Mechanical Engineer
Design machines, engines, plant and manufacturing systems for mining, energy and industry.
What the job involves
- Design and test mechanical equipment and systems.
- Improve plant efficiency and maintenance planning.
- Work in mining, manufacturing, energy and consulting.
School subjects you need
Pure Mathematics required. If you take Mathematical Literacy in Grade 10, this career is normally closed to you at degree level.
- Mathematics
- Physical Sciences
- English
- Engineering Graphics & Design
Marks you normally need
- Minimum NSC pass
- Bachelor's pass for BEng
- Indicative APS
- Roughly 30–38 for BEng
- Subject percentages institutions look for
- Mathematics: 60–70%+
- Physical Sciences: 60%+
These are indicative ranges for guidance only. Every university, university of technology and TVET college sets its own admission requirements — check the current prospectus of the institution you are applying to.
Study routes
- BEng / BSc Eng (Mechanical)4 years
Followed by graduate training toward Pr Eng registration.
- Diploma / BEngTech3–4 years
Strong practical focus with in-service training.
What you could earn
- Entry level
- R30 000 – R45 000 per month
- Mid-career
- R55 000 – R85 000 per month
- Senior
- R95 000 – R145 000 per month
Indicative gross monthly ranges from public South African salary sources. They vary by employer, province and experience, and are not guarantees. Compare all careers.
Where you can study this
Public institutions that commonly offer this field. Confirm the exact programme, its minimum APS and the closing date on the institution's own admissions page.
- University of Cape TownUCT · Cape Town
- University of the WitwatersrandWits · Johannesburg
- Stellenbosch UniversitySU · Stellenbosch
- University of PretoriaUP · Pretoria
- University of KwaZulu-NatalUKZN · Durban and Pietermaritzburg
- University of JohannesburgUJ · Johannesburg
- North-West UniversityNWU · Potchefstroom, Mahikeng and Vanderbijlpark
- Nelson Mandela UniversityNMU · Gqeberha
- Walter Sisulu UniversityWSU · Mthatha, East London, Butterworth, Komani
- Cape Peninsula University of TechnologyCPUT · Cape Town and Bellville
- Durban University of TechnologyDUT · Durban and Pietermaritzburg
- Tshwane University of TechnologyTUT · Pretoria and surrounding campuses
- Vaal University of TechnologyVUT · Vanderbijlpark
- Central University of TechnologyCUT · Bloemfontein and Welkom
- Mangosuthu University of TechnologyMUT · Umlazi, Durban
Official sources
Questions learners ask
Isifinyezo / Opsomming
isiZulu: Uklama imishini nezinjini. Kudinga iMathematics nePhysical Sciences.
Afrikaans: Ontwerp masjiene en aanlegte. Suiwer Wiskunde en Fisiese Wetenskappe is nodig.