Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Mechanical Engineering at Durban University of Technology

Programme overview

The BEngTech in Mechanical Engineering is a three-year NQF level 7 degree on the Steve Biko Campus covering design, draughting, assembly, quality assurance, plant operation, maintenance and management. It offers a mix of subjects, laboratory sessions and project work with access to computer-aided design facilities, and graduates are eligible to register with ECSA as Professional Engineering Technologists. Further study at Master's and Doctoral level is available.

Faculty: Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment | Department: Department of Mechanical Engineering | Duration: 3 years (full-time, NQF level 7) | Study mode: full-time | Location: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

What you will study

First-year modules include Technical Literacy, Computing and IT, Design 1, Electrical Principles 1, Mechanics of Machines 1, Thermofluids 1 and Strength of Materials 1. Students can specialise towards mechanical design or plant engineering.

Career pathways

Mechanical engineering technologists work as production, maintenance and design engineers in steel and brick making, oilrig and dam construction, oil and sugar refining, utilities such as Eskom, the automotive industry, water boards, government organisations, the maritime industry and hi-tech equipment sales.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

NSC degree entry with English (rating 4), Mathematics (4) or Technical Mathematics (5), Physical Science (4) or Technical Science (5), and two further recognised 20-credit NSC subjects (4). Mathematical Literacy is not accepted in place of Mathematics, and the certificate must qualify the candidate for degree study. Applicants with an NSC are ranked on the sum of their Mathematics and Physical Science scores, with a minimum combined score of 100%. Senior Certificate (pre-2009): English, Mathematics and Physical Science at HG E or SG C. NCV Level 4: English 60%, Mathematics 70%, Physical Science 70%, Life Orientation 60%, plus three other vocational subjects at 70%. An NQF level 6 Diploma in Engineering may be presented for entry, with possible credit transfer depending on the discipline and nature of the Diploma. Selection is at the full discretion of the Head of Department based on class size, equity and similar factors. Applicants with a Bachelor Pass who lack the departmental Mathematics and/or Physical Science requirement may present N4 Mathematics and Engineering Science plus any two of Mechanotechnics, Engineering Drawing and Electrotechnics, passed at 50% or above in the same sitting, and are considered alongside NSC applicants on the sum of their N4 Mathematics and Engineering Science marks.

Tuition is charged per module, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

First-time undergraduate applications for the 2027 academic year must reach the CAO by the closing date of 30 September 2026; some programmes close earlier. Applications are made online through the CAO (www.cao.ac.za). The application fee is R250 (South African citizens) or R300 (international applicants), paid when submitting; the application is active only once payment is received.

Apply through the official page: https://onlineapps.dut.ac.za/

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