The one dedicated undergraduate biomedical engineering degree confirmed in this research is the three-year Bachelor of Engineering Science in Biomedical Engineering, BEngSc (BME), at Wits. It needs an APS of 42 or more, with English (Home Language or First Additional Language), Mathematics and Physical Sciences each at Level 5 minimum. See the Wits biomedical engineering page.
Stellenbosch University says it does not offer undergraduate biomedical engineering programmes, so applicants there first build a base in a contributing discipline, commonly a BEng. The Wits degree is pre-professional, so it does not on its own qualify you for professional registration.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
- Programme: BEngSc (BME), three years, School of Electrical and Information Engineering, Wits (programme code EBA00)
- APS: 42 or more
- English: Home Language or First Additional Language, Level 5 minimum
- Mathematics: Level 5 minimum
- Physical Sciences: Level 5 minimum
- Mathematical Literacy does not meet the Mathematics requirement, which 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, and institutions may set more. Wits sets a much higher bar for this degree, as above.
Applicants with Level 5 in English, Mathematics and Physical Sciences are wait-listed, subject to place availability. Level 6 in all three gives a greater chance. Meeting the minimum does not guarantee a place.
The BEngSc (BME) combines subjects in science, engineering, medicine and biology. Because it is pre-professional, you are not eligible for professional registration with this degree alone. Afterwards, Wits points to routes such as applying to third year of a BSc(Eng) in Electrical or Information Engineering, or to Medicine (MBBCh), which is competitive.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
The Wits requirement is APS 42+ together with Level 5 in English, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, so a high total does not replace a weak result in one of the three subjects.
The qualifications that count are the NSC with the levels above. The Bachelor of Biomedical Engineering you may see searched for is the BEngSc (BME) at Wits. Other universities do not publish an undergraduate programme under this name in the sources reviewed, and Stellenbosch states it does not offer one (see its guide for prospective students, dated 2021, so confirm the current position).
For professional registration as a Professional Engineer, the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) requires an accredited BEng or BSc (Eng) qualification or equivalent, structured practical training, reports, and success in the Experience Appraisal and Professional Review Interview. See the ECSA Professional Engineer page.
Documents and Application Requirements
Wits lists the closing date on the programme page as 30 September 2026 for the 2027 intake (residence applications also closed on 30 September 2026). That date has passed, so if you did not apply, ask Wits whether late applications are possible and what the next cycle will be.
Apply through the Wits application process shown on the programme page. Wits fees and the application fee are set out on the Wits fees pages, so check them there.
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
Wits ranks applicants and wait-lists those at the minimum, so aim for Level 6 in English, Mathematics and Physical Sciences. If you want to specialise in biomedical engineering but miss the Wits requirement or another route suits you better, a general engineering degree is the other way in, as Stellenbosch describes. Electrical engineering suits imaging and instrumentation work, and a postgraduate qualification is a further route to specialisation.
Whichever route you take, check programme accreditation with ECSA before enrolling, because only accredited qualifications count towards professional registration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I study biomedical engineering straight from matric?
Yes at Wits, where the BEngSc (BME) is a three-year undergraduate degree. Stellenbosch does not offer an undergraduate programme, so students there start in another discipline, commonly a BEng.
What are the biomedical engineering courses in South Africa?
The confirmed undergraduate course is the Wits BEngSc (BME). Stellenbosch offers routes through a base discipline such as a BEng or BSc and postgraduate study. Check other universities’ own course pages for anything further.
What are the qualifications for biomedical engineering?
For the Wits degree, an NSC with APS 42 or more and Level 5 in English, Mathematics and Physical Sciences. For registration with ECSA as a Professional Engineer, an accredited BEng or BSc (Eng) or equivalent, which the BEngSc alone does not give.
Do I need Life Sciences?
The Wits requirements name English, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, not Life Sciences.
Is the BEngSc a professional engineering degree?
No. It is pre-professional, so you are not eligible for professional registration with it alone. Wits points to further routes such as a BSc(Eng) in Electrical or Information Engineering (applying to third year) or Medicine.
Confirm the exact APS, subject levels and closing dates with Wits for your intake year, and confirm accreditation and registration categories with ECSA. See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.