University of Pretoria Calendar

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 JanuaryNew Year’s Day
3 JanuaryAcademic year commences
17-22 JanuarySupplementary examinations of third-quarter, fourth-quarter, second-semester, and year modules
24 JanuaryLast day for submission of supplementary examination marks of third-quarter, fourth-quarter, second-semester, and year modules
24 January-5 FebruarySummer School
25 JanuaryCommencement of online registration for first-year students
1 FebruaryCommencement of online registration for senior students
7-12 FebruarySpecial exams (Summer School modules after 9 February)
9 FebruaryClosing date submission of final marks for Summer School
10 FebruaryAnniversary of the University’s founding
11-13 FebruarySpecial orientation for non-RSA students
12 FebruaryWelcome Day
14-18 FebruaryOrientation programme for new first-year students at Hatfield campus
16 February1.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 FebruaryINSYNC first year concert
21 FebruaryLectures commence for quarter 1 and semester 1
26 FebruaryRag
21 MarchHuman Rights Day
22 MarchClosing date for amendments or cancellation of modules (quarter 1, 2, and semester 1)
11 AprilLectures end for quarter 1
12-20 AprilApril recess
15 AprilGood Friday
18 AprilFamily Day
21 AprilLectures commence for quarter 2
27 AprilFreedom Day
28 AprilWednesday timetable table
1 MayWorkers’ Day
2 MayPublic holiday in terms of legislation
6 MayMonday timetable is followed
28 May-9 JulyCooling-off period for all non-academic student activities before and during the examination period
10 JuneLectures end for quarter 2 and semester 1
11-30 JuneExaminations of first-quarter, second-quarter, and first-semester modules
16 JuneYouth Day
4-9 JulySupplementary examinations of first-quarter, second-quarter, and first-semester modules
10-24 JulyJuly recess
11 JulyLast day for submission of supplementary examination marks of first-quarter, second-quarter, and first-semester modules
11-23 JulyWinter School
25 July1.Lectures commence for semester 2, quarter 3
2.Closing date submission of final marks for Winter School
29 JulyClosing date submission of final marks for Spring Graduation
8 AugustNo lecture day
9 AugustNational Women’s Day
24 AugustClosing date for amendments or cancellation of modules (quarter 3, 4, and semester 2)
10 September#ChooseUP Day
13 SeptemberLectures end for quarter 3
14 SeptemberSpring Day (no lecture day)
15-25 SeptemberSeptember recess
24 SeptemberHeritage Day
26 SeptemberLectures commence for quarter 4
7 OctoberInternational Students Day
29 October-7 DecemberCooling-off period for all non-academic student activities before and during the examination period
11 NovemberLectures end for quarter 4 semester 2
12-30 NovemberExamination of third-quarter, fourth-quarter, second-semester, and year modules
1-7 DecemberSupplementary examinations of third-quarter, fourth-quarter second-semester, and year modules
7 DecemberAcademic year ends
9 DecemberLast day for submission of supplementary examination marks of third-quarter, fourth-quarter, second-semester, and year modules
16 DecemberDay of Reconciliation
23 DecemberUniversity closes at 10:00
25 DecemberChristmas Day
26 DecemberDay of Goodwill
4 January 2025Academic 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.