Top 4 Private Colleges in South Africa That Offer Engineering
If you want to study engineering in South Africa, here's a list of best are private colleges in South Africa that offer engineering qualifications with different levels of programmes to (N1–N6 or N4–N6).

Private Colleges in South Africa That Offer Engineering
If you’re interested in studying engineering in South Africa but prefer a private college over a public university or TVET, there are several good options available. Private colleges can often give you smaller classes, more focused support, and courses designed to get you ready for work faster. Below we look at some of the private colleges across the country that offer engineering programmes, where they are located, and what they focus on.
1. Varsity College (Part of The IIE) – Nationwide
Varsity College, which is part of The Independent Institute of Education (IIE), is one of the better-known private institutions in South Africa. They have campuses in major cities like Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban, and Cape Town.
Varsity College (part of The IIE) runs a Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering, which lasts either four or five years. It’s endorsed by ECSA (Engineering Council of South Africa), meaning it meets the legit accreditation standards.
They use a blended learning style (called VCBlend), which mixes in-person classes, online materials, and requires you to bring your own device to access everything.
If you're looking for a private college that offers a bona fide civil engineering degree and has campuses all over the country—from Sandton and Cape Town to Pretoria and Durban—Varsity College is one of the few that genuinely fits your expectations.
Apply here: Varsity College Engineering
02. Denver Technical Collge
Denver Technical College is based in Pretoria Central and offers N2–N6 engineering studies in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Chemical Engineering. Students can choose full-time, part-time (Saturday classes), or exam-only options depending on their needs.
The college is registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), QCTO, and Umalusi, which means the courses are fully accredited. Registration is simple: bring your ID, previous results, and a R500 registration fee. Student accommodation is also available for those who need housing while studying.
Apply here: Denver College Engineering Studies
03. Pretoria Technical College (PTC)
The main campus is in Pretoria Central, with another campus in Durban, so it’s accessible whether you’re based in Gauteng or KwaZulu-Natal.
When it comes to engineering, PTC offers N4 to N6 National Diplomas in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Electrical Engineering. These courses usually run for two years, and once you’re done, you’ll need to do practical workplace training to complete the qualification. You may also look at 5 TVET Colleges Offering Artisan & Trade Skills Training if you’re interested.
Many students go the NATED route here because it’s straightforward, affordable, and the qualifications are officially recognised.
Apply here: Pretorial Technical College Engineering Studies
4. Cape Business and Engineering College – Western Cape
Cape Business & Engineering College is a private college based in Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha)—so it's a better option if you're by the Eastern Cape coast. T
hey offer N1–N6 engineering courses in Electrical, Mechanical, and Civil Engineering, covering both foundational (N1–N3) and diploma levels (N4–N6).
To qualify, you need at least Grade 9 with 50% or more in Maths and Natural Science for the basics, then can build it into a National Diploma step by step.
What’s cool is they're set up to accommodate students who are working—flexible timetables and practical delivery help you fit studying around life. Prices start with a registration fee of around R700, a deposit between R2,500–R3,500, and monthly payments ranging from R700 to R1,000 depending on how many subjects you take.
They’ve also made things accessible by offering bursaries, learnerships, and even student loans for those who need financial help. Have a look at 6 Best Affordable TVET College Courses in South Africa if fees are your worry.
If you're looking for an Eastern Cape college offering solid, budget-friendly engineering training and flexibility, this is a place worth checking out.
Apply here: Cape Business and Engineering College
Requirements to Study Engineering at a Private College
Most colleges offer different levels of engineering programmes (N1–N6 or N4–N6), so what you need depends on where you start:
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For N1 (Intro level): You normally just need Grade 9 or Grade 10 with maths and science. Some colleges are flexible and may accept equivalent qualifications.
For N2–N3: You’ll need to have completed the previous level (e.g., N1 before N2).
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For N4–N6 (National Diploma level): You generally need Matric with maths and science, or at least an N3 certificate in a related field.
Once you complete your N4–N6, you can apply for a National Diploma by doing practical workplace training. That’s why many students choose colleges in busy cities like Johannesburg, Pretoria, or Cape Town — there are more chances to find that required work experience.
One more thing: every college has its own rules, so it’s always best to check with the admissions office. But in general, as long as you’ve passed either Grade 9 for entry-level courses or Matric/N3 for advanced levels, you’ll be good to go.
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