South Africa is one of the most beautiful and diverse countries in the world. The education system of South Africa has come a long way since the days of apartheid and currently boasts some of the most international universities in the world. Engineering, in particular, is a subject these universities focus on as engineering roles in South Africa continue to go unfilled.
Below are some of the best engineering schools in South Africa.
Top Engineering Universities in South Africa
1. Tshwane University of Technology
The first university we will discuss today is the Tshwane University of Technology. Based in the city of Pretoria and with nearly 100,000 students enrolled, TUT is easily the largest university in South Africa. Ranked in the top 400 universities worldwide for engineering, Tshwane University is recognized for the quality of its engineering courses.
The Faculty of Engineering has degrees available at all levels, from bachelor’s to postdoctorate. These include degrees in civil, electrical, and industrial engineering, with more available as well. Completing a course with the Faculty of Engineering is excellent preparation for a graduate that is trying to start their engineering career. It is also necessary for a graduate who wants to become a registered engineer with the Engineering Council of South Africa.
Check out: 5 Best Scholarships in South Africa for International Students
2. University of Cape Town
The joint oldest university in all of South Africa, the University of Cape Town is one of the best engineering schools in South Africa. The Faculty of Engineering teaches mechanical, chemical, civil, and electrical engineering at all levels. Regardless of what you choose to study, you can be sure that you are getting a quality education – the faculty is recognized nationally and worldwide for its contribution to science. Just one example is the university’s involvement in the creation of the Karoo Array Telescope. This design has lain the foundation for the Square Kilometre Array, the largest planned telescope in the world.
Outside of the classroom, the University of Cape Town has one of the most vibrant campuses in the country. UCT hosts 40 sports clubs, more than 100 student societies, a campus radio show, and a newspaper. Given this wealth of options, students at the university are sure to find a club that suits their interests.
3. University of the Witwatersrand
Located in the north of Johannesburg, the University of the Witwatersrand is another institution in South Africa that confers quality engineering degrees. The Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment offers perhaps the largest range of engineering courses in the country, with subjects such as aeronautical, biomedical, and mining engineering available as well as more common engineering courses. This is one of the reasons why it is a top institution for engineering in South Africa.
The university also houses some of the most important historical sites, all of which students can see. These include the Cradle of Humanity, home to some of the most ancient and well-preserved hominid fossils. There is also the Johannesburg Planetarium, the oldest observatory in Africa, which is owned and run by the university for the instruction of students.
Finally, the city of Johanessburg itself is well worth seeing as a student. The megacity is home to several museums such as the Apartheid Museum and the Johannesburg Art Gallary. Other sites worth visiting include the Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve and the Johanessburg Botanical Garden.
See Also: 5 Best Universities in South Africa for International Students
4. University of Pretoria
Located in the executive capital of South Africa, the University of Pretoria’s engineering faculty ranks in the top 400 universities worldwide, making it one of the best engineering schools in South Africa. The institution is at the forefront of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and offers courses suited to a rapidly changing world. These include degrees in electrical, systems, mining, and metallurgic engineering at an undergraduate level. Students interested in pursuing a master’s with the University of Pretoria can choose between 141 distinct programs, many of which build off the knowledge attained at the undergraduate level.
The university is also dedicated to the wellbeing of its students; with a free counseling service, several healthcare facilities, and a student service center to answer any queries a student may have, the university strives to be a welcoming and safe place to study in.
5. University of Johannesburg
The final university we will discuss today is the University of Johannesburg. Founded in 2005, the university teaches over 50,000 students, with an especially large contingent of international students. The Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment offers a broad range of courses at all levels. At the bachelor’s level, this includes electrical, civil, industrial, and mechanical engineering. On the other hand, postgraduates can take either a taught or research master’s that is based on what they learned in their undergraduate.
The University of Johannesburg is one of the most diverse university campuses in South Africa. There are over 80 countries represented on the campus. The university helps international students find their footing through various orientation programs while also celebrating their contribution to campus life with the International Festival.
Students from the university can also choose to study abroad through the university’s exchange programs. The University of Johannesburg is part of a network of over 300 colleges, giving exchange students plenty of options to choose from.
In closing, there are plenty of options for engineering students interested in studying in South Africa. All of the universities listed above offer interesting choices that improve a graduate’s prospects for a successful engineering career.
Find out more: 5 Cheap Universities in South Africa for International Students
Conclusion
South Africa is one of the top destinations for students intending on pursuing higher education in the African continent. The country provides great cultural and academic experiences to international students from across the world. Studying Engineering in South Africa is a popular choice among students, as the country has several renowned universities that offer high-quality engineering programs. If you are looking for a degree in Engineering at an affordable cost, check out our curated list of the 5 Cheapest Universities in South Africa for International Students.
We hope this article on the best engineering schools in South Africa was helpful. To know more information on studying abroad, check out the Available Programs for International Students.
