SU Open Day Series 2026 | Engineering Your Future with Prof. Wikus van Niekerk and Emily Roberts
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Are you looking to build a career in the innovative world of problem-solving, technology, or large-scale infrastructure?
In this episode of our SU Open Day Series 2026, Sibulele sits down with Prof. Wikus van Niekerk, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, and Emily Roberts, a final-year Industrial Engineering student and Secretary of the Engineering Student Council (ESC) at Stellenbosch University.
As one of the top three engineering faculties in South Africa, Maties Engineering combines world-class refurbished facilities with deep industry ties. Prof. van Niekerk and Emily explain how their programmes are designed to develop the technical mastery and critical thinking needed to thrive in sectors ranging from renewable energy to global finance.
Whether you are aiming to become a civil engineer, a data-driven industrial specialist, or a bold tech leader, this episode breaks down the core admission requirements and the tight-knit community support waiting for you.
What we cover in this episode:
- The Engineering Edge: How modern facilities and professional lecturers make Maties graduates some of the most marketable in the world.
- Core Requirements: Why Mathematics and Physical Sciences are non-negotiable, and why you don’t need prior EGD or IT experience to succeed.
- Beyond Construction: Exploring the diverse career paths in mining, agriculture, Eskom, Sasol, and even executive banking roles.
- Global Demand: How international companies recruit Maties engineers straight out of their bachelor’s degrees.
- The Survival Guide: Emily’s advice on finding a support system to navigate the demanding first year.
The Faculty’s Must-See Highlights:
- Laboratory Tours: Get a rare look inside the labs to see real engineering systems and experimental setups in action.
- The ESC Tables: Speak directly with current Engineering Student Council members for honest answers about the workload and campus life.
- Departmental Sessions: Join the groups touring the five different departments to find which specialisation fits your passion.
- General Info Tent: The perfect starting point to meet the faculty staff and get your questions answered.
Stellenbosch University Open Day 2026 Details:
The On-Campus Open Day is the best way to get a real feel for the faculty. You can visit exhibitions, tour the labs, and speak directly to the experts and students who call this building home.
When: Saturday, 18 April 2026
Time: 08:00 - 15:00
Where: Stellenbosch and Tygerberg campuses
Online Open Day: Launches Monday, 20 April 2026 (Available until July 2026)
IMPORTANT BOOKING INFO:
Entry to the campus is free, but booking is required for specific faculty sessions. Tickets have been available through Quicket since 18 March at 09:00. These sessions provide essential details on career paths and selection criteria, so ensure you secure your spot early!
Links & Resources:
Explore Engineering Programmes: https://www.su.ac.za/en/faculties/engineering
Book your sessions: www.quicket.co.za
Stream MFM 92.6: www.mfm.co.za
Follow us on Socials: @mfm926
#MFM926 #StellenboschUniversity #MatiesEngineering #Engineering #STEM #Innovation #MatiesOpenDay #StudyAtSU #FutureEngineers #Stellenbosch #HigherEducation 🐿️
In this episode of our SU Open Day Series 2026, Sibulele sits down with Prof. Wikus van Niekerk, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, and Emily Roberts, a final-year Industrial Engineering student and Secretary of the Engineering Student Council (ESC) at Stellenbosch University.
As one of the top three engineering faculties in South Africa, Maties Engineering combines world-class refurbished facilities with deep industry ties. Prof. van Niekerk and Emily explain how their programmes are designed to develop the technical mastery and critical thinking needed to thrive in sectors ranging from renewable energy to global finance.
Whether you are aiming to become a civil engineer, a data-driven industrial specialist, or a bold tech leader, this episode breaks down the core admission requirements and the tight-knit community support waiting for you.
What we cover in this episode:
- The Engineering Edge: How modern facilities and professional lecturers make Maties graduates some of the most marketable in the world.
- Core Requirements: Why Mathematics and Physical Sciences are non-negotiable, and why you don’t need prior EGD or IT experience to succeed.
- Beyond Construction: Exploring the diverse career paths in mining, agriculture, Eskom, Sasol, and even executive banking roles.
- Global Demand: How international companies recruit Maties engineers straight out of their bachelor’s degrees.
- The Survival Guide: Emily’s advice on finding a support system to navigate the demanding first year.
The Faculty’s Must-See Highlights:
- Laboratory Tours: Get a rare look inside the labs to see real engineering systems and experimental setups in action.
- The ESC Tables: Speak directly with current Engineering Student Council members for honest answers about the workload and campus life.
- Departmental Sessions: Join the groups touring the five different departments to find which specialisation fits your passion.
- General Info Tent: The perfect starting point to meet the faculty staff and get your questions answered.
Stellenbosch University Open Day 2026 Details:
The On-Campus Open Day is the best way to get a real feel for the faculty. You can visit exhibitions, tour the labs, and speak directly to the experts and students who call this building home.
When: Saturday, 18 April 2026
Time: 08:00 - 15:00
Where: Stellenbosch and Tygerberg campuses
Online Open Day: Launches Monday, 20 April 2026 (Available until July 2026)
IMPORTANT BOOKING INFO:
Entry to the campus is free, but booking is required for specific faculty sessions. Tickets have been available through Quicket since 18 March at 09:00. These sessions provide essential details on career paths and selection criteria, so ensure you secure your spot early!
Links & Resources:
Explore Engineering Programmes: https://www.su.ac.za/en/faculties/engineering
Book your sessions: www.quicket.co.za
Stream MFM 92.6: www.mfm.co.za
Follow us on Socials: @mfm926
#MFM926 #StellenboschUniversity #MatiesEngineering #Engineering #STEM #Innovation #MatiesOpenDay #StudyAtSU #FutureEngineers #Stellenbosch #HigherEducation 🐿️
