The verified route to a marine engineering degree in this guide is CPUT’s Bachelor of Marine Engineering, offered by its Department of Maritime Studies. It asks for APS 36 (CPUT’s Method 2), English 4 (50%), Mathematics 5 (60%) or Technical Mathematics 5 (60%), and Physical Science 5 (60%) or Technical Science 5 (60%). You must also pass an eyesight test and a medical with a practitioner approved by the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA).
Confirm these figures with CPUT for your intake year. Marine engineering does not appear in the 2027 engineering entry tables published by UP, UCT, Wits or UJ.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
- Mathematics 5 (60%) or Technical Mathematics 5 (60%); Mathematical Literacy does not meet the requirement.
- Physical Science 5 (60%) or Technical Science 5 (60%).
- English (First language) 4 (50%).
- APS 36, calculated with CPUT’s Method 2.
- An eyesight test and medical at a SAMSA-approved medical practitioner.
Read the full entry for the degree in the CPUT prospectus.
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
The Bachelor of Marine Engineering is a three-year, full-time programme at CPUT’s Granger Bay campus. CPUT says it is approved by SAMSA for a career at sea and gives both a degree and an STCW95-compliant certificate of competency once the other industry requirements are met. The academic content is accredited by SAMSA up to Chief Engineering Officer level.
Nationally, a bachelor’s degree needs an NSC with at least 30% in the language of learning and teaching of the institution and an achievement rating of 4 (50–59%) or better in four 20-credit subjects. CPUT then sets its own, higher subject levels, as above.
CPUT also lists vocational routes:
- National Certificate N4 with Mathematics 60% and Physical Science 60%, and English equivalent to the NSC.
- NC(V) Level 4 with English 50%, Mathematics 70% and Physical Science 70%.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
Mathematics and Physical Science (or their technical versions) are the deciding subjects at level 5, and CPUT sets them separately from the APS. A strong total will not make up for a Mathematics or Physical Science result below the minimum.
If your marks fall short, CPUT lists a Bachelor of Marine Engineering (ECP) with a foundation year. The extended programme asks for an NSC APS of 31–35 (Method 2), with APS 28–30 wait-listed, English 4 (50%), Mathematics 4 or Technical Mathematics 4 (50%), and Physical Science 4 or Technical Science 4 (50%). The same SAMSA eyesight and medical requirement applies.
Documents and Application Requirements
Apply to CPUT through its official application channels, and confirm the closing date and supporting documents with CPUT, because the course page does not show a closing date. The SAMSA eyesight test and medical must be done with an approved practitioner.
CPUT’s prospectus fees are for the 2026 academic year, are listed per module, and may change for 2027.
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission to CPUT’s marine engineering degree. Apply early, and apply to a second programme as a fallback.
For the sea-going certificate of competency, the requirements come from SAMSA rather than from the university, so ask SAMSA and CPUT’s Department of Maritime Studies about sea service, medical standards and any sponsored training places before you apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the marine engineering requirements in South Africa?
At CPUT, the Bachelor of Marine Engineering asks for APS 36 (Method 2), English 4, Mathematics 5 or Technical Mathematics 5, Physical Science 5 or Technical Science 5, plus a SAMSA-approved eyesight test and medical. An extended route accepts APS 31–35 with level 4 subjects.
Where can I study marine engineering in South Africa?
CPUT, through its Department of Maritime Studies at Granger Bay, is the provider named in this guide. Marine engineering is not in the engineering entry tables published by UP, Wits, UCT or UJ. Check other institutions’ published programme lists directly.
Are there medical requirements?
Yes. CPUT requires an eyesight test and a medical at an approved SAMSA medical practitioner.
Can I study marine engineering with Mathematical Literacy?
No. CPUT requires Mathematics or Technical Mathematics, at level 5 for the main degree and level 4 for the extended route.
Is the degree recognised for a career at sea?
CPUT says the degree is approved by SAMSA for a career at sea, gives a degree plus an STCW95-compliant certificate of competency once other industry requirements are met, and is accredited by SAMSA up to Chief Engineering Officer level.
Confirm certificate of competency requirements with the South African Maritime Safety Authority, and the exact APS, subject levels and closing date with CPUT for your intake year.
See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.