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

Programme overview

The BEngTech in Power Engineering is a three-year, industry-oriented NQF level 7 degree on the Steve Biko Campus. It gives students a sound knowledge base in electrical power engineering, with a strong professional and career focus, covering the generation and distribution of electricity for power, heat and light. Qualified graduates can apply to register with ECSA as Technologists-in-Training.

Faculty: Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment | Department: Department of Electrical Power 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 Computing and Information Technology, Projects 1, Technical Literacy, Mechanics of Machines 1, Electrical Principles 1, Analogue Electronics 1 and Digital Electronics 1A. The field covers designing, developing, installing, fault-finding and testing electrical motors, generators, alternators, transformers, transmission lines, cables and switchgear.

Career pathways

Electrical power technologists are employed by organisations such as Eskom, eThekwini Municipality, Iscor, Siemens, Alusaf, manufacturers of electrical appliances and contractors; many registered technologists work as self-employed consultants or at consulting firms.

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. Foreign qualifications must be evaluated under G7(9) or by SAQA at full senior certificate level or higher. Selection is strictly on merit; where places are limited, selection is based on performance in English, Mathematics and Physical Science, with final selection at the Head of Department's discretion. 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 Industrial Electronics or Electronics, Engineering Drawing, Electrotechnics, Digital Systems or Logic Systems, and Industrial Instruments, passed at 50% or above in the same sitting.

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/

Explore more study programmes

Engineering