How To Become A Mechanical Engineer In South Africa

A mechanical engineer is someone who designs, develops, builds, and tests mechanical devices.

Qualifications that qualify a person to Become A Mechanical Engineer In South Africa

Mechanical engineers are involved with the development, manufacturing, management and maintenance of transport, energy conversion, manufacturing, generator, weapons, cooling and heating systems, as well as industry installations, process equipment, manufacturing machinery and mining equipment.

One BEng programme in Mechanical Engineering is offered in this school.

During their studies, students may change their programme only with the consent of the relevant school director.

Admission to the BEng degree in Mechanical Engineering requires full matriculation exemption, with an APS count of at least 31, Mathematics level 6 (70–79%) and Physical Sciences level 5 (60–69%). The language requirement is a pass at level 5 (60–69%) in the language of instruction in either the home or first additional language. The requirements apply to both NSC and IEB.

Below is How To Become A Mechanical Engineer In South Africa

Getting a qualification in engineering

In order to have an entry-level position in mechanical engineering, students require a bachelor’s degree. Employers prefer candidates that have a bachelor’s degree in the related field.

Completing a two-year program can also help pave your career pathway and provide transferable academic credits towards completing a bachelor’s degree at a later stage.  

Gaining experience

Students can build their working experience when they are in their 4th year of completing their bachelor’s degree. They will have learnt the necessary skills to execute the task or project at hand.

Through internships or apprenticeships, students will gain the hands-on experience they need in order to succeed in their career field of mechanical engineering. 

Finding a job in the lucrative mechanical engineering field

Engineering skills are in high demand in and throughout South Africa. Most mechanical engineers work in an office environment alongside other engineering specialists.

Having the skills and experience is vital as employers seek engineers that have the qualifications and experience when reviewing their profiles.

It is one of the most technical engineering fields and new engineers must work beneath a senior supervisor for a couple of years. The career pathway of a mechanical engineer is to provide a high level of independence and responsibility when working on various project scopes.

What subjects are needed to become a mechanical engineer in South Africa?

First-year

Engineering Chemistry.

Introduction to the Engineering Profession.

Engineering Analysis and Design IA AND IB.

Engineering Mathematics IA AND IB.

Engineering Physics IA AND IB.

Applied Physics I.

What qualifications do you need to become a mechanical engineer?

You’ll need:

maths knowledge.

knowledge of engineering science and technology.

design skills and knowledge.

the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools.

analytical thinking skills.

to be thorough and pay attention to detail.

knowledge of physics.

the ability to come up with new ways of doing things.

Where can you study to become a mechanical engineer in South Africa?

The following universities offer degrees in Mechanical Engineering:

University of Cape Town.

University of Pretoria.

University of KwaZulu-Natal.

University of Stellenbosch.

North-West University.

University of the Witwatersrand.

Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University.

University of Johannesburg.

How much does it cost to become a mechanical engineer in South Africa?

The costs of the degree at the Universities of KwaZulu-Natal, Pretoria, Johannesburg and North West range between R37 000 and R51 000 a year. South Africa’s universities also offer different residence options, both on and off campus.

Is mechanical engineering a good career in South Africa?

Working in two of the most in-demand fields in South Africa, energy and mechanical engineering technologists are especially well-paid. To qualify, a bTech is strongly advised. An engineering technologist earns an average salary of R295, 225 per year and up to R575, 784 according to Payscale.

Is it hard to become a mechanical engineer?

Mechanical engineering is not difficult compared to say electrical or chemical engineering. It’s mainly classical physics, a bit of diffeq, some statistical mechanics, a dash of material science, a minor in business administration, and a few thousand hours of mindless study typical engineering fare.

Is mechanical engineering well paid?

Mechanical engineers earn good salaries – well above the national average: The average starting salary for an engineering graduate is £26,536 (the second highest of all graduates after medicine and dentistry).

Which university is best for Mechanical Engineering in South Africa?

Best Global Universities for Engineering in South Africa

University of Pretoria.

University of Johannesburg.

University of Witwatersrand.

University of Cape Town.

University of KwaZulu Natal.

Stellenbosch University.

What grades do you need for mechanical engineering?

You’ll usually need: 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science. 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma.