Chemical engineering requirements differ by university, and all of them need Mathematics and Physical Sciences at high levels. For the 2027 intake, Wits needs APS 42+ with Level 5 in English, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, UP needs English 5, Mathematics 6, Physical Sciences 6 and APS 35, and UCT guarantees a place at FPS 500 with Mathematics at 80% and Physical Sciences at 75%.
UJ offers a three-year BEngTech in Chemical Engineering at APS 30. Compare the figures below and apply to every institution that suits you.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
- Wits BSc (Eng) Chemical Engineering: APS 42+, with English (Home Language or First Additional Language), Mathematics and Physical Sciences each at Level 5 minimum
- UP BEng Chemical Engineering (2027): English 5, Mathematics 6, Physical Sciences 6, APS 35
- UCT Chemical Engineering (2027): Band A (guaranteed) FPS 500 with Mathematics at least 80% and Physical Sciences at least 75%
- UJ BEngTech Chemical Engineering (2027): APS 30, English Level 4 (50%+), Mathematics Level 5 (60%+), Physical Science Level 5 (60%+); Mathematical Literacy is not accepted
- Mathematical Literacy is not accepted at UJ, and every programme above names Mathematics
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
The national minimum for a bachelor’s degree is an NSC with at least 30% in the language of learning and teaching of the institution and an achievement rating of 4 (50 to 59%) or better in four 20-credit subjects. Institutions may set more, and for chemical engineering they all do, as the figures on this page show.
The degree types differ. The BSc (Eng) or BEng is the professional degree and ECSA requires an accredited BEng or BSc (Eng) or equivalent for registration as a Professional Engineer (see the ECSA Professional Engineer page). The BEngTech leads towards Professional Engineering Technologist registration (see the ECSA technologist page), and a National Diploma leads towards Professional Engineering Technician registration (see the ECSA technician page).
UP also lists a five-year Bachelor of Engineering route at 65% in English, Mathematics and Physical Sciences with APS 33. The UP table is in the UP 2027 application requirements.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
- Wits: APS 42+ and Level 5 in English, Mathematics and Physical Sciences (programme code EFA00). See the Wits chemical engineering page.
- UCT: the Faculty Points Score (FPS) is out of 600 and counts English, Mathematics, Physical Science and your three next best subjects, excluding Life Orientation. Band B (likely) is WPS 480 with Mathematics at least 80% and Physical Sciences at least 70%, and Band C (redress groups 1 and 2) is FPS 420. The NBTs must be written but are not used for admission to this faculty. See the UCT 2027 engineering requirements.
- UP: English 5, Mathematics 6, Physical Sciences 6, APS 35 for the BEng.
- UJ: BEngTech Chemical Engineering, three years at the DFC campus, code B6CE1Q, APS 30. See the UJ undergraduate admission pages.
Life Orientation is excluded from the UCT FPS and Physical Sciences carries a separate minimum at every institution above, so a strong total will not make up for a weaker Physical Sciences mark.
Documents and Application Requirements
Apply directly to each institution through its own application system, and keep your latest results ready. Document lists and application fees are set by each institution, so check them on its admissions pages.
Closing dates for the 2027 intake: Wits and UP have closed (Wits on 30 September 2026 and UP on 30 June 2026). UJ shows 31 October 2026 for undergraduate programmes, so if you want the UJ BEngTech, apply before then. UCT’s date is on its own admissions pages. For a closed date, ask the institution whether late applications are considered.
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
Meeting the minimum does not guarantee a place. At Wits, applicants with Level 5 in English, Mathematics and Physical Sciences are wait-listed, subject to place availability, and Level 6 in all three gives a greater chance. UCT bands applicants into guaranteed, likely and redress categories.
Apply to every institution that offers the programme and consider the BEngTech route if your results fall short of the BEng. After graduating, registration with ECSA follows the qualification, and only accredited programmes count, so confirm accreditation before enrolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements to study chemical engineering in South Africa?
Mathematics and Physical Sciences at high levels. For 2027, Wits needs APS 42+ with Level 5 in English, Mathematics and Physical Sciences; UP needs English 5, Mathematics 6, Physical Sciences 6 and APS 35; UCT guarantees entry at FPS 500 with Mathematics 80% and Physical Sciences 75%.
What are the chemical engineering requirements at UP?
English 5, Mathematics 6, Physical Sciences 6 and APS 35 for the BEng (NSC or IEB, 2027 intake). The five-year Bachelor of Engineering route asks for 65% in each of those subjects with APS 33. The UP closing date was 30 June 2026.
Can I study chemical engineering with a lower APS?
UJ offers a three-year BEngTech in Chemical Engineering at APS 30, with Mathematics at Level 5 (60%+) and Physical Science at Level 5 (60%+).
Where can I study chemical engineering?
This page covers Wits, UCT, UP and UJ. Other universities may also offer it, so check their own pages for current requirements.
Confirm the exact APS, subject levels and closing dates with each institution for your intake year, and confirm accreditation and registration categories with the Engineering Council of South Africa. See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.