbosch University’s flagship faculties and is one of South Africa’s major producers of top-quality engineers. The world-class engineers we produce contribute to the economic development of the country and improve citizens’ quality of life. In addition, our outstanding research and consulting services add value to industry and substantially supplement our funding streams.

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Whom can I contact if I’m interested in enrolling for studies at the Faculty of Engineering?

Please click HERE to obtain access to the contact details of our staff members in the Dean’s Division at the Faculty of Engineering. Please also feel free to click on the following links to obtain additional information regarding our five departments:

What is the language of instruction for the BEng degree programme?

All undergraduate programmes are accessible for students who studied in English or Afrikaans at school. The language offering is broadly as follows: Modules of the first year, with a few exceptions, are offered in both English and Afrikaans lectures (parallel sessions in different class groups), as are some modules in the first semester of the second year; in the other modules, English lectures are offered, with Afrikaans summaries up to the third year.

All test and exam papers are made available in both English and Afrikaans and students are free to write any paper or assignment in either English or Afrikaans.

All postgraduate programmes are offered in English.

What about professional accreditation and international recognition of the BEng degree programme?

All the BEng programmes of the Faculty of Engineering have been accredited by the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA), giving graduates access to registration as professional engineers after acquiring the relevant experience in practice.

In line with the Washington Accord, the Faculty of Engineering BEng degrees are recognised worldwide in countries such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the USA, to name but a few.

Where can I find information regarding the tuition fees for my degree programme?

Please click HERE for the estimated tuition fees per faculty.

What selection score do I need to obtain to qualify for BEng studies at SU?
  • The National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) is not compulsory for students who apply to study engineering. However, please visit maties.com on a regular basis to obtain the latest news regarding the NBTs for the 2024 intake.
  • According to SU’s admissions policy, our students need to obtain a specific selection score to qualify for BEng studies at SU. This selection score is calculated as follows:
    • (Mathematics %) + (Physical Sciences %) + (6 x matric average)
  • The 6 x matric average is calculated using the six best matric subjects (including Mathematics and/or Physical Sciences, if it is one of the six best matric subjects), but this score never includes the Life Orientation mark. This means that, if you’ve obtained 100% for all your matric subjects (excluding Life Orientation), then the maximum selection score is 800 [100 + 100 + (6 x 100) = 800].   
  • Please click HERE to obtain information regarding the selection criteria for BEng degree programmes.
Which of my school marks are used to apply for admission to BEng studies at Stellenbosch University?
  • Provisional admission to Stellenbosch University (SU) is granted based on your Grade 11 final examination results.
  • Please note that the National Senior Certificate (NSC), IEB qualification or equivalent results remain the determining factor for final admission.
  • You may only upload your Grade 11 final examination results if you are currently in Grade 12. If you have already completed Grade 12, or if you are repeating Grade 12, please upload a copy of the final Grade 12 certificate.  No other results will be taken into consideration.
I do not meet the selection criteria for BEng studies with my Grade 11 final examination results. What other degree courses will allow me to ultimately get into engineering?
  • If you meet the admission requirements, you can enrol for any BSc degree programme – as long as the following modules are included in the first year of the degree programme: Mathematics 114, Mathematics 144, Physics and Chemistry. If you successfully complete these modules during the first year of the degree programme, you can submit an application to switch over to Engineering.  We usually accept students for the BEng degree programme if they have successfully completed the entire first year of the BSc degree programme.
  • If you meet the admission requirements, another viable option would be to enrol for a BScAgric (Forestry) programme in Wood and Wood Product Science. The first year of this programme includes many of the same modules that our first-year BEng students need to complete during their first year (BScAgric and BEng students attend quite a few of the same classes).
I do not meet the selection criteria for BEng studies with my Grade 11 final examination results. Does SU offer a bridging course?
  • The SciMathUS programme offers learners who have already passed Grade 12 (with an average mark of at least 60%), but who do not qualify for higher education, a second opportunity to improve their NSC results (with regard to specific subjects). Obtaining improved NSC results will enable these learners to reapply for university programmes.
  • Please visit SciMathUS for additional information in this regard.
Could you provide me with a bit more information regarding the Extended Curriculum Programmes?
  • The Extended Curriculum Programmes (ECPs) were introduced to provide access to prospective students from educationally underserved environments, to master the BEng programmes.
  • The ECPs require one extra year of study, which precedes the curriculum of the mainstream programmes. Students who have completed this extra year successfully, and who meet certain additional requirements, may continue with the curriculum of the mainstream degree programmes of the Faculty of Engineering.
  • A limited number of students are selected for the ECPs and preference is given to students from disadvantaged environments. One cannot apply for the ECPs.  However, prospective students who have applied for a four-year mainstream BEng programme, and who have not been admitted, will be considered for admission to the ECPs, provided they meet the admission requirements for the ECPs.
  • Admission requirements for the ECPs only:
  • An NSC with admission to bachelor’s studies, or an exemption certificate by the Matriculation Board
  • An average of at least 60% in the NSC
  • An NSC Mathematics mark of at least 60%
  • An NSC Physical Sciences mark of at least 50%
  • NSC language marks that meet one of the following requirements:
    • English Home Language 50%, with no Afrikaans requirement OR
    • English First Additional Language 60%, with no Afrikaans requirement OR
    • English First Additional Language 50% AND Afrikaans Home Language 50% OR
    • English First Additional Language 50% AND Afrikaans First Additional Language 60%
  • Over and above the aforementioned requirements, candidates are subject to selection according to the criteria discussed above.
Where and when can I apply and what is this year’s application closing date for BEng studies at SU in 2025?

