Biomedical Engineering combines engineering principles with medical and biological sciences to develop healthcare technologies. Students learn how to design medical equipment, diagnostic tools, prosthetics, imaging systems, and healthcare software. The field aims to improve patient care through innovation in medical devices, rehabilitation technology, and clinical engineering.

The course includes modules such as engineering mathematics, biology, physiology, biomechanics, electronics, medical imaging, bioinstrumentation, and biomedical signal processing.

Which South African Universities Offer Biomedical Engineering?

Universities Offering Biomedical Engineering or Related Degrees

• University of Cape Town (UCT) – Biomedical Engineering (postgraduate)

• University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) – Biomedical Engineering (postgraduate)

• Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) – Biomedical Engineering (undergraduate and postgraduate)

• Stellenbosch University – Biomedical Engineering (postgraduate)

• Durban University of Technology (DUT) – Biomedical Engineering (undergraduate)

Related Degrees That Feed Into Biomedical Engineering

Some universities do not offer a direct Biomedical Engineering degree but provide related fields such as:

• Mechanical Engineering

• Electrical/Electronic Engineering

• Chemical Engineering

• Mechatronics

• Biochemistry

• Physiology

These fields often serve as a foundation for postgraduate Biomedical Engineering.

Which TVET Colleges Offer Related Courses?

TVETs do not offer Biomedical Engineering specifically, but they offer engineering and science courses that help students bridge into this field:

Relevant TVET Programs

• Electrical Engineering

• Mechanical Engineering

• Mechatronics

• Chemical Engineering

• Engineering & Related Design

These programs are offered at most major TVET colleges across South Africa, including:

• Tshwane North TVET College

• Ekurhuleni West TVET College

• False Bay TVET College

• College of Cape Town

• Coastal KZN TVET College

• Umfolozi TVET College

• Majuba TVET College

• Central Johannesburg TVET College

• Sedibeng TVET College

Career Opportunities

Graduates can work in:

• Medical device design

• Clinical engineering departments in hospitals

• Rehabilitation technology development

• Research laboratories

• Biomedical equipment maintenance

• Pharmaceutical technology

• Biotechnology firms

• Health informatics and medical software