What Is This Course About?

Chemical Engineering focuses on designing, developing, and operating processes that convert raw materials into useful products such as chemicals, fuels, pharmaceuticals, and food. The course covers process design, chemical reactions, thermodynamics, material science, safety engineering, and environmental management. Students gain practical and analytical skills to work in industries such as chemical manufacturing, energy, water treatment, and pharmaceuticals.

Who Offers This Course?

Universities Offering Chemical Engineering

• University of Cape Town (UCT)

• University of Pretoria (UP)

• University of Johannesburg (UJ)

• Stellenbosch University

• North-West University (NWU)

• Nelson Mandela University (NMU)

• Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)

TVET Colleges Offering Chemical Engineering / Related Programmes

• Tshwane South TVET College (N-Chemical Engineering / Process Technology)

• False Bay TVET College (Chemical Processing & Operations)

• Ekurhuleni East TVET College (Chemical Engineering N-Levels)

• Vuselela TVET College (Process & Chemical Operations)

• Motheo TVET College (Chemical Engineering Technology)

Admission Requirements

• Matric (Grade 12) with Mathematics and Physical Sciences

• TVET colleges require Grade 12 for N4–N6 Chemical Engineering programmes

• Requirements vary by institution

Course Duration

• University Degree (BEng / BSc in Chemical Engineering): 4 years full-time

• University Diploma (BTech): 3 years full-time

• TVET College (N4–N6): 1–3 years, depending on level

Career Opportunities

• Chemical Engineer

• Process Engineer

• Production Supervisor

• Quality Control Technician

• Environmental Compliance Officer

• Safety and Risk Engineer

• Laboratory Technician

• Process Design Consultant