Careers › Engineering

How to become a Chemical Engineer

Turns raw materials into products at scale - fuels, food, medicines, plastics.

This needs more than the degree

An engineering degree alone doesn’t make you a Professional Engineer. You register with ECSA as a Candidate Engineer after graduating, then need several years of supervised experience and a professional review before you can register as a Pr Eng and sign off your own work.

What does a Chemical Engineer actually do?

More about this career

Works out how to take a lab-scale chemical process and run it safely and profitably at factory scale – a lot of the job is process design, safety and efficiency, not lab work. Chemical engineers end up in petrochemicals, mining and minerals processing, food and beverage, and pharmaceuticals.

Where this degree can take you

  • Process Engineer
  • Petrochemical Engineer
  • Food Technologist
  • Water Treatment Engineer

This is our general description of the role and related jobs, not from an official source – it’s here to give you a fuller picture, not as a careers-counselling guarantee.

Not from an official source

Subjects that usually help

  • Mathematics
  • Physical Sciences

This is our general guidance about which school subjects suit this career. It is not an admission requirement and not from an official source – the real requirements are on the degrees below.

Not from an official source

Where to check this yourself

What the programmes we’ve captured actually ask for

  • Mathematics – asked for by 18 of 20 programmes
  • Physical Sciences – asked for by 18 of 20 programmes
  • Technical Mathematics – asked for by 8 of 20 programmes
  • Technical Sciences – asked for by 5 of 20 programmes

Counted from the requirements below (an “or” alternative counts for each subject named). Each programme links to the page it came from.

Programmes that lead here

20 programmes at 14 universities. More are added as we verify them.

Cape Peninsula University of Technology

Diploma in Chemical Engineering

Chemical Engineering, Bellville Campus

CPUT APS 30 points (method varies by programme)

  • English: 50%
  • Mathematics: 50% OR Technical Mathematics: 60%
  • Physical Sciences: 50%

Raw-confirmed 2026-10-04 against CPUT’s own prospectus course page. Also accepts NC (N4) or NCV level 4 routes. An Extended Curriculum Programme version exists. CPUT calculates this programme’s APS using one of three methods, confirmed from page 3 of CPUT’s own 2027 Undergraduate Prospectus - see CPUT_APS for the arithmetic.

Source: View the official page (prospectus.cput.ac.za) (opens the official page) · 2027 intake

Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Chemical Engineering

Chemical Engineering, Bellville Campus

CPUT APS 36 points (method varies by programme)

  • English: 60%
  • Mathematics: 60% OR Technical Mathematics: 60%
  • Physical Sciences: 60%

Raw-confirmed 2026-10-04 against CPUT’s own prospectus course page. CPUT calculates this programme’s APS using one of three methods, confirmed from page 3 of CPUT’s own 2027 Undergraduate Prospectus - see CPUT_APS for the arithmetic.

Source: View the official page (prospectus.cput.ac.za) (opens the official page) · 2027 intake

Selection programme

Diploma in Chemical Engineering (Extended Curriculum)

Engineering, Bellville Campus · 4 years

CPUT APS 30 points (method varies by programme)

  • English: 50%
  • Mathematics and Physical Science – English 50%, with one of Mathematics or Physical Science at 50% and the other at a minimum of 45% (or Technical Mathematics / Technical Science at 60% with the other at 55%), subject to space.

Raw-confirmed 2026-10-04 against CPUT’s own prospectus course page. Extended Curriculum Programme (4 years): APS 30 using Method 2. CPUT calculates this programme’s APS using one of three methods, confirmed from page 3 of CPUT’s own 2027 Undergraduate Prospectus - see CPUT_APS for the arithmetic.

Source: View the official page (prospectus.cput.ac.za) (opens the official page) · 2027 intake

Durban University of Technology

No cut-off publishedSelection programme

BEngTech Chemical Engineering

Engineering & the Built Environment · 3 years

No points cut-off published for this one – see the note below.

