Most Difficult STEM Degrees in South Africa: Are You Up for the Challenge?
South Africa’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) landscape is a crucible of innovation, producing graduates who tackle complex challenges in fields like space science, mining, and artificial intelligence. As of March 18, 2025, the country’s top universities offer some of the most difficult STEM degrees globally, blending rigorous academics, high entry barriers, and intense workloads.
Why Are STEM Degrees So Challenging in South Africa?
South Africa’s STEM programs stand out for their complexity due to:
High Admission Standards: Elite universities like UCT, Wits, and UP demand top matric scores (often 80%+ in Maths and Science) and stellar APS (Admission Point Scores).
Rigorous Curricula: Courses integrate advanced theory, practical applications, and research, pushing students to their intellectual edge.
National Context: With a shortage of 77,000 STEM professionals reported in 2025, programs are designed to produce world-class talent for local and global demands.
Resource Intensity: Access to facilities like the SKA or SALT adds hands-on pressure, amplifying the challenge.
These degrees aren’t just tough—they’re transformative. Here’s the countdown of the most difficult STEM degrees in South Africa.
Top 10 Most Difficult STEM Degrees in South Africa
1. Mathematics (BSc) – University of Pretoria (UP)
- Why It’s Brutal: Known as South Africa’s hardest degree, Mathematics at UP demands mastery of abstract algebra, calculus, and topology. The failure rate for second-year modules like Calculus II exceeds 40%.
- Entry Requirements: APS 34+, 80% in Mathematics.
- Workload: 20+ hours/week of problem-solving, plus proofs that test logical endurance.
- Job Prospects: Actuarial science, data science (avg. salary: R700,000/year).
- Challenge Level: Relentless abstraction and precision—only for the mathematically fearless.
2. Medicine (MBChB) – University of Cape Town (UCT)
- Why It’s Brutal: Six years of grueling study, including anatomy, clinical rotations, and a two-year internship. UCT’s program has a 25% dropout rate in the first two years.
- Entry Requirements: APS 42+, 80%+ in Maths, Physical Science, and Life Science; NBT scores in the top percentile.
- Workload: 60+ hours/week, with sleepless nights during hospital rotations.
- Job Prospects: Doctors earn R1,000,000+/year after specialization.
- Challenge Level: Combines intellectual rigor with emotional resilience—lives are at stake.
3. Actuarial Science (BCom) – University of Stellenbosch
- Why It’s Brutal: A fusion of advanced stats, finance, and risk modeling, with professional exams (e.g., ASSA) post-graduation. Stellenbosch’s program boasts a 30% pass rate for third-year modules.
- Entry Requirements: APS 38+, 85% in Mathematics.
- Workload: 25+ hours/week on probability models and financial simulations.
- Job Prospects: Actuaries command R1,200,000/year after certification.
- Challenge Level: Mathematical marathon meets real-world stakes—failure isn’t an option.
4. Chemical Engineering (BEng) – University of Witwatersrand (Wits)
- Why It’s Brutal: Merges chemistry, physics, and engineering design with a heavy lab component. Wits’ third-year process engineering module has a 35% failure rate.
- Entry Requirements: APS 40+, 80% in Maths and Physical Science.
- Workload: 50+ hours/week, including plant design projects.
- Job Prospects: R600,000/year entry-level in mining or energy sectors.
- Challenge Level: Multidisciplinary chaos—perfect for relentless problem-solvers.
5. Biomedical Engineering (BEng) – Wits University
- Why It’s Brutal: Combines engineering with medical science, tackling biomechanics and tissue engineering. First-year dropout rates hover at 20% due to its dual complexity.
- Entry Requirements: APS 42+, 80% in Maths, Physical Science, and Life Science.
- Workload: 40+ hours/week, including cadaver labs and coding.
- Job Prospects: R500,000/year in medical device innovation.
- Challenge Level: Medicine meets machinery—a steep learning curve with no shortcuts.
6. Astrophysics (BSc) – University of Cape Town (UCT)
- Why It’s Brutal: Requires advanced physics, calculus, and data analysis for cosmic phenomena. UCT’s NASSP Honours program sees 25% of students pivot to easier fields.
