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computer engineering
I am in grade 10 i want to do computer engineering so where can i go or what can for nw that is gonna lead me thre the best school in south africa? #engineering #computer
4 answers
G. Mark Stewart
G. Mark’s Answer
Unfortunately, this question is now rather old, so I imagine the original poster has moved on to that career. But as for those of us today and those looking for the same information, I can tell you what I've learned after 30-40 years as a computer engineer. The fact is that computer engineering is everywhere. There are very few schools that would tolerate having someone on staff who is not already very familiar with computer tech because it is so pervasive and well known. So you really can't go wrong. Whatever you learn in one school, you'll hear all the "scuttlebutt", as they say, about whether a particular class is well-received or a particular school is more successful at placing candidates. So just dive in.
Another thing is that computer engineering education is available on-line everywhere for free. The only limiting factor is your own will to use it.
Computer engineering will also introduce you to a wide variety of the applications for that technology, so you will be presented with a whole bunch of opportunities to specialize.
Another great thing is that computer technology is everywhere and cheap. In my early education, there were mainframes and big minis and you worked on them at, well, work. As time went on, everyone could afford a Unix or Linux or Mac or PC and now everyone can afford an Arduino or get open source software to support Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning applications, like Tensorflow or Keras.
You really can't go wrong. Just dive in.
Climacus Wilson
Climacus’s Answer
University of Pretoria (UP)
Degree: BEng Computer Engineering (one of the dedicated, specialized undergraduate computer engineering programs in SA).
Strengths: Strong hardware/software integration, microprocessors, telecommunications, and robotics.
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) – Johannesburg
Degree: BSc(Eng) in Electrical and Information Engineering or Computer Engineering.
Strengths: Excellent industry reputation, strong focus on software, systems, and data networks.
University of Cape Town (UCT)
Degree: BSc(Eng) in Electrical and Computer Engineering.
Strengths: World-ranked research, embedded systems, signal processing, and AI/machine learning.
Stellenbosch University (SU)
Degree: BEng in Electrical and Electronic Engineering (with focus areas in Data Engineering / Computer Systems).
Strengths: Modern tech hubs, cutting-edge labs, and great industry ties in the Western Cape tech corridor.
🎯 What You Must Do in High School (Grade 10–12)
1. Crucial School Subjects
Pure Mathematics (Compulsory): You cannot take Mathematical Literacy. Engineering requires pure Maths. Aim for 75%–85%+ (Level 6 or 7).
Physical Sciences (Compulsory): Physics and Chemistry are mandatory prerequisites. Aim for 75%–80%+.
English (Home Language or FAL): Minimum 60–70% (Level 5 or 6).
Helpful Electives (if available): Information Technology (IT), Computer Applications Technology (CAT), or Engineering Graphics and Design (EGD). (Note: IT is great to have, but Maths and Physics marks determine your university admission).
2. Maintain a High APS (Admission Point Score)
Engineering programs have high admission cut-offs (typically an APS of 35 to 42+ depending on the university).
Your Grade 11 final marks will be used for your provisional university application in early Grade 12, so Grade 10 and 11 form your foundation.
🛠️ What You Can Start Doing Right Now (For Free/Cheap)
Since Computer Engineering combines hardware (electronics) and software (coding):
Learn Basic Programming:
Start with Python (via free platforms like freeCodeCamp, CS50x on YouTube/edX, or W3Schools).
Learn C or C++ later on (the industry standard for programming microcontrollers and computer hardware).
Get Hands-on with Electronics & Robotics:
Experiment with an Arduino starter kit or Raspberry Pi to build small electronics projects (e.g., LED controls, sensors, mini robotics).
If you don't have hardware, use Tinkercad Circuits (a free online circuit and Arduino simulator in your browser).
Compete & Participate:
Take part in the South African Computer Olympiad (Talent Search / Applications Olympiad).
Join your school’s science/robotics club or enter the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists.
Jared Chung
Jared’s Answer
I can't speak to the education system in South Africa, because that's not where I grew up, but I can offer some suggestions for starting your career in computer engineering.
Academically, you're going to have to excel in Math and Science (particularly physics). Both math and physics are a big part of computer engineering, so if you're not satisfied with your math or science skills yet, you should start investing in that now.
Extracurricularly, you should absolutely be a part of any engineering, computer, or science related clubs and programs you can get access to. Most of the programs will be with other students, but it will also be beneficial to find programs that put you in contact with real or amateur computer engineers in your community. these extracurriculars will be critical for your college applications. As an aside, you will almost surely need to go to college, and you should be aware that not all schools provide computer engineering majors.
Perhaps most importantly, you should start developing real experience. If you haven't already, you need to start playing with circuits, writing software, and working on projects that you can use to improve your college applications and appeal to employers. Get into programming. Take free online engineering courses on www.Coursera.org or www.EdX.org. Start experimenting with Arduino. Save up (or make) some money to spend on engineering kits from vendors like www.sparkfun.com
Lirio Delgado
Lirio’s Answer
After completing high school, you’ll need to apply to universities that offer computer engineering programs. Some of the top universities in South Africa for this field include the University of Cape Town (UCT), the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), Stellenbosch University, and the University of Pretoria.
To strengthen your application, consider joining coding clubs, participating in tech-related extracurricular activities, or working on personal projects that showcase your interest in technology. Additionally, look for summer programs or workshops related to computer science or engineering to gain more experience.
Research the specific entry requirements for each university and prepare accordingly. Good luck on your journey to becoming a computer engineer!