Chemical Engineering Course Requirements: Wits vs UP
On this page, we compare the Chemical Engineering course requirements at the two universities in Gauteng: Wits and UP. We have looked at APS requirements, Chemical Engineering high school subjects requirements, and key differences to give a fair comparison.
It would be interesting to find out that while both universities offer a four-year Chemical Engineering degree, their admission criteria differ significantly. Let’s break it down.
1. Chemical Engineering Course Requirements: Wits vs UP
When applying for a Chemical Engineering degree, the most important factors are the APS score and subject requirements. Here’s how the two universities compare:
| University | APS Requirement | English Requirement | Mathematics Requirement | Physical Sciences Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wits | 42+ | Level 5 (60%) | Level 5 (60%) | Level 5 (60%) |
| UP | 35 | Level 5 (60%) | Level 6 (70%) | Level 6 (70%) |
Key Differences in Chemical Engineering High School Subjects Requirements:
- APS Score: Wits requires a high APS (42+), while UP requires 35, making UP more accessible for students with slightly lower overall marks.
- Mathematics & Physical Sciences: It would be interesting to find out that UP actually has stricter subject requirements, demanding 70% in both Maths and Physical Sciences, while Wits only requires 60%.
- English Requirements: Both universities require a minimum of 60% in English.
This means that even if you meet UP’s APS requirement, you still need strong Maths and Science marks to qualify.
2. Which University Should You Choose for Chemical Engineering?
If you are applying for Chemical Engineering, the choice between Wits and UP will depend on your APS and subject marks.
- Choose Wits if:
- You have a high APS (42+) and meet the subject requirements.
- You want to study in Johannesburg, close to major industrial and mining companies.
- You are considering related fields like Metallurgy and Materials Engineering.
- Choose UP if:
- Your APS is between 35-41, but you have strong Maths and Science marks (70%).
- You prefer a practical, hands-on approach to engineering.
- You want to study in Pretoria, near chemical and industrial plants.
Both universities have strong Chemical Engineering programmes, but Wits places more emphasis on APS, while UP focuses on strong subject performance in Maths and Science.