Engineering is an excellent profession and given the good salaries that engineers earn and the shortage of engineers in South Africa, there is no doubt that becoming an engineer could be a great decision for your career.
In South Africa, there are many prestigious academic institutions that offer electrical engineering courses online. In most cases, not always electrical engineering online courses are more affordable than those offered on campus.
So, affordability and convenience aside, why would you study electrical engineering online?
In today's world, with its focus on innovation, technology, and sustainability, the demand for engineers in South Africa and globally has never been higher. Not only do engineers play a crucial role in driving progress and addressing some of the most pressing challenges of our time, but it is also a highly creative field where salaries are competitive too.
If you feel that the online route of study is for you, keep reading. In this article we will look at degree options for electrical engineering courses online, as well as various online diploma courses in electrical engineering too.
Online Electrical Engineering Courses in South Africa
In today's digital age, electrical engineering online courses have become increasingly popular because it offers flexibility and accessibility to students who may not be able to attend traditional on-campus programmes.
South Africa has several institutions that offer online electrical engineering courses which cater to various educational needs and career aspirations. Here, we explore some of these institutions including their programme duration, qualification cost, and the typical content that you can expect.
University of South Africa (UNISA)
Programme: Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSc Eng)
- Duration: 4 years
- Cost: Approximately R5 000 per module, with the total cost varying based on the number of modules taken per year. The average annual cost is around R30 000 to R40 000.
- Content: The programme covers a broad range of subjects including Electrical Circuits, Engineering Mathematics, Digital Systems, Signal Processing, Electromagnetic Theory, Control Systems, Power Electronics, and Renewable Energy. In addition to theoretical knowledge, practical assignments and projects are integrated to provide hands-on experience.
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) - Online Campus
Programme: Diploma in Electrical Engineering
- Duration: 3 years
- Cost: Approximately R25 000 per year
- Content: This diploma programme includes courses in Electrical Principles, Circuit Analysis, Digital Systems, Microcontrollers, Electrical Machines, Power Systems, and Engineering Design. The curriculum is designed to equip students with both foundational and advanced knowledge, along with practical skills relevant to the electrical engineering field.
Damelin Online Electrical Engineering Courses
Programme: Diploma in Electrical Engineering
- Duration: 3 years
- Cost: Around R20 000 per year
- Content: The course includes subjects like Electrical Principles and Safety, Digital and Analogue Electronics, Electrical Machines and Drives, Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Power Electronics, and Project Management. Damelin’s approach combines theoretical instruction with practical assignments, ensuring students gain comprehensive knowledge and skills.
Intec College
Programme: Diploma in Electrical Engineering (Distance Learning)
- Duration: 3 years
- Cost: Approximately R15 000 to R20 000 per year
- Content: The curriculum covers essential topics such as Electrical Theory, Circuit Design, Electrical Machines, Industrial Electronics, Power Systems, and Renewable Energy Technologies. Intec College emphasises real-world applications and practical skills which are supported by assignments and projects that simulate industry scenarios.
Engineering Institute of Technology (EIT)
Programme: Study electrical engineering online to achieve an Advanced Diploma of Electrical and Instrumentation (E&I) Engineering for Oil and Gas Facilities
- Duration: 18 months
- Cost: Approximately R150 000 for the entire programme
- Content: The programme focuses on specialised areas such as Electrical and Instrumentation Design, Power Distribution, Process Control, Safety Instrumentation, and Automation Systems. EIT’s online platform includes live webinars, interactive discussions, and hands-on simulations to enhance learning and practical understanding.
Oxbridge Academy
Programme: National Certificate in Electrical Engineering N1-N3
- Duration: Each N-level certificate typically takes 6-12 months to complete, with the entire N1-N3 sequence spanning approximately 1.5 to 2 years.
- Cost: Around R12 000 to R15 000 per certificate
- Content: The National Certificates for electrical engineering courses online cover fundamental and intermediate topics such as Electrical Trade Theory, Mathematics, Industrial Electronics, and Engineering Science. These certificates are designed to provide the foundational knowledge required for technical positions in electrical engineering and pave the way for further study.
Reasons to Study Electrical Engineering Online
Electrical engineering is a cornerstone of modern society. It is integral to our daily existence and survival. Beyond its essential role, there are numerous personal reasons to consider a degree or online diploma courses in electrical engineering.
Engineering is Interesting
One of the most compelling reasons to study electrical engineering is the sheer interest it can inspire. Even if you're not initially drawn to the field, delving deeper often reveals how captivating it can be.
Engineering combines mathematics and science to improve our lives through innovative solutions and creations. While subjects like math and science can sometimes seem abstract and disconnected from everyday life, engineering brings them to life by applying them in tangible and meaningful ways. From developing new technologies to solving complex problems, electrical engineering is a dynamic and engaging field that constantly pushes the boundaries of what is possible.
Online Electrical Engineering Courses Will Include STEM
Engineering is an integral part of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. By studying electrical engineering courses only, it is likely that you will be exposed to all four STEM areas. This interdisciplinary approach equips you with a well-rounded skill set that is highly valued in today's job market. Engineers often have a balanced understanding of science, technology, and mathematics which makes them versatile professionals capable of tackling a wide range of challenges. The skills you acquire through a degree or online diploma courses in electrical engineering not only prepare you for a career but also provide a solid foundation for pursuing opportunities in many other fields.
Creative Problem Solving
While some may see maths and science as boring, rigid and lacking in creativity, engineering offers an exciting and different perspective. Electrical engineering involves applying scientific and mathematical principles to develop innovative solutions to real-world problems. This process often requires creative thinking and ingenuity which will prepare you well for the challenging kinds of tasks face in the daily life of an engineer.
Study Electrical Engineering Online for Abundant Job Options
One of the key advantages available when you take electrical engineering online courses is that there is a robust job market for engineers. In South Africa, there is a significant shortage of engineers, which has created a high demand for qualified professionals. The growth rate for engineering jobs is substantially higher than the national average across all industries, and a large percentage of job advertisements are for engineering positions.
This demand is so critical that South Africa is considering various initiatives to attract more engineers, including facilitating work visas for foreign professionals. Although South African citizens are given priority for these roles, the plentiful job opportunities mean that engineers from around the world can also consider working in South Africa.
Competitive Salaries
Another attractive aspect of a career in electrical engineering is the potential for competitive salaries. While job satisfaction and passion are important, financial stability is also a crucial consideration. In South Africa, engineers are well-compensated for their expertise and contributions. The combination of high demand and specialised skills ensures that engineers can secure well-paying jobs that offer both professional fulfilment and financial security.
The Benefits
Studying electrical engineering offers a multitude of benefits, from intellectual stimulation and creative problem-solving to diverse study options and abundant job opportunities. Whether you're driven by a passion for innovation, a desire to make a tangible impact on the world, or the prospect of a rewarding career, electrical engineering is a field worth considering. Not only is the robust job market and competitive salaries an excellent choice for anyone interested in this dynamic and essential field, but it is a rewarding and exciting career choice.
Whether you are looking for an in-depth degree, a focused diploma, or a specialised advanced diploma, South Africa’s online education landscape has options to help you achieve your engineering aspirations.
In making your decision, consider the programme specifics, including subjects covered, practical components, and overall costs, to make an informed decision.
Finally, like most STEM based education paths you are bound to encounter challenges along the way and this is where the extra support of a private tutor can make all the difference.
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