TUT engineering requirements depend on the qualification. For the 2027 intake, the Bachelor of Engineering Technology (BEngTech) in Electrical Engineering asks for an APS of 30 and Mechanical Engineering for an APS of 28, with English at level 4 and Mathematics or Technical Mathematics and Physical or Technical Sciences at level 5. Mathematical Literacy does not meet the engineering requirement, because TUT makes Mathematics compulsory for its Engineering and the Built Environment faculty.
The figures below come from the TUT 2027 General Information for First Year Enrolment, and they apply to the 2027 intake. The closing date for BEngTech Electrical and Mechanical Engineering was 30 September 2026, so it has passed. Applications for the 2027 intake opened on 1 April 2026.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
For the 2027 intake, TUT lists these entry levels for the main engineering qualifications. The qualifications on offer in the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment include BArch, BGeomatics, several BEngTech degrees (Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Industrial, Polymer, Mechanical, Mechatronic and Metallurgical), diplomas and higher certificates.
- BEngTech Electrical Engineering: English 4, Mathematics or Technical Mathematics 5, Physical or Technical Sciences 5, APS 30
- BEngTech Mechanical Engineering: English 4, Mathematics or Technical Mathematics 5, Physical or Technical Sciences 5, APS 28
- Diploma in Electrical Engineering: English 4, Mathematics or Technical Mathematics 4, Physical or Technical Sciences 4, APS 26
- Higher Certificate in Mechanical Engineering: APS 20, one year
- BEngTech Electrical and Mechanical: three years, January intake
Other disciplines list their own figures, so check the programme you want in the TUT booklet. For programme detail see TUT electrical engineering requirements and TUT mechanical engineering requirements.
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
TUT does not count Life Orientation, or any subject in which you achieved level 1, in your Admission Point Score (APS).
The general NSC rule is a minimum of six subjects, including English with a minimum score of 3, and Mathematics, Technical Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy as the programme requires. For engineering the programme requires Mathematics or Technical Mathematics.
Nationally, a bachelor’s degree needs at least four subjects at performance level 4, and a diploma needs at least four subjects at level 3. TUT’s own requirements for engineering are higher than that national minimum, as the list above shows.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
Mathematics is compulsory for the Faculties of Science, Engineering and the Built Environment, and ICT. Management Sciences, Economics and Finance, and Humanities accept either Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy, which is why engineering applicants need Mathematics rather than Mathematical Literacy.
For the Diploma in Electrical Engineering, TUT lists English, Mathematics or Technical Mathematics, and Physical or Technical Sciences at level 4 each, and an APS of 26. The BEngTech routes need level 5 in Mathematics and the science subject. If your marks fall between the diploma and the BEngTech levels, the diploma or the one-year Higher Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (APS 20) may be the realistic entry point.
Documents and Application Requirements
The 2027 application fee is R240. It is compulsory for all first-time applicants, payable once and non-refundable. You pay it at ABSA with your identity number as the reference.
- Proof of payment of the application fee
- A certified copy of your identity document
- A certified copy of your NSC, or your final Grade 11 results if you are in Grade 12
If you hold an alternative or international qualification, you need a SAQA or CHE certificate of equivalence. TUT cannot obtain it for you, so start your application while the certificate is being processed.
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
You may apply on Grade 11 or mid-year Grade 12 results and may receive provisional admission pending your final Grade 12 results. TUT does not admit applicants who have not first been evaluated, and all prospectus information is subject to change.
A programme can close at any time once it is full, even before its published closing date. TUT lists closing dates on its programme closing dates page: some programmes closed on 15 June 2026, others on 31 July 2026, and the rest on 30 September 2026. Check that page for the next application cycle.
To check your admission status, go to tut.ac.za, choose Study@TUT, then Check Your Status, and enter your ID number.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the TUT engineering requirements?
For the 2027 intake, the BEngTech degrees in Electrical and Mechanical Engineering need English at level 4 and Mathematics or Technical Mathematics and Physical or Technical Sciences at level 5, with an APS of 30 (Electrical) or 28 (Mechanical). The Diploma in Electrical Engineering needs level 4 in all three subjects and an APS of 26.
What are the TUT mechanical engineering requirements?
The BEngTech in Mechanical Engineering needs English 4, Mathematics or Technical Mathematics 5, Physical or Technical Sciences 5 and an APS of 28. It runs for three years with a January intake, and applications closed on 30 September 2026. The Higher Certificate in Mechanical Engineering needs an APS of 20 and takes one year.
Can I study engineering at TUT with Mathematical Literacy?
No. Mathematics is compulsory for TUT’s Engineering and the Built Environment faculty, so Mathematical Literacy does not meet the requirement.
Do I need a bachelor’s pass for TUT engineering?
TUT’s BEngTech degrees follow the national bachelor’s minimum of four subjects at level 4 and add their own higher subject levels and APS. The diploma and higher certificate routes have lower levels, listed above.
Has TUT closed applications for 2027 engineering?
The 30 September 2026 closing date for BEngTech Electrical and Mechanical Engineering and the Higher Certificate in Mechanical Engineering has passed. Programmes can also close earlier once full. Ask TUT whether places remain, and check its closing-dates page for the next cycle.
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