An innovative certification initiative at Stellenbosch University (SU) is helping final-year engineering students prepare for the real world by equipping them with internationally benchmarked project management skills.
As part of the Project Management 412 (PM412) module, students had the option to complete the International Project Management Association – South Africa (IPMA-SA) Foundation Certification Exam – based on the globally recognised IPMA Individual Competence Baseline (ICB 4.0).
The programme, which ran as a pilot in 2024, saw such encouraging uptake and performance that it has now been formally integrated into the module offering. Stellenbosch remains the only university in South Africa currently offering this opportunity to students.
Prof Corne Schutte, Project Management Coordinator, explains that the certification is an optional extra that runs alongside the course content. Students complete an online exam, and those who pass receive a formal certificate from IPMA – with all costs covered by the department.
Participation on the rise
In just one year, participation in the certification exam more than doubled. In 2024, 125 students completed the exam. In 2025, that number jumped to 325 – a 160% increase.
Even more striking is the 97% pass rate among those who attempted the 2025 exam, up from 94.4% in 2024.
Of the 558 students enrolled in PM412 in 2025:
- 362 registered for the certification exam
- 325 wrote the exam
- 315 passed
- 72% was the average score
Performance was measured across three key areas:
- People – interpersonal and leadership skills (average: 79%)
- Practice – technical and operational skills (average: 72%)
- Perspective – strategic awareness and context (average: 76%)
“These are exactly the kinds of competencies that engineers need to succeed in fast-changing, project-driven environments,” adds Schutte.
Beyond the classroom
For students, the experience is more than just an extra certificate. According to feedback collected after the exam:
- 88% said it was “definitely worth it” or “worth it”
- 73% found it “very” or “quite” valuable for their future careers
- 82% rated the overall experience as “excellent” or “good”
The exam also provides students with insight into how they might perform in a global workplace. As Prof Corne Schutte explains, the IPMA framework is used internationally, offering students a valuable benchmark – and a competitive edge.
This initiative exemplifies the Faculty’s broader focus on embedding graduate attributes – such as leadership, collaboration, and ethical awareness – into the engineering curriculum. By offering internationally recognised certification opportunities, the Faculty is helping shape competent, project-ready graduates who are prepared for complex, multidisciplinary work environments.
