Frequently Asked Questions, and answers, about our Electrical Engineering Application Requirements.

• What emphasis is put on physical design in the Mechatronics course?

  In the Mechatronics programme there is a larger focus on electronic design and integration of these electronic devices to control physical mechanisms.

• What are the entrance requirements to study electrical engineering at UCT?

  To be confident to be accepted you need FPS 500 plus 80% for mathematics and 75% for physical science. You can find the admission requirements on our web page.

• Why is having an A in Maths a requirement?

  Mathematics forms a foundation of all engineering and is crucial that students are competent in it.

• What degree programme would you advise us to choose?

  This depends on your interests. If you are interested in developing power systems and renewable energy then the Electrical Engineering (EE) stream is for you, if you have a stronger interest in programming, IoT, telecommunications, radar systems then Electrical and Computer (EC) is better suited, Mechatronics (ME) is for those with an interest in robotics and cyber-physical systems

• Is it possible to get into biomedical engineering if you do electrical engineering as an undergraduate degree?

  Yes - the requirements for a master's in biomedical engineering is any four-year engineering degree.

• Is computer engineering also offered in the university or is part of electrical engineering?

  Yes, there is an Electrical and Computer Engineering degree. Apart from receiving a thorough grounding in both electrical engineering and computing, the Electrical and Computer Engineering student at UCT gains a foundation of understanding in physical science, advanced engineering mathematics, microcomputer technology and systematic engineering design.

• I am interested in AI and robotics, is the mechatronics degree suitable for that?

  Yes, it is absolutely suitable. Electrical and computer engineering is also important for greater focus on programming

• Are there bursaries available for people who don't qualify for NSFAS?

  Many companies offer bursaries. Visit our funding page

• What job opportunities are there in terms of mechatronics?

  Mechatronics students come out of our degree with a diverse set of skills that are valuable in industries such as renewable energy system design, agricultural technology (e.g. drones that can survey farmland), research, software development.

• How long are the degrees offered in the Department of Electrical Engineering?

  The BSc (Eng) in Electrical Engineering, BSc (Eng) in Electrical and Computer Engineering, and BSc (Eng) in Mechatronics are all four-year degrees. 

• Are the degrees internationally accredited?

  Yes - all three degrees offered in the Department of Electrical Engineering are accredited by the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA). This means they are recognised as meeting the educational requirements for registration as a Professional Engineer in South Africa. International recognition of these programmes is provided through the Washington Accord, which was signed in 1999. 

• Can we apply for a job as a software engineer with a computer engineering degree? 

  Yes, we have graduates who work in software development.