  • English: level 4 (50% or more)
  • Mathematics: level 4 (50% or more) OR Technical Mathematics: level 5 (60% or more)
  • Physical Sciences: level 4 (50% or more) OR Technical Sciences: level 5 (60% or more)
  • Two more subjects – Two further recognised NSC 20-credit subjects at level 4.
  • Combined Maths + Physical Science – Applicants are ranked on Mathematics plus Physical Science, with a minimum combined score of 100%.

New row, read directly from DUT’s 2027 Study Opportunities prospectus (dut-pass-3). Mathematical Literacy is not accepted instead of Mathematics. Closes 30 September 2026. From DUT’s 2027 Study Opportunities prospectus. Applications go through the CAO (cao.ac.za), not directly to DUT; general closing date 30 September 2026 (fee R250 SA / R300 international).

Source: View the official page (dut.ac.za) (opens the official page) · 2027 intake

Mangosuthu University of Technology

No cut-off published

Diploma in Chemical Engineering

Engineering · 3 years

No points cut-off published for this one – see the note below.

  • English: level 4 (50% or more)
  • Mathematics: level 4 (50% or more) OR Technical Mathematics: level 4 (50% or more)
  • Physical Sciences: level 4 (50% or more) OR Technical Sciences: level 4 (50% or more)

Raw-read from MUT’s own First-Year Prospectus 2026 (qualification tables, read 2026-10-04): English (First Additional Language) 4 and the Mathematics and Physical Science levels shown; 3 years; further departmental screening applies. Mathematics or Technical Mathematics 4, Physical Science or Technical Science 4. CAO code MN-M-DCE.

Source: View the official page (mut.ac.za) (opens the official page)

No cut-off published

Chemical Engineering Access Course (bridging)

Engineering

No points cut-off published for this one – see the note below.

  • English: level 4 (50% or more) OR English: level 3 (40% or more)
  • Mathematics: level 3 (40% or more)
  • Physical Sciences: level 3 (40% or more)

Read 2026-10-04 from MUT’s own 2026 First-Year Prospectus: a bridging access course for applicants who do not meet the diploma entrance requirements (Mathematics 3, Physical Science 3, English Home Language 4 or First Additional Language 3). It is not itself a diploma.

Source: View the official page (mut.ac.za) (opens the official page)

Selection programme

Advanced Diploma in Chemical Engineering

Engineering · 1 years

No points cut-off published for this one – see the note below.

  • Prior qualification – An appropriate NQF level 6 diploma, or a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering or a related field; preference goes to higher academic achievement. Intake is in the first semester only.

Read 2026-10-04 from MUT’s own 2026 Engineering Faculty Prospectus (entry requirements, page 17).

Source: View the official page (mut.ac.za) (opens the official page)

Nelson Mandela University

Diploma (Chemical Process Technology)

Science · 3 years

NMU Applicant Score (AS) 350 out of 600

  • Mathematics: 55%
  • Physical Sciences: 50%

Raw-read 2026-10-04 from the user-supplied NMU "Undergraduate Programmes 2027" Z-Card (A-Z table of Applicant Scores and subject percentages). Includes work-integrated learning. NMU advises against this programme for applicants with a history of asthma or lung disease.

Source: View the official page (mandela.ac.za) (opens the official page) · 2027 intake

North-West University

BEng in Chemical Engineering

Engineering · 4 years

NWU APS 34 points out of 48

  • Mathematics: 70%
  • Physical Sciences: 70%
  • Language of tuition – Your language of tuition at 60%.

Read 2026-10-04 from the NWU 2026 Faculty of Engineering yearbook (programme list and admission requirements): Mathematics 70%, Physical Sciences 70% and the language of instruction (English or Afrikaans, Home or First Additional) at 60%. Applications close 31 July of the previous year. Programme code 7CG K04 (new from 2026). The 34 points are the same minimum shown for NWU’s other BEng programmes. NWU adds your six best subjects (excluding Life Orientation) on an 8-point scale, for a total out of 48 - read from NWU’s own APS calculator. The requirement shown is what NWU publishes.

