Requirements

Mining Engineering Requirements

Mining engineering requirements depend on the university and on the type of qualification. For the 2027 intake, the university requirement tables checked list three programmes: Wits BSc (Eng) Mining Engineering (APS 42+, Level 5 in English, Mathematics and Physical Sciences), UP BEng Mining Engineering (APS 35, English 5, Mathematics 6, Physical Sciences 6) and UJ BEngTech Mining Engineering (APS 23, English 4, Mathematics 5, Physical Science 5).

These are different qualifications with different levels, so do not compare the APS figures as if they were the same degree. The UJ programme is a Bachelor of Engineering Technology, not a BEng. All three programmes need Mathematics and a science subject at a high level, and a minimum does not guarantee a place.

Entry Requirements at a Glance

Minimum requirements for the 2027 intake, as published by each university:

Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements

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. A diploma needs 30% in the language of learning and teaching and a rating of 3 (40-49%) or better in four 20-credit subjects. Universities may, and for engineering do, set higher and more specific requirements.

The qualification type matters. In Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) terms, a Professional Engineer needs an accredited BEng or BSc (Eng) qualification or equivalent. A Professional Engineering Technologist needs an accredited BEng Tech degree or equivalent, and a Professional Engineering Technician needs an accredited National Diploma or equivalent. Each also needs structured workplace experience. See Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) for the registration categories.

Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements

APS is the sum of the achievement ratings of your six best subjects, excluding Life Orientation (this is how UJ defines it). Mining engineering also sets separate subject levels, so a strong total will not make up for a weaker Mathematics or Physical Sciences result.

Wits and UP both ask for Level 5 or higher in English, with Mathematics and Physical Sciences at Level 5 (Wits) or Level 6 (UP). UP also lists a five-year Bachelor of Engineering (previously ENGAGE) route for all engineering disciplines, which asks for 65% in English, Mathematics and Physical Sciences and APS 33 and includes foundation modules in the first year (see the UP 2027 application requirements tables). UCT’s UCT 2027 engineering entry requirements list no mining engineering.

Geography is not listed as a requirement in any of the tables above.

Documents and Application Requirements

Closing dates for 2027 entry differ by university, and two have already passed:

UJ applications are free and allow two study choices per year, which cannot be changed after you submit. Grade 12 applicants apply with their final Grade 11 results, and final selection happens in January on Grade 12 results. South African applicants with no previous studies do not have to submit supporting documents. Transfer applicants must submit an academic record, and international applicants a certified passport and school results.

Wits applications go through its Student Enrolment Centre: submit the application, the required documentation and the application fee before the closing date, then track progress on the Self Service Portal (see the Wits course page).

Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations

Meeting the minimum does not guarantee a place. Wits wait-lists applicants with Level 5 in English, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, subject to space, and Level 6 in all three gives a better chance. UJ ranks applicants on total APS and space availability.

At Wits, the first two years cover common engineering sciences. The third and fourth years cover mining subjects such as mineral resources evaluation, ventilation, environmental engineering, and mine and rock mechanics, ending with a mine design exercise. The Wits curriculum also lists Vacation Work I (Mining).

UJ also lists a three-year Bachelor of Mine Surveying (B6SU0Q) with the same minimums as its mining engineering degree: APS 23, English 4, Mathematics 5 and Physical Science 5.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I study mining engineering in South Africa?

The 2027 requirement tables checked show Wits (BSc Eng), UP (BEng) and UJ (BEngTech). UCT’s table lists none. Other universities may also offer it, so confirm with the institution before you rule it out.

What are the mining engineering requirements at UJ?

UJ’s BEngTech Mining Engineering (B6MINQ, Doornfontein, three years) needs APS 23, English 4 (50%+), Mathematics 5 (60%+), and Physical Science 5 (60%+) or Technical Science 5 (60%+). Applications close on 31 October 2026 at 12:00 for the 2027 intake.

What are the requirements for mining engineering at Wits and UP?

Wits asks for APS 42+ with Level 5 in English, Mathematics and Physical Sciences. UP asks for English 5, Mathematics 6, Physical Sciences 6 and APS 35. Both closing dates for 2027 entry have passed, so check each university for any later option.

Which qualification leads to registration as a Professional Engineer?

ECSA requires an accredited BEng or BSc (Eng) qualification or equivalent, structured practical training, reports and a review. The UJ BEngTech route leads to the Professional Engineering Technologist category instead.

Do I need Geography?

Geography does not appear in the requirement tables for Wits, UP or UJ. Mathematics and Physical Sciences (or Technical Science at UJ) are the subjects they list.

Confirm the exact APS, subject levels and closing dates with the university for your intake year, and confirm accreditation and registration categories with ECSA. See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.

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