Petroleum engineering requirements are not set by a single national body, and the 2027 requirement tables checked for UP, UCT, UJ and Wits list no dedicated undergraduate petroleum engineering programme. UCT’s chemical engineering FAQ addresses the question directly: chemical engineering prepares you to work in the field of petrochemicals.
So the requirements below are those of chemical engineering at three universities. If you are looking for a petroleum programme at another institution, ask that university directly.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
Chemical engineering entry requirements for the 2027 intake:
- UCT Chemical Engineering: Band A needs an FPS of 500, Mathematics of at least 80% and Physical Sciences of at least 75% (UCT 2027 engineering entry requirements).
- UP BEng Chemical Engineering: English 5, Mathematics 6, Physical Sciences 6, APS 35 (UP 2027 application requirements tables).
- UJ BEngTech Chemical Engineering (B6CE1Q): APS 30, English 4 (50%+), Mathematics 5 (60%+), Physical Science 5 (60%+) (UJ undergraduate admissions page).
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 that language and a rating of 3 (40-49%) or better in four 20-credit subjects. Universities set their own, higher requirements for engineering.
The qualification type affects professional registration. The Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) lists an accredited BEng or BSc (Eng) qualification or equivalent for Professional Engineer, an accredited BEng Tech degree or equivalent for Professional Engineering Technologist, and an accredited National Diploma or equivalent for Professional Engineering Technician. Each also needs workplace experience. See the ECSA Professional Engineer page.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
All three programmes above set separate Mathematics and Physical Sciences levels in addition to the total score. UCT’s Band B (WPS 480) needs Physical Sciences of at least 70%, and Band C needs an FPS of 420. UP also lists a five-year Bachelor of Engineering (previously ENGAGE) route with 65% in English, Mathematics and Physical Sciences and APS 33.
APS at UJ is the sum of your six best subjects excluding Life Orientation. Geography is not listed in any of these tables.
Documents and Application Requirements
Closing dates for 2027 entry: UP closed on 30 June 2026 for the Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and IT. UJ closes on 31 October 2026 at 12:00. Check UCT’s own closing date on its website.
UJ applications are free and allow two study choices, which cannot be changed after you submit. South African applicants with no previous studies do not have to submit supporting documents to UJ. Check each other university for its document list and fees.
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
Meeting a minimum does not guarantee a place. UJ ranks applicants on total APS and space availability, with final selection in January on Grade 12 results.
If petroleum work is your goal, choose the underlying engineering degree first and ask the university how its graduates enter the field. Chemical engineering is the route UCT points to.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I study petroleum engineering in South Africa?
No dedicated undergraduate petroleum engineering programme appears in the UP, UCT, UJ or Wits 2027 requirement tables. UCT says chemical engineering prepares you for petrochemical work. Other institutions may list something different, so confirm with the university.
What are the requirements for petroleum engineering?
There is no petroleum-specific requirement to quote. The nearest programme is chemical engineering, where UCT asks for Mathematics of at least 80% and Physical Sciences of at least 75% for guaranteed Band A admission, UP asks for English 5, Mathematics 6 and Physical Sciences 6 (APS 35), and UJ’s BEngTech asks for APS 30 with Mathematics 5 and Physical Science 5.
What degree should I take instead?
Chemical engineering is the route UCT points to for petrochemicals. Ask the universities about other engineering degrees.
Do I need Geography?
Geography is not listed in the chemical engineering requirements above. Mathematics and Physical Sciences are what the tables ask for.
Confirm the exact APS, subject levels and closing dates with each university for your intake year, and confirm accreditation and registration categories with ECSA. See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.