We offer an ECSA accredited Bachelor’s Degree programme in Chemical Engineering. It’s a professional degree, which means that it takes four years minimum to complete and you can apply to qualify as a Professional Engineer after acquiring the relevant experience in practice. This is not the case with all qualifications in this direction in South Africa. It also means that the level of qualification, according to the National Qualifications Framework of South Africa, falls under NQF 8 – equal to an honours-level BSc qualification (or similar).
ECSA is a Washington Accord signatory, which means that our professional Bachelor’s degree is recognised world-wide in such countries as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America, to name a few. Read the sections below for more information on our programme offering, the admission criteria for our programme, how to apply, what chemical engineering entails, and what career prospects you can look forward to after studying Chemical Engineering.
Interested in applying for a Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering at SU?
Applications for the 2022 intake open 6 April and close 31 July.
FAQs about Applying
What is the admission criteria for each programme?
Go the “Admission Criteria” button on this page.
The admission criteria for each programme are also available here.
If you do not meet the admission score, but meet the minimum math and science scores, you go onto the waiting list.
There is no focus on or requirement for extra-curricular activities for your BEng application. However, these will serve you well in the different campus activities and possible residence admission (e.g. Maties Sport).
Do I have to write NBTs?
No, NBTs are not required for BEng at Stellenbosch. However, it is recommended for candidates with a selection score less than 600.
What marks do I use to apply?
Applicants who are currently in grade 12 have to use their final grade 11 results to apply. Grade 12 term marks will not be considered for provisional admission. Final grade 12 results are used for final admission. If you do not meet the admission or selection requirements with your final grade 11 results, then you will either be placed on the waiting list or the application will be unsuccessful.
When will I receive provisional acceptance?
Applications will be processed from June onwards. In the meantime, feel free to contact Lizanda Terblanche, our prospective undergraduate liaison officer, with any questions that you might have.
Does SU and the Faculty of Engineering accept international students?
Yes, we do consider international applicants for admission to our programmes. Every year, our Faculty attracts more and more students from outside SA. This year we have first years from the UK, Belgium, India, Qatar, China and many from other African countries. The world realizes the good quality engineering degree offered at the tip of Africa.
I am an international student. How are my qualification and results converted?
Please read more here under section 4.
Do I qualify as a Professional Engineer after completing my degree?
Our degrees are ECSA accredited and do allow you to apply for registration as a Professional Engineer. After completing your degree, you need to work for a minimum of 3 years and get sufficient experience to get certified as a Professional Engineer.
Is Winter Week taking place this year?
Yes, it will be hosted virtually. Please read more here.
Can I change engineering disciplines or degree programmes after my 1st year of registration?
Yes. Because we offer a general first year – all our first year students from all the different degree programmes all complete the same first year programme – you can transfer from one of the other degree programmes to Chemical Engineering, should you wish to.
Are all classes in the same module taught by the same professor?
Not necessarily. Sometimes, especially for the larger modules, we have a lecturing team. We also try to use the best expert for each aspect of each module.
Did you know? About 70% of our lecturing staff obtained a doctorate, either in SA or abroad. You will be taught by highly qualified professionals with excellent experience. Read more about our department’s educational philosophy here!
Is student support available for me when I need it?
We have multiple forms of support available for all students throughout their academic journey, including tutorials, group learning sessions, Stellenbosch University residence / PSO-assigned mentors, and a undergrad mentorship programme in the Department. The institution, as well as our Dean’s Division offer sessions with clinical and educational psychologists to assist you with any mental health support or academic advising support that you may need.
Winter Week 2021
The Faculty’s Winter Week will be hosted virtually from 23 to 25 July 2021. Applications are open until 30 June 2021.
SU’s Engineering Winter Week aims to give high-school learners (especially grades 11 and 12) a glimpse into the engineering profession and into the life of an engineering student at one of the country’s best universities. The learners attending will meet and interact with professional engineers in the industry. In addition, the learners will be able to meet some of the faculty’s highly accomplished lecturers, and undertake tours of the faculty’s departments and facilities.
