On this page, we compare the Mechanical Engineering course requirements at three major universities in Gauteng: Wits, UP, and UJ. We have examined the APS requirements, Mechanical Engineering high school subjects requirements, and key differences to help students make an informed decision.
It would be interesting to find out that while all three universities offer a four-year Mechanical Engineering degree, their entry requirements differ significantly.
1. Mechanical Engineering Course Requirements: Wits vs UP vs UJ
For students applying for a Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) in Mechanical Engineering, the APS score and high school subject performance are crucial. Here’s how Wits, UP, and UJ 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 | 32 | Level 5 (60%) | Level 5 (60%) | Level 5 (60%) |
Key Differences in Mechanical Engineering High School Subjects Requirements:
- APS Score: Wits has the highest APS requirement (42+), followed by UP (35) and UJ (32), 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 both require 60%.
- English Requirements: All three universities require a minimum of 60% in English.
It would be interesting to find out that even though UP has a lower APS requirement than Wits, it still expects stronger subject performance in Maths and Physical Sciences.
2. Which University Should You Choose for Mechanical Engineering?
If you are applying for Mechanical 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 research and advanced mechanical design.
- You prefer studying in Johannesburg, close to automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing industries.
- 🔗 Visit Wits Mechanical Engineering
- Choose UP if:
- Your APS is 35+, but you have strong Maths and Science marks (70%).
- You want a practical and industry-focused approach to Mechanical Engineering.
- You are interested in energy systems, robotics, and manufacturing.
- 🔗 Visit UP Mechanical Engineering
- Choose UJ if:
- Your APS is 32+, making it the most accessible option.
- You prefer a university with a focus on applied engineering and industry innovation.
- You want a strong foundation in mechanical design, manufacturing, and maintenance.
- 🔗 Visit UJ Mechanical Engineering
All three universities offer strong Mechanical Engineering programmes, but Wits is the most competitive, UP places higher emphasis on subject performance, and UJ is the most accessible while still maintaining a practical industry focus.