Electrical engineering is one of the three internationally  accepted and closely related subdisciplines in the traditional  field of electrical engineering (electrical engineering, electronic engineering and computer engineering). This programme covers the vast and continuously expanding field of the ‘electrical energy world’. Practically all technological systems in the world rely on electrical power as a source of energy. An electrical engineer is someone with a talent for introducing alternative and renewable sources of electrical energy into everyday life.

Enormous challenges exist for utilising and storing electrical energy derived from such sources as the sun (solar energy), wind, biomass and water (hydro-energy), and even nuclear energy. In South Africa, pumped storage systems are extensively used, and new systems are under construction. The next steps in the chain from generating to utilising electrical energy are the transmission and distribution systems. The most cost-effective way of saving electrical energy is to spend a great deal of research and development time and money on sustainable energy-efficient equipment, from electrical machines to geysers and lighting.

There is a shortage of qualified electrical engineers all over the world. An electrical engineer has a thorough understanding of the basic sciences and a good education in the theoretical and practical aspects (including design, installation and maintenance methodology) of electrical engineering. Due to the current worldwide power crisis, there is an urgent need for environmentally friendly ways to generate power and energy.

Our programme in electrical engineering was developed over many years to provide exactly what the industry expects from such an engineer. There are fascinating opportunities worldwide for electrical (high-current) engineers who are capable of taking the lead in respect of sustainable and environmentally friendly electrical energy generation, transmission and utilisation. Most  car manufacturers have already introduced electric cars (including series and parallel hybrid vehicles), and there are many new entrants to the market.

Electrical engineering is prevalent in almost all application fields and technologies where electrical energy is consumed. Every known piece of equipment requires a source of energy—powered by mains, batteries or photovoltaic (PV) cells—and needs the skill of an electrical engineer. The transport and manufacturing industries are excellent examples of industries in which electrical engineers use their superior skills to design, develop and maintain electrical machines (motors and generators) with control systems for optimal performance. Most ships and trains are electrically powered.

Other applications of electrical engineering include power reticulation in cities, townships, shopping malls and factories. The lighting of indoor and outdoor areas forms the basis of our daily activities and includes lighting at sports stadiums, street lighting, safety and security lighting, task and ambient lighting, as well as lighting for offices, entertainment and many other specialist applications. Regardless of whether it is medicine, the military, entertainment, sports, education or any other field of technology, electrical engineers will be there to provide the energy and control required. An electrical engineer needs to be innovative and has to keep abreast of new developments in the field of technology. Many electrical engineers move into management positions very  quickly and use analytical, synthesis, managerial and leadership skills to reach the highest levels of corporate management.

Electrical engineering aims to change the world by discovering ways to generate, transmit, distribute and utilise electrical energy in an environmentally friendly and sustainable way. Typical subsystems that may form part of larger electrical systems are electrical machines of all sizes and shapes, power electronics, control systems, power system components, power quality and network stability, lamps and lighting, power supplies, photovoltaic (PV) cells, solar geysers, space systems, robotics and energy management systems.

For more information, please consult the Faculty webpage.

Electrical engineers are active in the generation, storage, transmission, distribution and utilisation of electrical energy. There is a bright future in renewable energy. Electrical engineers design, supervise the construction, oversee the optimal operation and assure perfect and timely maintenance of all electrical installations for municipalities, residential areas, commercial buildings, factories, mines and industries. Rail transport, water pumping, electrical grids, telecommunications, energy management and smart lighting  all fall within the scope of electrical engineering.

Important information for all prospective students for 2023

The admission requirements below apply to all who apply for admission to the University of Pretoria with a National Senior Certificate (NSC) and Independent Examination Board (IEB) qualifications. Click here for this Faculty Brochure.

For advice on a second-choice programme, please consult a Student Advisor. To make an appointment, send an email to [email protected].

Life Orientation is excluded when calculating the APS. 

You will be considered for final admission to degree studies if space allows, and if you have a National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent qualification with admission to bachelor’s degree studies, and comply with the minimum subject requirements as well as the APS requirements of your chosen programme.

Applicants with qualifications other than the abovementioned should refer to the Brochure: Undergraduate Programme Information 2023: Qualifications other than the NSC and IEB, available at click here.

International students: Click here.

Transferring students

A transferring student is a student who, at the time of applying at the University of Pretoria (UP) is/was a registered student at another tertiary institution. A transferring student will be considered for admission based on NSC or equivalent qualification and previous academic performance. Students who have been dismissed from other institutions due to poor academic performance will not be considered for admission to UP.

Closing dates: Same as above.

Returning students

A returning student is a student who, at the time of application for a degree programme is/was a registered student at UP, and wants to transfer to another degree at UP. A returning student will be considered for admission based on NSC or equivalent qualification and previous academic performance.

Note:

• Students who have been excluded/dismissed from a faculty due to poor academic performance may be considered for admission to another programme at UP, as per faculty-specific requirements.
• Only ONE transfer between UP faculties and TWO transfers within a faculty will be allowed.
• Admission of returning students will always depend on the faculty concerned and the availability of space in the programmes for which they apply.

Closing date for applications from returning students

Unless capacity allows for an extension of the closing date, applications from returning students must be submitted before the end of August via your UP Student Centre.

All modules will only be presented in English, as English is the language of tuition, communication and correspondence at the University of Pretoria.

Faculty Yearbooks: click here. 

The University of Pretoria has decided not to set a specific closing date for applications to non-selection programmes for 2023. Applications will close when the available study spaces are filled (close on availability of space). Once the available number of study places for a specific programme are filled, no further applications for that particular programme will be considered. All applicants are therefore strongly advised and encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible after 1 April 2022 and to check the application site (UP Student Portal) regularly.

The Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology at the University of Pretoria is a leading source of graduates in the engineering, built environment and information technology professions. We achieve this by a focus on research to drive innovative and enquiry-led teaching for educating and positioning our students to be leaders in their professions. The Faculty has extensive and cutting-edge teaching, learning and laboratory facilities integrated with the excellent suite of facilities and services offered by the University. We facilitate access to our qualifications through our extended programmes but expect our students to excel and develop as future professionals through our programme offering. We invite you to consider enrolling in one of our programmes if you share our vision of excellence and want to position yourself as a leader in the professions that we support.

The Faculty is organised in four schools: the School of Engineering, the School for the Built Environment, the School of Information Technology and the Graduate School of Technology Management. The School of Engineering is the largest of its kind in the country in terms of student numbers, graduates and research contributions and offers programmes in all the major engineering disciplines with many specialisations also offered at undergraduate and graduate level. 

The University of Pretoria aims to be internationally competitive while also locally relevant.  Advisory boards at both faculty and departmental level promote alignment and excellence in our teaching and research activities. Where applicable and available our programmes are accredited by statutory and professional bodies at both national and international level.