For the 2027 intake, TUT offers mechanical engineering as the BEngTech in Mechanical Engineering and as a Higher Certificate in Mechanical Engineering, both on the Pretoria Campus. The BEngTech needs an APS of at least 28, and the published closing date for both was 30 September, which has now passed for the 2027 intake.
The figures below come from TUT’s 2027 first-year enrolment booklet. TUT says its information is subject to change, so confirm with TUT before you rely on it.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
All figures are for the 2027 intake, and the APS excludes Life Orientation.
- BEngTech (Mechanical Engineering), NQF 7, 420 credits: NSC with a bachelor’s endorsement; English level 4; Mathematics or Technical Mathematics level 5; Physical Sciences or Technical Sciences level 5; APS of at least 28
- Higher Certificate in Mechanical Engineering, NQF 5, 140 credits: English 4; Mathematics or Technical Mathematics 4; Physical Sciences or Technical Sciences 3; APS of at least 20
- Recommended BEngTech subjects: Engineering Graphics and Design and Mechanical Technology
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
TUT requires an NSC (NQF Level 4) or equivalent with at least six subjects, and does not count Life Orientation or any subject with achievement level 1 in the APS. Its national minimums are four subjects at level 4 for bachelor’s degrees and four subjects at level 3 for diplomas.
Mathematics is compulsory for TUT’s Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, so Mathematical Literacy does not qualify you for mechanical engineering. If you fall below the BEngTech minimum, TUT says you might be transferred to the Higher Certificate in Mechanical Engineering, provided you meet its minimum requirements.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
Level 4 is the 50-59% band in TUT’s APS table, so a level 5 means 60-69%. That makes Mathematics and Physical or Technical Sciences the subjects to watch for the BEngTech.
There are other routes into the BEngTech. TUT lists a Higher Certificate in Mechanical Engineering with an average of at least 60% and 60% in each of Engineering Graphics, Engineering Physics, Mechanics and Technical Mathematics, or a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering Technology with an average of at least 55%. TUT’s booklet lists no stand-alone Diploma in Mechanical Engineering among its first-year qualifications, so ask TUT before planning a diploma route.
Documents and Application Requirements
- Proof of payment of the application fee, which is R240 for 2027, compulsory for first-time applicants, payable once and non-refundable (deposited at ABSA with your ID number as the reference)
- A certified copy of your ID
- A certified copy of your NSC, or your final Grade 11 results if you are in Grade 12
Qualifications from outside the NSC system need a SAQA or CHE certificate of equivalence, which TUT cannot obtain for you. Start your application while the certificate is in process. You may apply on Grade 11 or mid-year Grade 12 results and receive provisional admission pending your final results.
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
The BEngTech has a January intake only and takes a minimum of three years of day classes. The Higher Certificate also has a January intake and takes a minimum of one year.
TUT does not admit anyone without prior evaluation, and a programme may close before its deadline once it is full. The undergraduate application window for 2027 opened on 1 April 2026. See TUT’s programme closing dates page for the current position. You can check your status on tut.ac.za under Study@TUT, then Check Your Status, using your ID number.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the TUT mechanical engineering requirements?
For the BEngTech: a bachelor’s endorsement, English level 4, Mathematics or Technical Mathematics level 5, Physical or Technical Sciences level 5 and an APS of at least 28 excluding Life Orientation. The Higher Certificate needs an APS of at least 20.
Can I study mechanical engineering at TUT with Mathematical Literacy?
No. Mathematics is compulsory for TUT’s engineering faculty, and the qualifications name Mathematics or Technical Mathematics.
Which campus offers mechanical engineering at TUT?
TUT’s booklet lists both the BEngTech and the Higher Certificate in Mechanical Engineering at the Pretoria Campus.
What if I miss the BEngTech APS?
TUT says you might be transferred to the Higher Certificate in Mechanical Engineering, provided you meet its minimum requirements.
When do applications close?
The published closing date was 30 September, so it has passed for the 2027 intake. Ask TUT whether places remain.
Admission requirements, ECSA accreditation and registration categories are set by TUT and ECSA, so confirm these with them directly. See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.