About our Bachelor's (Chemical Engineering) Degree Programme
About the Bachelor's Chemical Engineering Degree Programme
The Bachelor of Engineering (BEng Chemical Engineering) degree at Stellenbosch University starts with a common first year, where all first year students in the Faculty of Engineering are registered for the same modules. These modules focus mainly on mathematics and fundamental natural sciences such as physics, chemistry and electromagnetism, as applied in an engineering context. You will also learn about ethics, professionalism and how to communicate professionally.
In your second and third year you start to specialise in chemical engineering concepts and how they are built on the foundation of the fundamental concept of conservation of mass and energy. Chemical processes do not only involve chemical and biological reactions, but also include the controlled transport of all phases (solid, liquid and gas) of matter through the plant as they are subjected to different temperatures and pressures. You will learn how to best describe and model the behaviour of these phases of matter, including scenarios where they are present in mixtures, in order to be able to design the most suitable reactors, heat exchangers, transport equipment such as pipes, valves and pumps as well as the required separation process units in order to eventually obtain a pure desired product. You will develop coding and analytical skills, applicable not only in engineering, but other fields as well. Most of the modules in your second and third year are designed to provide you with a sound theoretical knowledge of these concepts.
Your education, however, will not be limited to just theory but will also include laboratory based practical experiments and vacation work training where you will apply and test the theory you have learned to industry based processes. In the fourth and final year of the degree, we strive to prepare you to enter industry. We will educate you on how to manage large engineering projects as a member of a team of engineers from different disciplines. You will learn how to design, optimise and control a process in order for it to be as safe, environmentally friendly and profitable as possible. Your undergraduate studies will culminate in the design of a chemical, bioprocess or metallurgical plant where you will apply all of the theory you have learned up to that point. You will also research a final year project that requires you to investigate an engineering problem and arrive at a suitable solution through independent learning and application of chemical engineering principles. The degree will equip you with the skills and knowledge to make a positive impact on South Africa and the world.
Also refer to the “Getting into the details of the Bachelor’s (BEng) Chemical Engineering degree curriculum” button for a video that visually explains the curriculum structure and progression.
What is the admission criteria for Bachelor's (BEng) (Chemical Engineering) Degree Programme?
- Current grade 12 students must apply with their final grade 11 results to obtain provisional acceptance. Final acceptance is offered upon receipt and evaluation of your final NSC results (which we draw automatically from the Department of Education’s database as soon as they become available).
- Students who already completed grade 12 apply with their NSC results.
- Completing NBTs is not a requirement for applying to any of SU’s Engineering programmes.
In a nutshell, your grade 11 marks (or final NSC results) should meet the following thresholds to be considered for our Bachelor’s (BEng) (Chemical Engineering) Degree Programme:
- Minimum selection score of 620 (calculation thereof is explained in the document linked above)
- Minimum overall average of 75% (excluding LO)
- Minimum mathematics mark of 75%
- Minimum physical science mark of 65%
However, please refer to the linked document above for the full explanation and details of the admission and selection requirements and process, as well as selection criteria and other details for the Extended Degree Programme (EDP).
If you do not currently meet the minimum criteria (but you are within reach), you can apply with your current results, be placed on our waiting list, and work towards improving your final marks for consideration of final acceptance. Contact Nicole (details below) if you want to talk about the options available to you.
Nicole Hartzenburg, the Faculty Secretary, can provide support for all queries regarding the application and admission process:
PROSPECTIVE STUDENT ENQUIRIES
Getting into the details of the Bachelor's (Chemical Engineering) degree curriculum
The video and images below illustrate the progression of the Bachelor’s (BEng) (Chemical Engineering) Degree Programme .
At Stellenbosch University, all BEng degree programmes start out with a common first year, as indicated by the maroon block around some of the modules. This means that all first-year engineering students, regardless of their programme, will all register for those modules.
In the video below, Prof Tobi Louw (our Undergraduate Programme Coordinator) explains in detail how the curriculum is structured. Please watch the video for an in-depth understanding of our curriculum structure and progression.
Why study BEng (Chemical Engineering) at SU?
