The University of Pretoria (UP) has officially opened admissions for the 2025 academic year, inviting prospective students to apply for a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. As one of South Africa’s top universities, UP offers a diverse academic environment and a straightforward online application process. This guide will walk you through the steps to apply, key dates to remember, and important information to ensure your application is successful.
Application Process
Identify the Suitable Programme
Research and select a program that aligns with your academic goals. UP offers various undergraduate and postgraduate options across multiple faculties. Check the UP Programme Catalogue for details on admission requirements and course content
Submit an Online Application
Create an account on the UP online application portal, complete the application form, and indicate your program preferences. Ensure all sections are filled accurately before submission
Gather Required Documentation
Collect necessary documents such as academic records, identification (ID or passport), and any program-specific materials (e.g., portfolios). These must be submitted as part of your application
Submit Proof of Payment
Pay the non-refundable application fee (R300 for local students, R450 for international students) and upload the proof of payment to the application portal
Application Review and Selection
After submission, your application will be reviewed based on eligibility criteria and program-specific requirements. Notifications regarding admission status will be sent via the application portal and email
Opening and Closing Dates
UP has set its application dates for the 2025 academic year as follows:
- Undergraduate Programmes: Applications open on 1 April 2025 and close on 30 June 2025 for programs in Veterinary Science, while most other programs have a final deadline of 30 September 2025.
- Postgraduate Programmes: Deadlines vary significantly by program and faculty. Some postgraduate courses have deadlines as early as July 2025, while others may accept applications through October 2025 or later. Applicants should refer to the UP website for the specific dates relevant to their chosen field of study.
These deadlines also apply to international students, though it is recommended that they apply well in advance to accommodate additional visa processing time. Students aiming for on-campus residence should note that residence applications close on 31 July 2025.
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements at UP vary based on the level and nature of the program. For undergraduate programs, the primary requirement is a National Senior Certificate (NSC) or an equivalent international qualification, along with an Admission Points Score (APS) that meets the minimum threshold for the chosen course.
General Undergraduate Requirements:
- An APS of at least 28-35, depending on the program.
- Specific subject combinations and scores for certain fields, such as Mathematics and Science for engineering and health sciences.
For certain competitive programs like Medicine, Veterinary Science, and Law, additional requirements may include:
- The National Benchmark Test (NBT),
- An interview or essay submission,
- A higher APS requirement due to demand.
Postgraduate applicants typically need to have completed a related undergraduate degree. Many programs also require a research proposal, portfolio, or departmental interview, especially for research-focused master’s and doctoral programs.
Programmes Offered
The University of Pretoria offers a wide array of programs across its faculties, including:
- Humanities: Degrees in psychology, political science, languages, and more.
- Health Sciences: Medicine, Nursing, and Health Administration programs.
- Engineering, Built Environment, and IT: Includes civil, chemical, and computer engineering, along with architecture and informatics.
- Law: Various law degrees, from LLB to advanced research-focused programs.
- Veterinary Science: UP is known for its Veterinary Science Faculty, one of the few in South Africa.
- Economic and Management Sciences: Degrees in finance, business administration, and economics.
Each faculty provides both undergraduate and postgraduate opportunities, with options for part-time, full-time, and research-based study across UP’s seven campuses.
Funding and Financial Aid
UP recognizes the financial challenges many students face and offers a variety of funding sources:
- NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme): Available to South African students based on financial need.
- UP Scholarships and Bursaries: The university provides numerous merit-based scholarships for top-performing students. Faculty-specific bursaries may also be available based on academic performance or financial need.
- Postgraduate Funding: A variety of funding options exist for postgraduate research students, often granted based on academic excellence or research merit.
- International Scholarships: Some funding is available specifically for international students, but applicants are advised to seek details directly from the International Students Division.
Prospective students should check with the UP Financial Aid Office or visit the UP website’s financial aid section for the latest details on application processes and deadlines.
Fees
UP’s tuition fees are calculated per module, making them variable across different programs. Here is a general overview:
- Application Fees: R300 for South African applicants and R450 for international applicants. This fee is non-refundable.
- Undergraduate Tuition:
- Humanities programs range between R40,000 – R70,000 per year.
- Health Sciences, Engineering, and Veterinary Sciences have higher fees, typically ranging from R60,000 to R120,000 annually.
- Postgraduate Tuition: Fees vary by program, especially between research-based and coursework-based degrees. Annual tuition for research-focused programs may range from R30,000 to R150,000.
International students may incur additional costs, such as an international levy and mandatory South African medical aid coverage. Residence fees also apply for on-campus accommodations, generally ranging from R35,000 to R60,000 per year, with catered options incurring additional meal charges.
Conclusion
The University of Pretoria’s 2025 admission process provides prospective students with the opportunity to study in a rich academic environment that values diversity and innovation. With competitive programs and a focus on research excellence, UP has become a top choice for both local and international students. By following the structured application timelines, meeting the admission requirements, and exploring available funding opportunities, applicants can put themselves in a strong position to join the UP community.
For further details, deadlines, and access to the UP application portal, students should visit the official University of Pretoria website.
