Step-by-step guide to applying for a Master of Engineering Management

As engineers advance into leadership roles during their careers, they start to need advanced strategic, financial and managerial skills that are unlikely to have been developed or used previously. The Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) addresses this capacity gap through its fully online Master of Engineering Management (MEM) programme. To gain entry to study this NQF Level 9 qualification, prospective candidates must follow a structured, supportive digital application pathway.

Entry requirements and eligibility

Academic admission into the online MEM programme is designed for individuals with a solid foundation in engineering. The online division recognises the following primary admission pathways:

• Honours Degree or Postgraduate Diploma Pathway: Applicants must hold a Bachelor of Engineering at NQF Level 8, a Bachelor of Engineering Honours, a Bachelor of Engineering Technology Honours, or a Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering. To qualify, candidates must have achieved an average of 60% or more in their final year of study.
• Bachelor of Technology (BTech) Pathway: Candidates holding a Baccalaureus Technologiae in an engineering field will be considered, subject to the successful completion of designated academic bridging modules.

In addition to academic qualifications, the online learning environment requires specific technical capabilities. Prospective students must be computer literate, have a desktop or laptop computer, and maintain a stable internet connection to successfully engage with the coursework. 

The five-step online application process

TUT Online provides a simplified, step-by-step application framework to guide working professionals through the enrolment process:

1. Express Your Interest: Candidates begin by completing the online Request for Information (RFI) form on the TUT website for its online programmes (online.tut.ac.za). This initial step registers the applicant's interest and profile.
2. Personal Consultation: A dedicated TUT student advisor contacts the candidate to discuss the MEM programme, verify whether they meet the academic entry requirements and clarify the expectations of online study.
3. Complete Your Application: If the candidate qualifies, they receive a personalised application link. Applicants use this link to complete the formal application form and upload certified digital copies of their academic transcripts, identification document (ID) or passport, and prior qualifications. To prevent system errors, documents must be clear, legible, and saved in high-resolution digital formats.
4. Application Review: A dedicated admissions team carefully reviews the submitted application, focusing on document completeness and academic eligibility.
5. Welcome to TUT: Successful applicants receive an official letter of admission via email. From there, the university guides students through making their initial module payment, setting up their student account and email, and accessing the Learning Management System (LMS), where all study materials are hosted.

Application tracking, fees and flexibility

Unlike traditional on-campus programmes, there is no application fee for the fully online programmes offered by the TUT. After submitting the application, candidates receive an acknowledgement email confirming receipt. This email contains instructions for monitoring the application's progress via the online portal.

The financial structure of the MEM programme is designed for working professionals, operating on a pay-as-you-learn model. Students register and pay only for the specific module they are studying rather than paying for an entire year upfront. This is paired with high academic flexibility: students may temporarily pause their studies and step out of the programme for up to two consecutive modules if professional or personal commitments arise.

FAQs: MEM Applications

1. How do I start the application process for the online MEM programme?

To begin, you must complete the Request for Information (RFI) form. A student advisor will then contact you to verify your eligibility and provide a personalised application link.

2. Are there any application fees for this online postgraduate qualification?

No, there is no application fee for the fully online programmes offered by TUT.

3. How can I track the progress of my submitted application?

Once your application is submitted, you will receive an acknowledgement email confirming receipt. This communication includes specific instructions for tracking your application status via the online portal.

4. What are the format requirements for uploading supporting documents?

Your supporting documents (such as academic transcripts, certified certificates and ID) must be saved as clear and legible digital copies, preferably as PDFs.

5. How are the tuition fees structured for the online MEM programme?

The programme operates on a flexible pay-as-you-go model, in which you pay only for the individual module you are currently studying. You can view up-to-date costs on the fees page.