Source: View the official page (engineering.nwu.ac.za) (opens the official page)

Stellenbosch University

Selection programme

BEng Chemical Engineering

Engineering · 4 years

Stellenbosch aggregate 70 %

  • Mathematics: 70%
  • Physical Sciences: 60%
  • English: 50% if it is your Home Language, 60% if it is your First Additional Language

Every Stellenbosch programme is a selection programme. The figures shown are the published minimum requirements - the actual selection threshold is usually higher. The Engineering selection score is Maths% + Physical Sciences% + (6 x your average), out of 800. SU says 600 or more gave a good chance for some programmes and 620 or more for others - that is a historical guide, not a fixed cut-off. An extended (ECP) 5-year route exists. Afrikaans language combinations are also accepted. NBTs are not required for 2027 entry at SU, except for Law programmes, the School for Tomorrow, AHSD and online-school applicants.

Source: View the official page (files.su.ac.za) (opens the official page) · 2027 intake

Tshwane University of Technology

BEngTech Chemical Engineering

Engineering & the Built Environment · 3 years

TUT APS 28 points

  • English: level 4 (50% or more)
  • Mathematics: level 5 (60% or more) OR Technical Mathematics: level 5 (60% or more)
  • Physical Sciences: level 5 (60% or more) OR Technical Sciences: level 5 (60% or more)

Raw-confirmed 2026-10-04 against TUT’s 2026 faculty prospectus: APS and subject levels match. Recommended: Engineering Graphics & Design, Mechanical Technology. Closes 30 September 2026. From TUT’s 2027 First-Year Course Information and General Information PDFs. Applications opened 1 April 2026 (fee R240).

Source: View the official page (tut.ac.za) (opens the official page) · 2027 intake

University of Cape Town

BSc (Eng) Chemical Engineering

Engineering & the Built Environment · 4 years

UCT Faculty Points Score 500 out of 600 (band a)

  • Mathematics: 80%
  • Physical Sciences: 75%

Band A (guaranteed offer) is an FPS of 500. Band B (likely offer) is a WPS of 480 - the WPS adds a 0-10% disadvantage factor that we cannot work out from your marks, so we only check you against Band A. Band C (420) applies to redress categories only. Physical Sciences 75% applies to Band A; Bands B and C need 70%. Mathematical Literacy and Technical Mathematics do not count as Mathematics.

Source: View the official page (uct.ac.za) (opens the official page) · 2027 intake

University of Johannesburg

BEngTech in Chemical Engineering

Engineering & the Built Environment · 3 years

UJ APS 30 points

  • English: level 4 if it is your Home Language, level 4 if it is your First Additional Language
  • Mathematics: level 5 (60% or more) OR Technical Mathematics: level 5 (60% or more)
  • Physical Sciences: level 5 (60% or more)

Read from the 2027 UJ Undergraduate Prospectus, page 60, programme code B6CE1Q. Technical Science not accepted.

Source: View the official page (uj.ac.za) (opens the official page) · 2027 intake

University of KwaZulu-Natal

From an older document

BSc Eng Chemical Engineering

Agriculture, Engineering & Science · 4 years

UKZN APS 33 points out of 48

  • Mathematics: 65%
  • Physical Sciences: 65%
  • English: level 4 (50% or more)
  • Life Orientation: level 4 (50% or more)

The published APS range is 48-33. CONFIRMED 2026-10-02 for every discipline: a user-supplied copy of UKZN’s own Undergraduate Degree Requirements Guide lists Agricultural, Chemical, Civil, Computer, Electrical, Electronic and Mechanical Engineering as one merged table row sharing this exact entry text and APS range - so this is UKZN’s own stated position that all seven share the formula, not just an inference from Agricultural and Chemical’s own pages (both separately confirmed live, 2026-10-02). This comes from the Study@UKZN 2026 brochure, the most recent official source we could find. UKZN had not published a 2027 table when we checked, so treat these as 2026 figures pending a 2027 update. Applications go through the CAO.

Source: View the official page (studyatukzn.ukzn.ac.za) (opens the official page)

University of Pretoria

BEng Chemical Engineering

Engineering, Built Environment & IT · 4 years

UP APS 35 points

  • English: level 5 if it is your Home Language, level 5 if it is your First Additional Language
  • Mathematics: level 6 (70% or more)
  • Physical Sciences: level 6 (70% or more)

Most UP closing dates are 30 June; Veterinary Science closes 31 May. Grade 12 applicants apply with their final Grade 11 results. A 5-year extended BEng route (previously ENGAGE) exists at APS 33 with English, Mathematics and Physical Sciences at 65%.

