University of Pretoria Online Application

Read through all the steps below to determine which actions are relevant for your application to study at the University of Pretoria

Non-South African citizens should also take note of the steps below with specific reference to the important information on page 1 of University of Pretoria UP prospectus.

Choose a programme

Read about all undergraduate programmes offered at UP from page 5 in this brochure.

  • It is important to indicate a first- as well as a second-choice programme on your Online Application. The Application only makes provision for two study choices. If you want to add a third choice, or if you want to change your study choice after you have already submitted your online application, please forward your request to ssc@up.ac.za.
  • Your second-choice programme will automatically be considered should your application for your first-choice programme be unsuccessful or if your first choice is a selection programme.
  • Ensure that your first- and second-choice programmes meet the minimum admission requirements as well as the faculty’s selection guidelines.
  • Note that certain programmes will not be considered if indicated as your second-choice. Refer to the faculty tables from page 5 of the prospectus.
  • For study advice, make an appointment with a Student Advisor via Ms Carol Bosch at +27 (0)12 420 5144 or carol.bosch@up.ac.za

Tuition and residence fees

For more information on tuition and residence fees, go to www.up.ac.za/fees-and-funding.

  • Fee estimator: Go to http://estimate.up.ac.za to get an estimation of the study fees for the programme/s that you are interested in.
  • Family discount: When two or more dependent children of the same family are registered simultaneously at the University of Pretoria, they may apply for a rebate on tuition fees.
  • The 2.5% discount: If the student account is paid in full (ie 100%) by 30 April, a 2.5% discount is applicable.
  • Registration fee: This fee is not an additional amount payable, but forms part of the tuition fees and is an initial payment towards the tuition fees.
  • Residence reservation fee: This fee will be payable within 30 days after placement in a UP residence. For residence room fees, go to www.up.ac.za/accommodation.
  • Fees paid by bursaries: Students must submit written proof from the sponsor of the bursary awarded to them prior to registration, otherwise the registration fee will be payable by the student. The final decision regarding the acceptance of a bursary letter rests with the University.
  • How and where to pay: Cashiers are available on all our campuses from Mondays to Fridays from 08:00 to 16:00. For EFT and credit card payments, please allow at least 5 working days for the payment to reflect on your student account.
  • UP banking details: See page 1 of the prospectus.

Apply to study at Tuks

Apply ONLINE at www.up.ac.za/apply from 1 March in the year preceding studies. Remember the application deadline for most courses is 30th September.

  • Before you start to complete the Online Application, watch a video on
    How to complete the online Application” at www.up.ac.za. Click on “See all YouTube videos.”
  • Ensure that the email address that you indicate on your Online Application is correct as your temporary password and T number will be sent to this email address.
  • Ensure that you apply before the closing dates of both your first-and second-choice programmes. The closing dates are indicated in the faculty tables; see page 5 in this brochure or go to www.up.ac.za/closing dates
  • Certain programmes will not be considered if indicated as your second-choice.
  • You will receive your student number within 10 working days after you have submitted your Online Application.
  • On receipt of your student number, you will be able to track your admission status on the UP Portal. Refer to Step 7 for instructions on how to gain access to your Student Portal.

Apply for residence placement

The Online Application has a section to be completed if you are interested in residence placement.

  • Residence placement is based on academic merit and date of application.
  • The demand for accommodation by far exceeds the available spaces – apply as soon as possible from 1 March.
  • Preference is given to students with an academic average of 75% and above. More information is available at www.up.ac.za/accommodation.
  • To qualify for guaranteed placement in a UP residence, the prospective
    student must:

– apply before 1 May in the year preceding studies;
– have obtained a minimum average of 85% in the examination with which the student applies to study at UP; and
– be provisionally admitted to a programme.

Apply for bursaries and loans

UP bursaries and loans

  • Applications must be submitted via the UP Student Portal or www.up.ac.za/ fees-and-funding. Closing date for applications: 31 October in the year preceding studies. No late applications will be accepted.
  • UP sports bursaries: www.up.ac.za/sport (Closing date: 30 September).

National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS)

  • For applications and comprehensive information, read this nsfas online application guide.
  • Closing date for applications: 30 November in the year preceding studies.

Eduloan

As a registered credit provider, Eduloan covers a wide range of student-related necessities such as books, accessories, laptops, university and private accommodation, as well as study tuition with a fixed monthly installment.

Anyone can apply for a loan (students, parents or guardians), provided that the applicant is in full-time employment or has a registered business. Contact lizettevr@eduloan.co.za or +27 (0)12 420 2161/5175.

Other bursary options

  • Bursaries according to the field of study: www.gostudy.mobi
  • The Bursary Register: Contact rlevin@mweb.co.za or +27 (0)11 672 6559.

National Benchmark Test (NBT)

  • The National Benchmark Test is not compulsory for all programmes.
  • Register to write the NBT at www.nbt.ac.za.
  • The NBT results support but do not replace or duplicate final school examination results.
  • It is indicated at the programmes in the faculty tables from page 5 whether or not the NBT is required.
  • The tests are confidential.
  • There are no previous test papers available.
  • The NBT consists of two components:

(1) AQL: Academic Literacy and Quantitative Literacy (which are combined). Quantitative Literacy is similar to Mathematical Literacy. The AQL test has also been translated into Braille.

(2) MAT: Mathematics.

  • A complete schedule with all the test centres can be found at www.nbt.ac.za.

Value-added Questionnaire

The Value-added Questionnaire is only required for applications in the Faculties of Health Sciences and Veterinary Science.

  • The Online Value-added Questionnaire will be made available on the UP Student Portal, only for prospective students in the above-mentioned faculties who meet the minimum admission requirements. Visit your Student Portal regularly for notices in this regard.
  • Be sure to complete and submit the online Value-added Questionnaire before the due date. The faculty will communicate the due date to applicants on the UP Student Portal under ‘Communications’. Enquiries may be directed to ssc@up.ac.za.

Recommended : UP Application Status: How to check on your University of Pretoria application

UP student contract

Before a student will be able to register, a contract needs to be concluded between the student and the University of Pretoria.

  • Students must access the contract online on the UP Student Portal at www.up.ac.za > MyTUKS Login.
  • The contract should be completed online, and then printed and signed.
  • The completed and signed original contract must be handed in at the Student Service Centre or posted to the Student Service Centre, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, 0028. The University of Pretoria does not accept faxed, scanned or emailed contracts.
  • Watch a video on “How to complete the UP Student Contract” at www.up.ac.za, click on
    “See all YouTube videos”

Orientation for new first-year students

  • The Orientation Programme will be available on www.up.ac.za by the end of December.
  • Registration of first-year students takes place during Orientation Week. Dates will be communicated by the end of December.

Check out : University of Pretoria (UP) Application: Admission Requirements

Special offer to academic achievers

The Special offer to new first-year students is based on the academic average percentage obtained in the final school-year end examination. (See next page for further information).

The special offer includes:

  • Guaranteed achievement awards to students who qualify.
  • Guaranteed admission to first- or second-choice non-selection programmes for prospective students with an academic average percentage of between 75% and 100%, if the application is received no later than 1 May of the year preceding commencement of studies.
  • Guaranteed placement in a UP residence to prospective students with an academic average percentage of between 85% and 100% if:

– your application is received no later than 1 May of the year preceding commencement of studies; and
– you have been provisionally admitted to a programme. More information is available at www.up.ac.za/fees-and-funding.


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.