- Entry Requirements: APS 36+, 75% in Maths and Physical Science.
- Workload: 30+ hours/week, including telescope time and coding simulations.
- Job Prospects: Astronomers earn R800,000/year at SAAO or SKA.
- Challenge Level: Decoding the universe demands cosmic patience and precision.
7. Pharmacy (BPharm) – University of the Western Cape (UWC)
- Why It’s Brutal: Four years of pharmacology, chemistry, and clinical practice, plus a year of internship. UWC’s organic chemistry module has a 40% fail rate.
- Entry Requirements: APS 38+, 70% in Maths, Physical Science, and Life Science.
- Workload: 50+ hours/week, memorizing drug interactions and compounding formulas.
- Job Prospects: Pharmacists earn R650,000/year in healthcare.
- Challenge Level: Memory-intensive with life-or-death stakes—relentless focus required.
8. Software Engineering (BSc) – University of Pretoria (UP)
- Why It’s Brutal: Coding marathons, algorithms, and system design push mental endurance. UP’s third-year project failure rate nears 30%.
- Entry Requirements: APS 35+, 75% in Maths.
- Workload: 40+ hours/week, debugging and building scalable systems.
- Job Prospects: R700,000/year in tech hubs like Cape Town.
- Challenge Level: Fast-paced, logic-driven—sleep is optional.
9. Mining Engineering (BEng) – University of Pretoria (UP)
- Why It’s Brutal: Blends geotechnical engineering, explosives, and underground systems. UP’s rock mechanics course has a 35% pass rate.
- Entry Requirements: APS 38+, 80% in Maths and Physical Science.
- Workload: 45+ hours/week, with field trips to mines.
- Job Prospects: R900,000/year in South Africa’s mineral sector.
- Challenge Level: High-risk, high-reward—grit is non-negotiable.
10. Physics (BSc) – Stellenbosch University
- Why It’s Brutal: Quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, and electromagnetism test conceptual depth. Stellenbosch’s second-year physics labs see 25% dropouts.
- Entry Requirements: APS 34+, 75% in Maths and Physical Science.
- Workload: 30+ hours/week, wrestling with equations and experiments.
- Job Prospects: R600,000/year in research or industry.
- Challenge Level: Abstract and unforgiving—only the tenacious survive.
What Makes These Degrees So Hard?
Conceptual Complexity: From quantum theory to biochemical pathways, these fields demand deep understanding, not just memorization.
Time Commitment: 40-60+ hours/week leaves little room for error or leisure.
High Stakes: Mistakes in medicine, engineering, or pharmacy can cost lives or millions.
Competitive Entry: APS scores of 34-42+ and 80%+ subject marks filter out all but the elite.
Failure Rates: Modules like UP’s Calculus II or Wits’ Process Engineering weed out the unprepared.
Are You Up for the Challenge?
These degrees aren’t for the faint-hearted. They require:
- Mathematical Mastery: 80%+ in matric Maths is a baseline.
- Resilience: High dropout and failure rates test mental toughness.
- Passion: Love for the subject fuels the grind.
- Time Management: Balancing lectures, labs, and self-study is critical.
Still in? Here’s how to prepare:
- Pre-Study: Brush up on calculus, physics, and coding via Khan Academy or Coursera.
- Mentorship: Connect with current students or alumni on X for insider tips.
- Mindset: Embrace confusion—it’s part of the learning curve.
Rewards of Conquering the Toughest STEM Degrees
The payoff is immense:
Salaries: R600,000-R1,500,000/year for mid-career professionals.
Impact: Shape South Africa’s future in healthcare, tech, and space.
Global Mobility: Degrees from UCT, Wits, and UP are recognized worldwide.
South Africa’s STEM shortage means graduates are in high demand—your struggle today is your success tomorrow.
Conclusion: Rise to the Challenge
The most difficult STEM degrees in South Africa—Mathematics, Medicine, Actuarial Science, and beyond—are intellectual gauntlets that forge exceptional minds. Offered by powerhouses like UCT, Wits, UP, and Stellenbosch, they demand brilliance, grit, and unrelenting effort. Are you up for the challenge? Pick your battlefield, arm yourself with determination, and join the ranks of South Africa’s STEM elite.
