04 February 2026
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Story Martinette Brits
The University of the Free State has reopened applications for its first full Bachelor of Engineering in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering to be launched in 2026.
This pioneering programme was developed to address South Africa’s critical water–food–energy nexus by combining core engineering principles with precision agriculture and biosystems science.
According to Louis Lagrange, BEng Project Manager, the degree integrates “hard-core engineering and precision farming digital skills with the living world of biosystems to develop regenerative and environmentally sustainable food production systems”.
The BEng programme is endorsed by the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) and approved by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). It prepares students for the full agricultural engineering design process – from identifying challenges to designing, implementing, and testing sustainable solutions.
From their first year, students gain hands-on experience in drones and GIS, irrigation and water systems, soil and environmental stewardship, renewable energy (including solar and biofuels), precision agriculture, data-driven smart farming, and food processing. Electives allow specialisation in animal production, horticulture, or open land crop production.
Graduates will be well positioned for careers as agricultural and biosystems engineers, irrigation and water resource engineers, smart farming specialists, and food processing engineers, with opportunities in agribusiness, consulting engineering firms, environmental organisations, government departments, and research institutions.
Minimum admission requirements for the BEng in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering include:
- NSC or NCV with endorsement for degree studies
- Admission Point (AP) score of 30 or higher
- Mathematics: Level 6 (70%+)
- Physical Science: Level 5 (60%+)
- Subject to selection
Applications for 2026 close on 14 February 2026.