Career guide

Mechanical Engineer

Investigative

Designs, tests and improves machines and moving systems - engines, pumps, production lines, heating and cooling. Works between a drawing board and a factory floor.

This career needs Core Mathematics.
Mathematical Literacy is not accepted for it at South African universities. This choice is made in Grade 9, for Grade 10 — and it is very difficult to reverse later. If this career is on your list, take Core Mathematics.

School subjects

Mathematics (NOT Mathematical Literacy) and Physical Sciences are both compulsory, usually at 50-60% minimum, with English at 50%+. Entry is competitive, so 60%+ is realistic. Meeting the minimum does not guarantee a place.

How you qualify

Three ECSA-registered routes - BEng or BSc(Eng), 4 years, leading to Professional Engineer (Pr Eng); BEngTech, 4 years, leading to Professional Engineering Technologist (Pr Tech Eng); or a National Diploma, 3 years, leading to Professional Engineering Technician (Pr Techni Eng). All three require registration as a Candidate first, then about three years of supervised experience and a professional review before full registration. Entry requirements and APS differ by institution and change yearly - confirm directly with the institution.

Where to study

ECSA-accredited universities and Universities of Technology; registration with ECSA required to practise

Before you decide. Entry requirements change every year and differ between institutions. We do not publish admission point scores here, because a number that is right for one university in one year is wrong for another. Confirm the requirements directly with the institution before your subject selection form is signed. In KwaZulu-Natal, applications go through the Central Applications Office (cao.ac.za).

Last verified: 2026-08

Book a Career Pathfinder assessment

A qualified career counsellor works through your child's personality, interests, strengths and subjects, and writes them a report on what fits.

← All career guides