We look forward to welcoming you to the UCT Open Day 2026 edition scheduled to take place on Saturday, 25 April 2026 from 10am - 3pm. 

The annual UCT Open Day is aimed at high school learners in Grades 10, 11 and 12, their families and teachers.

This event presents an ideal opportunity to explore the range of undergraduate study options that the Department of Electrical Engineering offers. 

The opportunity to get information about the different academic programmes and what they involve is absolutely vital to making the best study choices.

Download the EBE Departmental Talks Programme

Shape the Future: Welcome to UCT Electrical Engineering

Are you curious about how the world works? Do you want to solve the energy crisis, build the next generation of robots, or design the hidden "brains" in our smartphones? The University of Cape Town (UCT) Department of Electrical Engineering is where your curiosity meets world-class innovation.

Choose Your Path: Three Programs, Infinite Possibilities

We offer three distinct Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSc Eng) degrees. While they share a common foundational base in the first two years, they lead to very different and exciting career paths. 

1. Electrical Engineering (EE)

The Powerhouse.

This is for you if you want to design large-scale systems that power our cities and connect the globe.

• Focus: Renewable energy (solar/wind), national power grids, and telecommunications (5G, satellite).
• Career: Work for energy utilities like Eskom, telecommunications giants, or green-energy startups. 

2. Mechatronics (ME)

The Intelligent Systems. 

This is for the "complete engineer" who wants to build smart machines that "Sense, Think, and Act." 

• Focus: Robotics, autonomous drones, and automated manufacturing.
• Career: Robotics engineer, automation specialist, or developer of smart medical devices. 

3. Electrical & Computer Engineering (ECE)

The Hardware-Software Bridge. 

This is for the tech innovator who wants to design the hardware and the software that controls it. 

• Focus: Internet of Things (IoT), microchip design, and embedded processors for cars or computers.
• Career: Hardware designer, embedded software engineer, or systems architect for companies like Amazon or Google. 

Important: Which Mechatronics is Right for You?

At UCT, both the Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering departments offer Mechatronics options. They sound similar, but their "hearts" are different. Use this guide to choose:



Can You Join Us? Admission Requirements
Engineering is a challenging and rewarding journey. We look for students with high potential in mathematics and science.

• NSC Mathematics > 80% and Physical Science: 75% (Mandatory, as maths and science are our language)
• Strong marks for other subjects
   

Are you considering studying in The Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment, but you aren’t sure it’s the right choice? This video will help you to consider your options, as well as understand the application and admissions requirements.

Have a question?

Please contact the EBE Faculty 

You can read more general information about the university-wide UCT Open Day and see pictures and videos from previous years on the Applicants & Students website.

Have a look at the video from UCT Open Day 2025 to gain more insight into how the university is pushing boundaries and shaping the future!