The Department of Process Engineering is home to 20 full-time academic staff members. Besides being active researchers in their fields, the academics are also dedicated to continuously improving the teaching and learning environment. The Faculty of Engineering awarded the “Lecturer of the year” prize to Process Engineering staff members two years in a row (Prof. Burger in 2015 and Prof. Bradshaw in 2016), and a number of staff members frequently present educational research at the University’s annual “Scholarship of Teaching & Learning” conferences. Dr Robbie Pott was also recently honoured as one of the 12 winners in the SU Teaching Excellence Awards for 2019.
Of course, Stellenbosch is situated in the heart of the Cape Winelands. The historic town and the beautiful natural surroundings all combine to create an exceptional living environment. http://www.sun.ac.za/english/about-us/Why-SU”>Read more about the University and why we’re the best here.
Bursaries & Funding
- FYCEMA: The Department offers First-Year Chemical Engineering Merit Award (FYCEMA) bursaries to top achieving first-year students with a final grade 12 average of 88% and higher. Qualifying students are contacted directly by the Department with provisional offers after provisional acceptance has been offered to the prospective student, and final offers are presented when final acceptance is issued (after final grade 12 results are available). For more information, please contact Lizanda Terblanche.
- First-Year Merit Bursaries: SU offers op to 40% rebate on tuition fees for students with a grade 12 average of 90% and higher. Read here for more information.
- Visit the SU Undergraduate Bursaries & Loans page for more information about institutional bursaries and funding, NSFAS funding, and more.
- Visit this website for links to industry bursaries available for undergraduate students planning to enroll for Chemical Engineering. Remember that mining-related bursaries can also be applied for if you plan on studying Chemical Engineering.
- Other industry bursaries that the Department is aware of will be listed below as and when available.
Generate a quote for your tuition fees
Generate a quote for your tuition fees
Click here to create a personalised quotation for tuition fees at SU. An estimate amount for tuition is also listed here.
After selecting the BEng (Chemical Engineering) programme, selected all the listed modules as you will be enrolling for all those modules in your first year of registration. If you need assistance with generating a quote, contact us by going to the “Contact us” page at the end of the blue ribbon at the top of the web page and completing the message form.
Contact Lizanda, our departmental liaison officer for prospective undergraduate students, with any queries about your application, admission status, or any other relevant queries.
Mrs Lizanda Terblanche
Frequently asked questions about Chemical Engineering in general
CAREERS: Where do chemical engineers work?
Chemical engineers focus on ensuring safe and environmentally friendly processing, while also taking economical aspects into consideration; they can specialise in many areas of expertise.
Some of the various sectors that our alumni work in include:
- Biotechnology
- Pharmaceuticals
- Petrochemicals
- Cosmetics
- Mining and metallurgy
- Water purification and technology
- Fertilizers
- Renewable energy
- Nanotechnology
- Explosives
- Paper and pulp
- Food and beverages
- Energy and environmental affairs
- Cement and glass
- Data science and machine learning
- Business and financial services
- Biomedical sector
- Management consultancy
Typical job functions of chemical engineers include the following:
- Designing processes for conversion of raw materials
- Improvement and optimisation of existing processes
- Coordination of production
- Management of business units
- Performing research for the development of novel processes and products
Should you wish to pursue postgraduate studies after your BEng degree, you could do research in one of our six research focus areas: bioresource engineering, extractive metallurgy, separation technology, waste valorisation, water technology, and machine learning. Pursuing research would enable you to enter the academia or become involved in research as a career path.
What is the difference between process engineering and chemical engineering?
There no difference between process engineering and chemical engineering. Process engineering is an alternative description used to define the broader group of engineers who apply chemical engineering principles in any category of chemical engineering such as petrochemical, biochemical, organic polymers, geopolymers, food and beverages, fertilisers, environmental engineering, mineral processing and many more. The titles “Chemical Engineer” and “Process Engineer” are also both found in industry. Although our department is called “Process Engineering” to refer to this broader category, you’ll receive a BEng degree in Chemical Engineering.
