To study agricultural engineering in South Africa you need a bachelor pass with Mathematics and Physical Sciences at high levels. Mathematical Literacy is not accepted for any engineering qualification, and institutions commonly set a specific Mathematics threshold above the general APS requirement.
Agricultural engineering applies engineering to farming and food production, covering irrigation, soil and water management, farm machinery and post-harvest processing. It is offered at a small number of South African universities and combines engineering with biological and environmental science.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
Entry to agricultural engineering is assessed on the following.
- A bachelor pass for degree routes, or a diploma pass for diploma routes
- Mathematics at a high level, with Mathematical Literacy never accepted
- Physical Sciences at the level the institution requires
- A high APS, since engineering programmes are consistently oversubscribed
- English at the level the faculty requires
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
South Africa offers three main engineering qualification types. The four-year BEng or BSc Eng is the professional degree leading towards registration as a Professional Engineer. The BEngTech is a three-year degree leading towards registration as a Professional Engineering Technologist. Diplomas lead towards registration as an Engineering Technician.
The discipline sits between engineering and agricultural science, and institutions place it differently. Some offer it as an accredited BEng within an engineering faculty, others as a BSc in an agricultural faculty. That placement determines whether the qualification leads to registration as a professional engineer, so check it before enrolling.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
Mathematics and Physical Sciences are required at every institution and at every level of engineering study. Mathematical Literacy is not accepted anywhere, and Technical Mathematics is accepted only at some institutions for specific diploma routes.
Mathematics and Physical Sciences are required as for other engineering disciplines. Agricultural Sciences at school is useful preparation but is rarely a formal requirement, and Life Sciences supports the soil and crop components.
Institutions typically set a Mathematics threshold separately from the overall APS, so a strong total carried by other subjects will not compensate for a weaker mathematics result.
Documents and Application Requirements
Applications normally require the following.
- A certified copy of your identity document
- Your National Senior Certificate or latest statement of results
- Proof of the application fee, where one is charged
- Your final matric results, used to confirm any conditional offer
- A SAQA evaluation certificate, if you hold a foreign qualification
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
Intakes are small because few institutions offer the programme. Water scarcity and food security have sustained demand for the discipline, and bursaries are sometimes available through agricultural and water sector bodies.
Registration with the Engineering Council of South Africa follows the qualification. After graduating you complete a period of supervised professional experience and submit for registration in the category matching your qualification. Only accredited programmes count, so confirm accreditation before enrolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is agricultural engineering a real engineering degree?
It depends on the institution. Some offer it as an accredited BEng, others as a BSc in an agricultural faculty. Only the accredited engineering route leads to registration as a professional engineer.
Do I need Agricultural Sciences at school?
It is useful preparation but rarely a formal requirement. Mathematics and Physical Sciences are.
Where is it offered?
At a small number of South African universities. Confirm current offerings directly.
What does an agricultural engineer do?
Irrigation and water management, farm machinery and structures, soil conservation and post-harvest processing systems.
Check whether the programme is an accredited engineering qualification or an agricultural science degree, since only the former leads to professional engineer registration. Confirm programme accreditation and registration categories with the Engineering Council of South Africa. Confirm the exact APS, subject levels and closing dates with each institution for your intake year. See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.