If you’re researching SOLIDWORKS cost in South Africa, you’re likely comparing pricing, features, and support options for one of the most advanced 3D design platforms in the world.

At MECAD Systems, we believe clarity matters. That’s why our online SOLIDWORKS shop lets you view current prices, compare licenses, and purchase directly in rand – without international billing complications or hidden costs.

As South Africa’s authorised SOLIDWORKS reseller, MECAD doesn’t just sell software. We provide complete solutions: the software itself, local support, professional training, and subscription benefits that help you get measurable results from your investment.

1. Understanding SOLIDWORKS Licensing

SOLIDWORKS pricing depends on the licence type you choose. Here’s a quick overview of the options available in South Africa through MECAD Systems:

1.1. 3-Month Term Licenses

Ideal for freelancers, contractors, or companies tackling short-term projects.

These licenses offer complete design functionality without long-term commitment – perfect for rapid project turnarounds or temporary team expansions.

1.2. 1-Year Term Licenses

Best suited for businesses that rely on SOLIDWORKS daily. These include cloud services for connected collaboration and MECAD’s Enhanced Subscription, which provides technical support, software updates, and access to learning resources throughout the year.

You can purchase these plans instantly online, but if you need something more tailored, MECAD can configure network or enterprise licences for multi-user setups..

Our experienced sales team works closely with businesses to recommend the most cost-effective approach, ensuring that each license matches both workflow and budget.

2. SOLIDWORKS Cost in South Africa

Below are our most up-to-date SOLIDWORKS license prices in South Africa (excluding VAT):

Prices are updated regularly to reflect official SOLIDWORKS pricing in South Africa.

For volume or enterprise packages, contact our sales team for a tailored quote.

Buying SOLIDWORKS directly from MECAD ensures transparent local pricing, simplified VAT invoicing, and access to South African support teams – making it both cost-effective and reliable.

3. What You Get with Each SOLIDWORKS Edition

Each edition of SOLIDWORKS is built for different levels of design complexity. Here’s how they compare in real-world use:

3.1. SOLIDWORKS Standard

A complete 3D design foundation that lets you model parts and assemblies, create detailed drawings, and document manufacturing data. Perfect for mechanical designers or manufacturers looking to transition from 2D drafting to full parametric 3D modelling.

3.2. SOLIDWORKS Professional

Adds powerful automation and visualisation tools, including cost estimation, photorealistic rendering, and design library access. This is ideal for design teams working on product development, client presentations, or cost-sensitive manufacturing projects.

3.3. SOLIDWORKS Premium

Provides the ultimate design solution, combining all Professional tools with advanced capabilities for simulation, motion analysis, and routing. It’s the right choice for high-performance engineering environments where precision and efficiency are critical – such as automotive, machinery, or product-testing industries.

Each step up adds functionality that saves time, improves collaboration, and supports data-driven decision-making across teams.

4. Is SOLIDWORKS Free or Paid?

Using cracked or pirated SOLIDWORKS software can have serious consequences.

• Legal penalties: Piracy violates copyright law and can lead to fines or criminal charges.
• Security threats: Unofficial downloads often contain malware or spyware that compromise business data.
• Data loss: Pirated versions can corrupt files or be incompatible with genuine SOLIDWORKS updates.
• No support or updates: Only licensed versions qualify for updates, bug fixes, and technical support.

To protect your business, always purchase SOLIDWORKS from an authorised reseller like MECAD Systems, ensuring full access to updates, security, and certified support.

5. How Much Is a Full SOLIDWORKS license?

When clients ask, “How much is a full SOLIDWORKS license?”, they usually mean the Premium package – the most complete version of SOLIDWORKS.

At MECAD Systems, a full SOLIDWORKS Premium license costs:

• R16 260 excl. VAT for a 3-month term, or
• R57 216 excl. VAT for a 1-year license including MECAD’s Enhanced Subscription.

This provides everything SOLIDWORKS has to offer: design, simulation, motion studies, routing, and data management tools – all supported by MECAD’s local technical and training resources.

For businesses that need perpetual or network licenses, our team can provide customised pricing and guidance based on your infrastructure and user count.

6. The MECAD Elite Enhanced Subscription

Your SOLIDWORKS investment doesn’t stop at the software. MECAD’s Elite Enhanced Subscription gives you ongoing training, expert access, and exclusive savings valued at over R40 000 per year.

Your annual benefits include: 

• SolidProfessor On-Demand Training with 15 000+ lessons available 24/7.
• R3 000 Instructor-Led Training Credit per license.
• Two-Hour Ask-an-Expert Session with MECAD specialists.
• 20 % Consulting Discount or 10 % SLA Discount for ongoing support.
• 3 % Recruitment Discount via MC Technology Staffing for CAD-skilled hires.
• 50 % Off myCADtools license for automating repetitive CAD tasks.

This subscription transforms your SOLIDWORKS investment into a complete engineering ecosystem – offering technical support, learning paths, and business savings in one plan.

7. Why Buy SOLIDWORKS Locally from MECAD Systems

Buying SOLIDWORKS through MECAD means partnering with South Africa’s most experienced SOLIDWORKS provider. Here’s why local matters: 

• Local Expertise: Our engineers understand South African manufacturing and design workflows, offering real-time, localised assistance.
• Transparent Pricing: All prices are in rand with VAT applied upfront – no international transaction fees or conversion surprises.
• Faster Response Times: Immediate support within South African business hours.
• Tailored Guidance: Our sales and support teams help you choose the right license, implement effectively, and scale as your business grows.
• Training & Growth: Access to certified training and subscription benefits to keep your team competitive.

Buying locally means you’re not just purchasing software – you’re partnering with South Africa’s most experienced SOLIDWORKS provider.

8. The Bottom Line

Understanding the SOLIDWORKS cost in South Africa helps you make the best decision for your design needs.

MECAD Systems makes it simple: transparent local pricing, flexible licenses, and unmatched support.

Whether you need a short-term license or a full annual plan, you’ll get access to expert training, local support, and productivity-enhancing tools through our Elite Enhanced Subscription.

Ready to get started?

Visit our SOLIDWORKS Shop or contact our sales team for a customised quote.