Source: View the official page (drupalwebprod-files.up.ac.za) (opens the official page) · 2027 intake

University of South Africa

No cut-off published

Diploma in Chemical Engineering

Science, Engineering & Technology

No points cut-off published for this one – see the note below.

  • English: level 4 if it is your Home Language, level 4 if it is your First Additional Language
  • Mathematics: level 4 (50% or more) OR Technical Mathematics: level 4 (50% or more)
  • Physical Sciences: level 4 (50% or more) OR Technical Sciences: level 4 (50% or more)

Read 2026-10-04 from Unisa’s own qualification page (code 90130). NSC with Diploma endorsement (or equivalent). Unisa states percentages, not an APS, on this page. Mathematical Literacy is not accepted. Confirmed current for the 2027 intake: Unisa’s own pages state its 2027 application window as 17 August - 9 October 2026.

Source: View the official page (unisa.ac.za) (opens the official page) · 2027 intake

No cut-off published

Diploma in Pulp and Paper Technology

Science, Engineering & Technology

No points cut-off published for this one – see the note below.

  • English: level 4 if it is your Home Language, level 4 if it is your First Additional Language
  • Mathematics: level 4 (50% or more) OR Technical Mathematics: level 4 (50% or more)
  • Physical Sciences: level 4 (50% or more) OR Technical Sciences: level 4 (50% or more)

Read 2026-10-04 from Unisa’s own qualification page (code 90141). NSC with Diploma endorsement (or equivalent). Unisa states percentages, not an APS, on this page. Mathematical Literacy is not accepted. Confirmed current for the 2027 intake: Unisa’s own pages state its 2027 application window as 17 August - 9 October 2026.

Source: View the official page (unisa.ac.za) (opens the official page) · 2027 intake

University of the Witwatersrand

BSc (Eng) Chemical Engineering

Engineering & the Built Environment · 4 years

Wits APS 42 points

  • English: level 5 if it is your Home Language, level 5 if it is your First Additional Language
  • Mathematics: level 5 (60% or more)
  • Physical Sciences: level 5 (60% or more)

Wits notes that level 5 across the board means you are likely to be wait-listed; level 6 is advised. Confirmed unchanged by a direct fetch of the 2027 course-finder page (2026-10-01 spot-check).

Source: View the official page (wits.ac.za) (opens the official page) · 2027 intake

Vaal University of Technology

Diploma in Chemical Engineering

Engineering & Technology · 3 years

VUT APS 24 points

  • English: level 4 (50% or more)
  • Mathematics: level 4 (50% or more)
  • Physical Sciences: level 4 (50% or more)

Read 2026-10-04 from the VUT 2027 Undergraduate Minimum Admission Requirements poster (page images). Mainstream 3-year diploma: APS 24 with at least level 4 in Mathematics, Physical Sciences and English. From VUT’s 2027 Undergraduate Minimum Admission Requirements PDF. Academic applications close 30 September 2026 (residences 31 October 2026); fee R110.

Source: View the official page (vut.ac.za) (opens the official page) · 2027 intake

Diploma in Chemical Engineering (Extended, 4 years)

Engineering & Technology · 4 years

VUT APS 22 points

  • English: level 3 (40% or more)
  • Mathematics: level 3 (40% or more)
  • Physical Sciences: level 3 (40% or more)

Read 2026-10-04 from the VUT 2027 Undergraduate Minimum Admission Requirements poster (page images). Extended 4-year diploma: APS 22 with at least level 3 in Mathematics, Physical Sciences and English. From VUT’s 2027 Undergraduate Minimum Admission Requirements PDF. Academic applications close 30 September 2026 (residences 31 October 2026); fee R110.

Source: View the official page (vut.ac.za) (opens the official page) · 2027 intake

Are your marks enough?

Put your subjects in once and we’ll check them against every programme above – scored each university’s own way.

What do I qualify for?