Honours degrees & postgraduate diplomas

Bachelor of Engineering Technology Honours in Mechanical Engineering

Open for extended applications
Qualification code: 90151
NQF level: 8
Total credits: 144
SAQA ID: 115823
APS/AS: 60

Purpose statement:
The Bachelor of Engineering Technology Honours in Mechanical Engineering is a postgraduate qualification, characterised by the fact that it prepares students for industry and research. This qualification typically follows a Bachelor's Degree, Advanced Diploma or relevant level 7 qualification and serves to consolidate and deepen the student's expertise in a particular discipline and to develop research capacity in the methodology and techniques of that discipline. This qualification demands a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence. The Bachelor of Engineering Technology Honours in Mechanical Engineering degree may form part of a combination of qualifications to meet the educational requirements for registration in the category candidate engineer. This qualification provides: 1. Preparation for careers in engineering itself and areas that potentially benefit from engineering skills, for achieving technological proficiency and to make a contribution to the economy and national development; and 2. entry to NQF level 9 Masters programmes e.g. MSc/MEng Engineering students completing this qualification will demonstrate competence in all the Exit Level Outcomes contained in this standard. The qualification serves to provide students with the advanced knowledge in fundamental and specialized engineering. The knowledge emphasizes mechanical engineering principles and application. Also, the qualification provides students with an in-depth knowledge base in a particular field or discipline and the ability to apply their knowledge and skills to particular career or professional contexts, while equipping them to undertake more specialised and intensive learning. Programmes leading to this qualification tend to have a strong vocational, professional or career focus and holders of this qualification are usually prepared to enter a specific niche in the labour market. The specific purpose of educational programmes designed to meet this qualification are to build the necessary knowledge, understanding, abilities and skills required for further learning towards becoming a competent practicing Professional Engineer. This qualification provides: (a) Preparation for careers in engineering and areas that potentially benefit from engineering skills, for achieving technical proficiency and competency to make a contribution to the economy and national development. (b) The educational base required for registration as a Candidate and/or a Professional Technologist with Engineering Council of South Africa. (c) Entry to a Master's qualification.

Admission and re-admission requirements

Qualification admission requirements

Please note:

  • Your admission to Unisa is dependent on you meeting the specific admission requirements for your chosen qualification.
  • Unisa reserves the right to withdraw any offer for admission to the 2026 academic year should it be found that you do not meet the statutory, college and/or minimum admission requirements for the qualification to which you have been admitted. In such a case, the university will refund any registration fees paid towards the said qualification.

An appropriate NQF level 7 qualification in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited provider of higher education with a minimum of 60% average.
Applicants who do not meet the admission requirements as indicated above may apply for admission through recognition of prior learning (RPL) provided they are at least 30 years old with a minimum of five years' current, relevant working and research experience in line with the approved qualification's RPL requirements. For more information on RPL criteria visit: http://www.unisa.ac.za/rpl
Unsuccessful applicants may appeal on the application portal at https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Apply-for-admission/Apply-for-admission-to-study:-application-tool and will be required to provide a motivation for special admission. The motivation must incorporate the following:
academic motivation offering evidence of your ability to study a postgraduate qualification, work experience relevant to the qualification and courses completed since graduating with the Bachelor's Degree or Advanced Diploma.

These appeals will only be considered if the enrolment target of the qualification has not been met and/or additional enrolment spaces are available.

Student fees and funding your studies

Application fee

Pay the application fee of R150 once you've received your student number.

Please note:

  • The application fee is only applicable to students who do not have a formal Unisa student number.
    * Student numbers issued for short learning programmes and the Graduate School of Business Leadership are not formal Unisa student numbers. These students will be issued with a formal Unisa student number.
  • The application fee is a once-off fee.
    * You only need to pay the application fee once when you receive your formal Unisa student number. 
  • This application fee is non-refundable even if you decide not to study through Unisa or do not qualify for admission to Unisa.
  • Use the 8 digit student number you receive from Unisa AND the application fee reference number (ie 8 DIGIT STUDENT NUMBER 5370810030). Send your proof of payment to susdepid@unisa.ac.za
  • Visit www.unisa.ac.za/paymentinfo for banking details and payment information. International students are advised to make use of the Flywire payment option. 
  • The due date for the application fee is the closing date for the application period. Any application submitted without an application fee will not be processed. Please ensure that you keep a copy of your proof of payment.


Student fees

Click here to find out more about Unisa's student fees, and the bursaries and loans for Unisa students.

Apply for admission

Apply for admission to honours degrees or postgraduate diplomas for the 2026 academic year between 18 August and 10 October 2025. 


Please note:

  • You must apply for each new qualification even if you already have a formal Unisa student number. This includes first-time Unisa applicants, Unisa students changing to a new qualification and/or changing the specialisation of their current qualification, and applicants completing an undergraduate qualification who wish to continue with postgraduate studies.
    * Student numbers issued for short learning programmes and the Graduate School of Business Leadership are not formal Unisa student numbers.
  • You may apply for a maximum of two qualifications, ranked in order of preference (although you may only register for one should all of your applications be successful). No changes may be made after the closing date for applications.
  • You must accept or decline Unisa's offer within the prescribed period of time.
  • You may only accept one offer. If you accept an offer, the other application for admission/offer will automatically fall away.
  • If you accept Unisa's offer for the 2026 academic year, you may only register for the qualification and specialisation for which you received an offer. You may also only register for the 2026 academic year. Should you decide not to register for the 2026 academic year for any reason, you will need to apply for admission during the next application period.

Registration

Successful applicants should visit the registration website in January 2026 for updated registration information (eg qualification rules, curriculum/transitional arrangements, pre-requisites and co-requisites): www.unisa.ac.za/register

Curriculum / modules