The academic calendar for 2024/2025 academic session as approved by the authority of the University of Pretoria, UP.
CALENDAR 2024 (Start 21 Feb) MAIN DATES
1 January | New Year’s Day | |
3 January | Academic year commences | |
17-22 January | Supplementary examinations of third-quarter, fourth-quarter, second-semester, and year modules | |
24 January | Last day for submission of supplementary examination marks of third-quarter, fourth-quarter, second-semester, and year modules | |
24 January-5 February | Summer School | |
25 January | Commencement of online registration for first-year students | |
1 February | Commencement of online registration for senior students | |
7-12 February | Special exams (Summer School modules after 9 February) | |
9 February | Closing date submission of final marks for Summer School | |
10 February | Anniversary of the University’s founding | |
11-13 February | Special orientation for non-RSA students | |
12 February | Welcome Day | |
14-18 February | Orientation programme for new first-year students at Hatfield campus | |
16 February | 1. | Closing date submission of final marks for Autumn graduation |
2. | Closing date for awarding undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications | |
3. | Closing date submission of final marks for Special examinations | |
19 February | INSYNC first year concert | |
21 February | Lectures commence for quarter 1 and semester 1 | |
26 February | Rag | |
21 March | Human Rights Day | |
22 March | Closing date for amendments or cancellation of modules (quarter 1, 2, and semester 1) | |
11 April | Lectures end for quarter 1 | |
12-20 April | April recess | |
15 April | Good Friday | |
18 April | Family Day | |
21 April | Lectures commence for quarter 2 | |
27 April | Freedom Day | |
28 April | Wednesday timetable table | |
1 May | Workers’ Day | |
2 May | Public holiday in terms of legislation | |
6 May | Monday timetable is followed | |
28 May-9 July | Cooling-off period for all non-academic student activities before and during the examination period | |
10 June | Lectures end for quarter 2 and semester 1 | |
11-30 June | Examinations of first-quarter, second-quarter, and first-semester modules | |
16 June | Youth Day | |
4-9 July | Supplementary examinations of first-quarter, second-quarter, and first-semester modules | |
10-24 July | July recess | |
11 July | Last day for submission of supplementary examination marks of first-quarter, second-quarter, and first-semester modules | |
11-23 July | Winter School | |
25 July | 1. | Lectures commence for semester 2, quarter 3 |
2. | Closing date submission of final marks for Winter School | |
29 July | Closing date submission of final marks for Spring Graduation | |
8 August | No lecture day |
9 August | National Women’s Day | |
24 August | Closing date for amendments or cancellation of modules (quarter 3, 4, and semester 2) | |
10 September | #ChooseUP Day | |
13 September | Lectures end for quarter 3 | |
14 September | Spring Day (no lecture day) | |
15-25 September | September recess | |
24 September | Heritage Day | |
26 September | Lectures commence for quarter 4 | |
7 October | International Students Day | |
29 October-7 December | Cooling-off period for all non-academic student activities before and during the examination period | |
11 November | Lectures end for quarter 4 semester 2 | |
12-30 November | Examination of third-quarter, fourth-quarter, second-semester, and year modules | |
1-7 December | Supplementary examinations of third-quarter, fourth-quarter second-semester, and year modules | |
7 December | Academic year ends | |
9 December | Last day for submission of supplementary examination marks of third-quarter, fourth-quarter, second-semester, and year modules | |
16 December | Day of Reconciliation | |
23 December | University closes at 10:00 | |
25 December | Christmas Day | |
26 December | Day of Goodwill | |
4 January 2025 | Academic year commences |
GRADUATION CEREMONIES
- 20 April – GIBS Graduation Ceremony
Overview of Public Universities in South Africa
Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.
University of Pretoria
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
- Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.
University of Cape Town
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
- Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.
Stellenbosch University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
- Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.
University of the Witwatersrand
- Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
- Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.
University of Johannesburg
- Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
- Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.
University of the Free State
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.
University of Venda
- Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
- Application Period: Usually from May to September.
University of Fort Hare
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
- Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.
University of the Western Cape
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
- Application Period: Generally from May to September.
North-West University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
- Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.
Rhodes University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
- Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.
Nelson Mandela University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
- Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.
University of Limpopo
- Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
- Application Period: From April to September.
University of Zululand
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
- Application Period: Usually between April and November.
Central University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
- Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.
Vaal University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
- Application Period: Typically from May to September.
Walter Sisulu University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
- Application Period: From April to September.
This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.