To study mechatronics engineering in South Africa you need a bachelor pass with Mathematics and Physical Sciences at high levels. Mathematical Literacy is not accepted for any engineering qualification, and institutions commonly set a specific Mathematics threshold above the general APS requirement.
Mechatronics combines mechanical, electrical and software engineering, covering robotics, automation and control systems. It is offered at a growing number of South African institutions, generally as a specialisation within mechanical or electrical engineering rather than as a wholly separate faculty.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
Entry to mechatronics engineering is assessed on the following.
- A bachelor pass for degree routes, or a diploma pass for diploma routes
- Mathematics at a high level, with Mathematical Literacy never accepted
- Physical Sciences at the level the institution requires
- A high APS, since engineering programmes are consistently oversubscribed
- English at the level the faculty requires
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
South Africa offers three main engineering qualification types. The four-year BEng or BSc Eng is the professional degree leading towards registration as a Professional Engineer. The BEngTech is a three-year degree leading towards registration as a Professional Engineering Technologist. Diplomas lead towards registration as an Engineering Technician.
Because mechatronics draws on three disciplines, the first two years frequently share modules with mechanical and electrical programmes, and specialisation happens later. That means admission is often to the broader programme, which is worth confirming before you apply.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
Mathematics and Physical Sciences are required at every institution and at every level of engineering study. Mathematical Literacy is not accepted anywhere, and Technical Mathematics is accepted only at some institutions for specific diploma routes.
Mathematics and Physical Sciences are required as for other engineering disciplines, and the mathematics content is heavy because control systems and signal processing are central. Information Technology at school is useful for the programming component but is not required.
Institutions typically set a Mathematics threshold separately from the overall APS, so a strong total carried by other subjects will not compensate for a weaker mathematics result.
Documents and Application Requirements
Applications normally require the following.
- A certified copy of your identity document
- Your National Senior Certificate or latest statement of results
- Proof of the application fee, where one is charged
- Your final matric results, used to confirm any conditional offer
- A SAQA evaluation certificate, if you hold a foreign qualification
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
Mechatronics has become popular, which has raised competition at institutions offering it. Selection is on academic results, with mathematics weighted heavily.
Registration with the Engineering Council of South Africa follows the qualification. After graduating you complete a period of supervised professional experience and submit for registration in the category matching your qualification. Only accredited programmes count, so confirm accreditation before enrolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is mechatronics a separate degree?
Often it is a specialisation within mechanical or electrical engineering, with shared early-year modules. Confirm the structure at each institution.
Do I need programming experience?
No. Programming is taught within the degree, though Information Technology at school is useful preparation.
What does a mechatronics engineer do?
Robotics, industrial automation, control systems and the design of products combining mechanical and electronic components.
Which registration category does it lead to?
That depends on the qualification type. Confirm with the institution and with the Engineering Council of South Africa.
Confirm whether admission is to a dedicated mechatronics programme or to a broader engineering programme with later specialisation. Confirm programme accreditation and registration categories with the Engineering Council of South Africa. Confirm the exact APS, subject levels and closing dates with each institution for your intake year. See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.