• Applications for undergraduate degree programmes can only be done online via the SU website (www.maties.com) between 1 April and 31 July 2024 for the 2025 intake of students.
• Application closing date: 31 July 2024

Where can I find information regarding application procedures, bursaries and loans, study fees, residences and private accommodation?

Please visit www.sun.ac.za/english/maties for information in this regard. You can also obtain bursary-related information by visiting www.eng.sun.ac.za/company-bursaries or www.zabursaries.co.za or www.gostudy.net.

How do I apply for an NSFAS bursary?

Please click HERE to apply for NSFAS assistance or to obtain information regarding application closing dates.

What support structures are in place at SU to support me in my transition from school to university?

• Two staff members in the Dean’s Division are assigned to support first-year students. In addition, the Faculty has appointed two independent educational psychologists to assist you with study methods, time management, etc.
• All registered students are invited to make use of the student support services at Student Affairs. They will be able to assist you with the following:
o Aptitude, interest and career tests
o Career planning
o Communication skills
o Conflict management
o Dealing with stress and depression
o Healthcare services
o Life skills training
o Reading skills
o Relationship problems
o Support for students with special needs or disabilities
o Time management

Where can I find important SU dates for 2024?

Please click HERE to obtain information regarding important dates for 2024.

Where can I find the Engineering Calendar for 2024?

Please click HERE to obtain access to the Engineering Calendar for 2024.

Could you provide me with a bit more information regarding textbooks for first-year students?
  • Students who received a provisional offer to study engineering in 2025 will receive an email in November 2024 with information on the list of prescribed textbooks, the drawing kit, and contact details of suppliers. Some suppliers on the list are based at the University Student Centre (on main campus), others are available for online orders.
  • In addition to the email that you will receive, we also publish the information on our Faculty webpage (please click HERE) and our Telegram This information will also be shared with parents and students during the Welcoming Programme before the start of classes.
Will I have access to WiFi at SU?

All registered students have free access, and use of, the Internet on campus and in University residences.

Do I need a laptop/internet-enabled device/computer to study at SU?

SU follows a blended teaching and learning approach, which includes both online learning and in-person classes. It is therefore important for students to have access to an internet-enabled device, preferably a laptop. With the uncertainty that has been brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, it is now more crucial than ever for students to have the right equipment to access online classes.

What are the recommended minimum laptop specifications?

Please click HERE for more information with regard to the recommended laptop specifications.

Does SU have IT labs where I can access a computer if I do not have my own laptop?

Yes, computers at our Computer User Areas are equipped with the most updated licenced software and these facilities are open to all students.

When will the Engineering Winterweek 2024 take place?

• The Engineering Winterweek will take place from 30 June to 5 July 2024, and the cost per learner is R4100. Applications open on 18 March (www.eng.sun.ac.za/winterweek), and additional information can be obtained by sending your enquiry to winterweek@sun.ac.za.
• Please also follow our Faculty’s social media platforms on www.eng.sun.ac.za to ensure that you don’t miss out on any important news.

English