SU|Dept of Process Engineering Undergraduate Admission For Prospective Students

SU|Dept of Process Engineering Undergraduate Admission For Prospective Students

  • What does this field of study entail?

What is chemical engineering?

Chemical engineering relates to the design, management and optimization of processes used to produce valuable products from raw materials. These products are crucially important to almost every sphere of the modern society, be it in the form of basic consumables, commodities, or environmental services. The chemical engineer therefore plays a pivotal role in society and has the opportunity to improve the everyday lives of people!

What is the difference between chemistry and chemical engineering?

Chemists typically investigate chemical phenomena and principles on a small scale while chemical engineers apply such principles in the development and operation of large scale processes. If, for example, a chemist develops a new drug, the chemical engineer might develop methods to mass produce the drug. Such a process would have to ensure that the quality of the drug is maintained, while the production process should also be performed in a safe, environmentally friendly and economical fashion. Essentially, the chemical engineer would need to combine the test-tube information of the laboratory chemist with full-scale engineering principles. It is therefore no surprise that chemical engineering draws from a combination of fields such as chemistry, mathematics, physics, life sciences and economics.

What is mineral processing?

Mineral processing refers to the application of chemical engineering in the mining and minerals industry. More specifically, it involves the design, management and optimization of processes used for the extraction of valuable minerals from ores.

What is process engineering?

Process engineering is an alternative description used to define the broader group of engineers who apply chemical engineering principles in any category of chemical engineering such as petrochemical, biochemical, organic polymers, geopolymers, food and beverages, fertilisers, environmental engineering, mineral processing and many more.

What do chemical engineers do?

Typical job functions of chemical engineers include the following:

  • design processes for conversion of raw materials;
  • improvement of existing processes;
  • coordination of production;
  • management of business units;
  • perform research for the development of novel processes and products;

In addition, chemical engineers furthermore focus on ensuring safe and environmentally friendly processing while also taking economical aspects into consideration.

Where do chemical engineers work?

Chemical engineers can specialise in many areas of expertise. Some of the different sectors that they work in include:

  • petroleum;
  • mining and minerals;
  • fertilisers;
  • food and beverages;
  • pharmaceuticals;
  • paper and pulp;
  • biotechnology;
  • energy and environment;
  • water;
  • consultancy;
  • business and finance
  • Why study here?

Stellenbosch University boasts both the highest student success rate in the country and the highest weighted research output per full-time academic staff member in South Africa. It ranks among the top 300 universities in the world and the top 20 in BRICS countries (per the Times Higher Education World University rankings).
The Department of Process Engineering is home to 18 full-time academic staff members. Besides being active researchers in their fields (with the highest weighted research output per staff member in the Faculty in 2024), the academics are also dedicated to continuously improving the teaching and learning environment. The Faculty of Engineering awarded the “Lecturer of the year” prize to Process Engineering staff members two years in a row (Prof. Burger in 2024 and Prof. Bradshaw in 2024), and a number of staff members frequently present educational research at the University’s annual “Scholarship of Teaching & Learning” conferences.
Of course, Stellenbosch is situated in the heart of the Cape Winelands. The historic town and the beautiful natural surroundings all combine to create an exceptional living environment. Read more about the University at http://www.sun.ac.za/english/about-us/Why-SU.

  • What are the admission requirements and how do I apply?

The admission requirements and selection criteria can be found here (of hier vir die Afrikaans), or you can consult the Faculty Year Book (section 2, page 11). There are different ways to apply. The application process is described here.
You can also contact the Engineering Faculty’s secretary, Nicole Hartzenburg, by sending an email to nicolepa@sun.ac.zaif you have further queries.

  • Tuition fees?

Request a quotation here for an estimation of tuition fees at Stellenbosch University.
  • Contact us

If you are interested in applying for a BEng degree in Chemical Engineering, complete an institutional application at http://www.sun.ac.za/english/maties/apply. Please take note of the application deadlines for international and South African candidates.
General admission and application queries:
Please contact the University Client Service Centre at +27 21 808 9111 or send an email to info@sun.ac.za.
Faculty-specific queries:
Please contact the Faculty Secretary:
Ms Nicole Hartzenburg
FACULTY SECRETARY
Email: nicolepa@sun.ac.za
Phone: +27 21 808 4835