Where to Study Renewable Energy Engineering in South Africa: Best Universities & Online Options for 2025
South Africa’s renewable energy sector is surging, backed by the R1 trillion Infrastructure Plan (2021–2030) and a 15% global growth in renewable energy roles (WEF, 2023). With 98,300 citations from 5,610 academic papers on renewable energy engineering (EduRank, 2024), the nation’s universities are pivotal in this green revolution. As the global renewable energy market nears $2 trillion by 2030 (McKinsey, 2023), and South Africa targets 26% renewable energy in its mix by 2030 (IRP 2019), choosing the right program is key.
Why Study Renewable Energy Engineering in South Africa?
South Africa boasts high solar radiation (2,500 kWh/m²/year, Discovery Green, 2023) and vast wind potential, hosting projects like the Ishwati Emoyeni Wind Farm (144 MW, Engineering News, 2023). The sector employs over 50,000 people (IRENA, 2023), with 5,000+ engineering jobs added yearly (Stats SA, 2023). Globally, renewable energy engineers earn a median of $68,445/year (Studyin-UK, 2024), while in SA, salaries range from R400,000–R800,000/year (Payscale, 2023). With 1.1 million students across 26 public universities (DHET, 2023), South Africa offers top-tier education to meet this demand.
Best Universities for Renewable Energy Engineering in South Africa
These institutions lead in research, industry ties, and practical training, ranked by their renewable energy engineering performance (EduRank, 2024).
1. Stellenbosch University (SU)
Why It’s Best: Ranked 283rd globally (QS 2025) and 1st in SA for renewable energy research (EduRank, 2024), SU’s Master’s in Renewable and Sustainable Energy integrates solar PV, wind, and bioenergy. Its Centre for Renewable and Sustainable Energy Studies (CRSES) drives innovation.
- Key Programs:
- MEng Renewable and Sustainable Energy: 1 year, focuses on energy systems optimization.
- BEng Electrical Engineering: 4 years, with renewable energy electives.
Stats: 29,000 students, 4,000 international (SU, 2023); 80% pass rate in tech modules (SU, 2023); 64375 ZAR tuition for Masters (Mastersportal, 2024).
Cost: R45,000–R55,000/year (2025 estimate).
Facilities: Partnerships with SolarAfrica (R1.8bn solar project, Engineering News, 2023); advanced labs.
Employability: Grads secure roles at Eskom, Engen; 75% employment within 6 months (SU, 2023).
2. University of Pretoria (UP)
Why It’s Best: Ranked 591–600 globally (QS 2025) and 2nd in SA for renewable energy citations (EduRank, 2024), UP’s Department of Electrical, Electronic, and Computer Engineering excels in smart grids and solar integration. It produces 25% of SA engineers (UP, 2023).
- Key Programs:
- BEng Electrical Engineering: 4 years, includes renewable energy systems.
- MEng Energy: 2 years, focuses on sustainability.
Stats: 90% STEM employment rate (UP, 2023); 36,000+ students, 81% undergrad (Nucamp.co, 2025).
Cost: R40,000–R55,000/year (2025 estimate).
Facilities: Future Africa Institute supports energy research; ties to SANEDI.
Employability: Grads earn R400,000–R700,000/year in renewable energy design.
3. University of Cape Town (UCT)
Why It’s Best: Ranked 167th globally (QS 2025) and 3rd in SA for renewable energy research (EduRank, 2024), UCT’s Energy Research Centre pioneers solar thermal and wind energy solutions.
- Key Programs:
- BSc Engineering (Electrical): 4 years, with renewable energy focus.
- MSc Sustainable Energy Engineering: 1–2 years, emphasizes policy and tech.
Stats: 85% employment rate for IT/engineering grads (Wits benchmark, 2023); 36,000+ international students choose SA (Mastersportal, 2025).
Cost: R40,000–R50,000/year (2025 estimate).
Facilities: Links to SALT, Future Water Institute for interdisciplinary energy work.
Employability: Roles at SolarButterfly, Clicks Group (solar EV fleet, Engineering News, 2023).
4. University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
Why It’s Best: Ranked 264th globally (QS 2025) and 4th in SA for renewable energy citations (EduRank, 2024), Wits’ School of Electrical and Information Engineering tackles energy storage and grid integration.
- Key Programs:
- BSc Electrical Engineering: 4 years, includes renewable energy modules.
- MEng Energy Studies: 2 years, research-driven.
Stats: 40,000 students (Wits, 2023); 85% employment rate for IT grads (Wits, 2023); 5th in Africa for interdisciplinary outputs (THE ISR 2025).
Cost: R40,000–R50,000/year (2025 estimate).
Facilities: Ties to SKA for energy data; urban Johannesburg hub.
Employability: Grads join Nordex Energy SA (key market, Engineering News, 2023).
5. Central University of Technology (CUT)
Why It’s Best: Ranked 7th in SA for renewable energy research (EduRank, 2024), CUT’s Renewable Energy Technologies program offers practical training in solar, wind, and geothermal.
