On this page, we compare the Civil Engineering course requirements at three major universities in Gauteng: Wits, UP, and UJ. We have looked at the APS requirements, Civil Engineering high school subjects requirements, and key differences to help students choose the best option.
It would be interesting to find out that while all three universities offer a four-year Civil Engineering degree, their entry requirements differ significantly.
1. Civil Engineering Course Requirements: Wits vs UP vs UJ
For students applying for a Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) in Civil Engineering, APS and subject requirements play a key role in university selection. Here’s how the three 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%) |
| UJ | 28 | Level 4 (50%) | Level 5 (60%) | Level 5 (60%) OR Technical Science Level 5 (60%) |
Key Differences in Civil Engineering High School Subjects Requirements:
- APS Score: Wits requires the highest APS (42+), followed by UP (35) and UJ (28), making UJ the most accessible option.
- Mathematics & Physical Sciences: UP has the highest subject requirements (70% in both Maths and Science), while Wits and UJ require 60%.
- English Requirements: Wits and UP require 60% in English, while UJ accepts 50%.
- Technical Science Alternative: UJ allows Technical Science (Level 5) as an alternative to Physical Sciences.
It would be interesting to find out that even though UP has a lower APS requirement than Wits, it still expects higher Maths and Science performance.
2. Which University Should You Choose for Civil Engineering?
If you are applying for Civil Engineering, the choice between Wits, UP, and UJ will depend on your APS and subject marks.
- Choose Wits if:
- You have a high APS (42+) and meet the subject requirements.
- You are interested in advanced civil engineering research and infrastructure projects.
- You want to study in Johannesburg, with access to major construction and engineering firms.
- 🔗 Visit Wits Civil Engineering
- Choose UP if:
- Your APS is 35+, but you have strong Maths and Science marks (70%).
- You prefer a practical and industry-linked approach to Civil Engineering.
- You are interested in structural engineering, transportation, and geotechnical engineering.
- 🔗 Visit UP Civil Engineering
- Choose UJ if:
- Your APS is 28+, making it the most accessible option.
- You prefer an institution that allows Technical Science as an alternative to Physical Sciences.
- You want a strong industry-focused programme with hands-on experience in infrastructure planning and construction.
- 🔗 Visit UJ Civil Engineering
All three universities offer strong Civil Engineering programmes, but Wits is the most competitive, UP focuses on high subject performance, and UJ is the most accessible while still offering a practical and industry-relevant curriculum.