Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Mechanical Engineering
Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Mechanical Engineering

Career Opportunities & Professional Pathways

The purpose of this qualification is to build the necessary knowledge, understanding, and skills required for a student’s progression towards becoming a competent practising Engineering Technologist. It is designed to empower graduates to apply their acquired knowledge, practical experience, and appropriate skills to solve broadly-defined problems in the South African work environment, whilst operating strictly within relevant standards and codes. Career pathways include:

  • Mechanical Design & CAD: Mechanical Design Technologists, CAD Engineers, and Product Designers, applying systematic knowledge from Engineering CAD Drawing, Engineering Design, and Engineering Materials to develop robust, code-compliant mechanical solutions.
  • Manufacturing & Production Engineering: Manufacturing Technologists, Production Engineers, and Workshop Managers, utilising practical expertise in Manufacturing and Workshop Practice, Engineering Manufacturing, and Engineering Project Management to optimise production processes and manage industrial projects.
  • Thermofluids, Energy & HVAC Systems: HVAC Engineers, Energy Systems Technologists, and Thermal Engineers, leveraging specialised skills in Thermofluids, Thermal Science, Energy Technology, and Refrigeration to design and maintain power, cooling, and fluid systems.
  • Machine Mechanics & Maintenance: Maintenance Engineers, Plant Fitters, and Machine Mechanics Specialists, applying core competencies in Machines Mechanics, Engineering Strength of Materials, and Fluid Science to maintain, troubleshoot, and optimise complex industrial machinery.
  • Professional Registration & Leadership: Graduates meet the strict requirements for registration with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) as a Candidate Engineering Technologist (at BEngTech level). This qualification equips professionals to make independent decisions considering technical, economic, social, and environmental factors, and to lead multidisciplinary teams with a strong commitment to health, safety, and sustainability.
Bachelor : Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Mechanical Engineering

B_MEC

Campus

Duration of Programme

SAQA Credits

NQF Level

Bloemfontein Campus

3 years (full-time)

420

7

Minimum Credits Required: 420

Programme-Specific Requirements

Minimum Qualification

A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with an endorsement for a Bachelor’s degree, or an equivalent qualification.

Required Subjects & Pass Levels

  • Mathematics: Minimum 60% to 69% (Level 5) (Note: Mathematical Literacy is not accepted)
  • Physical Sciences: Minimum 50% to 59% (Level 4)
  • English: Minimum 50% to 59% (Level 4)
  • CUT Scoring Scale (APS): Minimum 32 points

Understanding Your Matric Pass Level

To help you understand your eligibility, here is a quick guide to the National Senior Certificate (NSC) pass levels. This programme requires a Bachelor’s Pass.

Bachelor’s Pass (Required)

Pass 6 of 7 subjects. Four subjects must be at least 50% (Level 4), including Home Language (40%). Language of Learning and Teaching (LOLT) must be at least 30%. You may fail one subject. This allows application for a degree course.

Diploma Pass

Pass 6 of 7 subjects. Four subjects must be at least 40% (Level 3), including Home Language (40%). LOLT must be at least 30%. You may fail one subject. This allows enrolment for a diploma course at a university of technology.

Certificate Pass

Pass 6 of 7 subjects. Two subjects above 40%, four subjects above 30%, including Home Language (40%). You may fail one subject. This allows study for a higher certificate.

Selection Process & Additional Requirements

  • NCV & TVET Applicants: Applicants in possession of an NCV or N3–N6 TVET qualifications will be evaluated according to the specific selection requirements approved by Senate.
  • Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): May be considered on a case-by-case basis for candidates who do not meet the minimum admission requirements. This grants admission only and does not exempt individual subjects.
  • Mandatory Graduation Modules: No student will be allowed to graduate without successfully completing both the Academic Literacy and Communication Studies module and Personal Information Management.
  • ECSA Graduate Attributes: Students must achieve competency in all ECSA Graduate Attributes before they will be allowed to graduate.
  • Elective Streams: In the second year, students must choose between the Engineering Manufacturing or Electrical Technology streams and follow through with the corresponding modules in the third year.

Note for candidates who matriculated in 2007 or before: Please refer to the official CUT Student Calendar for the specific Senior Certificate (SC) scoring scale and admission requirements applicable to your qualification (requiring 60% Standard Grade or 50% Higher Grade in Mathematics).

Need the Full Programme Details? Consult the Student Calendar

We know that choosing your future is a big step! While this page gives you the key highlights, the official CUT Student Calendar is your complete, authoritative guide. We highly recommend reviewing it to see full details on this programme, including admission criteria, complete module structures, assessment rules, and what to expect during your studies.

 View the Student Calendar →

Accreditation & Professional Registration

This programme is officially accredited and designed to meet the highest industry standards, ensuring your qualification is recognised by the leading statutory body for engineering in South Africa:

  • ECSA Accreditation: Fully accredited by the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA).
  • Professional Registration: The programme complies with all ECSA standards and is specifically designed to meet the Graduate Attribute outcomes required for professional registration as a Candidate Engineering Technologist upon graduation.
Select another Programme

Diploma in Engineering Technology in Mechanical Engineering

Diploma
NQF: 6 Bloemfontein Campus

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Bachelor of Engineering Technology Honours in Mechanical Engineering

Honours
NQF: 8 Bloemfontein Campus

View programme

Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering

Masters
NQF: 9 Bloemfontein Campus

View programme

Doctor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering

Doctorate
NQF: 10 Bloemfontein Campus

View programme

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