- Key Programs:
- Diploma in Renewable Energy Technologies: 3 years, hands-on focus.
- BTech Electrical Engineering: 4 years, renewable energy electives.
Stats: 70% completion rate in tech programs (CUT, 2023); 5,000+ students (CUT.ac.za).
Cost: R30,000–R40,000/year (2025 estimate).
Facilities: Partnerships with DLO Skills Initiative (100 youth trained, Engineering News, 2023).
Employability: Entry-level roles at R300,000–R500,000/year.
Best Online Options for Renewable Energy Engineering
For flexibility amid SA’s 75.9% smartphone penetration (Stats SA, 2022), these online programs shine.
1. University of South Africa (UNISA)
Why It’s Best: With 370,000+ students (DHET, 2023), UNISA’s distance learning cuts costs by 30–50% (BestColleges, 2024), offering renewable energy modules in its IT and engineering streams.
- Key Programs:
- BSc IT: 3 years, includes energy systems.
- Short Learning Programme (SLP) in Renewable Energy: 6–12 months, R5,000–R10,000.
Stats: 10,000+ IT students (DHET, 2023); 60% completion rate (UNISA, 2023).
Cost: R20,000–R40,000/year for degrees; SLPs cheaper (2025 estimate).
Access: Apply at www.unisa.ac.za.
2. UCT Online (GetSmarter)
Why It’s Best: UCT’s short courses via GetSmarter offer practical renewable energy skills, with a 15% discount (code: LEADWEB25) until Feb 27, 2025 (Nucamp.co, 2025).
- Key Programs:
- Renewable Energy Systems Course: 10 weeks, covers solar, wind; R12,000–R15,000.
Stats: 80% of grads report career boosts (Regenesys.net benchmark, 2024); UCT’s 167th global rank adds prestige.
Cost: R10,000–R15,000/course (2025 estimate).
Access: Enroll at www.getsmarter.com.
3. Coursera (Wits Partnership)
Why It’s Best: Free audits with Wits-backed certificates (R1,000–R2,000) offer renewable energy basics, leveraging 57 million learners globally by 2027 (Devlin Peck, 2025).
- Key Programs:
- Solar Energy Basics: 6 weeks, R1,000 certificate.
- Wind Energy (Technical University of Denmark): 8 weeks, R1,500 certificate.
Stats: 25–60% higher retention vs. traditional learning (SH!FT, 2024).
Cost: Free audit; R500–R2,000 for certification (2025 estimate).
Access: Visit www.coursera.org.
Cost & Employability Comparison
| Option | Duration | Cost | Starting Salary | Employment Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SU BEng/MEng | 4–5 years | R45K–R55K/year | R400K–R800K | 75% (6 mo.) |
| UP BEng/MEng | 4–5 years | R40K–R55K/year | R400K–R700K | 90% (STEM) |
| UCT BSc/MSc | 4–5 years | R40K–R50K/year | R350K–R700K | 85% (6 mo.) |
| Wits BSc/MEng | 4–5 years | R40K–R50K/year | R350K–R700K | 85% (6 mo.) |
| CUT Diploma/BTech | 3–4 years | R30K–R40K/year | R300K–R500K | 70% (6 mo.) |
| UNISA Online | 3 years/SLP | R5K–R40K | R350K–R700K | 85% (6 mo.) |
| UCT GetSmarter | 10 weeks | R10K–R15K | R300K–R500K (entry) | 80% (career boost) |
| Coursera (Wits) | 6–8 weeks | R500–R2K | R300K–R500K (entry) | Skill-dependent |
Key Trends & Stats
Market Growth: SA’s renewable capacity to hit 11,000 MW by 2030 (IRP 2019).
Research Output: 17 SA universities rank for renewable energy (EduRank, 2024).
Job Demand: 15% global growth in renewable roles (WEF, 2023); 5,000+ local jobs/year (Stats SA, 2023).
Solar Investment: R1.8 billion by SolarAfrica (Engineering News, 2023).
Policy Push: 26% renewable target by 2030 (IRP 2019).
Funding & Accessibility Tips
NSFAS: R20,000–R60,000/year for incomes < R350,000 (2025 estimate).
SETA Grants: Up to R50,000 for tech training (Regent.ac.za, 2024).
Online Savings: UNISA/Coursera cut costs by 30–50% (BestColleges, 2024).
Deadlines: Apply March–September 2024 for 2025 (e.g., UCT: April 1–July 31).
Conclusion
To study renewable energy engineering in South Africa, top universities like SU, UP, UCT, Wits, and CUT offer robust degrees costing R30,000–R55,000/year, with 70–90% employment rates and salaries up to R800,000/year. Online options—UNISA, UCT GetSmarter, and Coursera (Wits)—provide flexibility from R500–R40,000, boosting careers for 80%+ of grads. In a nation driving 11,000 MW of renewable capacity by 2030, these programs align with 15% global demand growth. Start at www.sun.ac.za, www.up.ac.za, www.uct.ac.za, www.wits.ac.za, www.cut.ac.za, or www.unisa.ac.za.
