When to Apply to UP for 2028: www.up.ac.za online

Planning to study at the University of Pretoria (UP) in 2028? One of the first things you should do is find out when applications are expected to open and close.

UP normally opens applications well before the academic year begins. This means students planning to start university in 2028 should be preparing their applications during 2027, rather than waiting until the end of the year.

This guide explains the expected University of Pretoria 2028 application dates, when you should apply, what to prepare before applications open and how the UP application process works.

When Do University of Pretoria 2028 Applications Open?

The University of Pretoria’s undergraduate application cycle generally opens during the year before students begin their studies.

For students intending to start in 2028, applications are therefore expected to open on:

Expected opening date: 1 April 2027

If UP follows the same schedule as the previous cycle, prospective students should be able to begin submitting their applications from April 2027.

You do not need to wait until the closing date to apply. Once applications open, it is advisable to submit your application as early as possible, provided you have the required information and documents ready.

When Will UP 2028 Applications Close?

The official closing dates for UP 2028 applications have not yet been announced. Based on the 2027 application cycle, most undergraduate applications are expected to close around 30 June 2027, while Veterinary Science may close earlier, around 31 May 2027.

These dates are only expected dates and may change when the University of Pretoria releases the official 2028 application dates. Students should apply early and check the closing date for their chosen programme.

Why You Should Apply Early for UP 2028

Applying early is about more than simply beating the deadline.

The University of Pretoria has limited spaces in many of its programmes, and admission is competitive. Meeting the application deadline does not automatically mean that you will be admitted.

Submitting your application early gives you more time to:

• Check whether you meet the admission requirements.
• Gather the necessary supporting documents.
• Correct missing or unclear information.
• Resolve application problems before the deadline.
• Respond to communication from the university.
• Make arrangements for residence and funding.
• Consider alternative study options if necessary.

In other words, the closing date should be treated as the final deadline, not as your target application date.

Your UP 2028 Application Timeline

You can make the process easier by preparing in stages.

October 2026 to March 2027: Get Ready

Before the application portal opens, start researching your study options.

During this period, you should:

• Decide which UP programmes you are interested in.
• Read the admission requirements for each programme.
• Check the required Admission Point Score (APS).
• Find out whether your programme has additional selection requirements.
• Prepare your identification documents.
• Keep your latest school results available.
• Research residence and funding options.
• Decide on your preferred programme choices.

Starting early gives you time to identify any requirements you may still need to meet.

April 2027: Submit Your Application

If UP opens applications on the expected date of 1 April 2027, this is when you should move from preparation to submission.

You should:

• Open the UP online application system.
• Complete your personal and academic information carefully.
• Select your preferred programmes.
• Upload the required supporting documents.
• Submit the application.
• Keep your student number or application reference details safely.

Do not assume that starting an application means you have applied successfully. Make sure the application has been fully completed and submitted.

May to June 2027: Watch the Deadlines

The months after applications open are particularly important.

Some programmes may have earlier closing dates than others. Veterinary Science, for example, had an earlier deadline in the previous application cycle.

During this period:

• Check your application status.
• Monitor the email address you used when applying.
• Respond to requests from UP where necessary.
• Make sure all required documents have been submitted.
• Check whether your chosen programme has an earlier closing date.

Some UP Programmes May Have Different Deadlines

Do not assume that every programme at the University of Pretoria has exactly the same closing date.

Certain programmes may have earlier deadlines or additional selection procedures. Some may also require applicants to submit additional information, portfolios or complete other selection-related steps.

For this reason, checking the general UP application deadline alone is not enough.

Always check the requirements and closing date for your specific programme.

UP Admission Requirements for 2028

Meeting the minimum admission requirements is an important part of the application process.

The University of Pretoria offers programmes across several faculties, and requirements differ depending on the qualification and programme.

Applicants should check:

• The required APS.
• Required Grade 12 subjects.
• Minimum marks for specific subjects.
• Language requirements where applicable.
• Programme-specific selection requirements.
• Additional documents or assessments that may be required.

Meeting the minimum requirements does not necessarily guarantee admission. Selection may depend on the number of available spaces and the university’s admission criteria.

How to Apply to the University of Pretoria for 2028

UP applications are completed through the university’s online application system.

Step 1: Start Your Online Application

• Begin your application through the official University of Pretoria application platform when the 2028 application cycle opens.
• Enter your personal, contact and academic information carefully.
• Make sure your details are correct before proceeding.

Step 2: Select Your Programme Choices

• Choose the programmes you want to apply for according to the options permitted by UP.
• Before making your choices, check the admission requirements for each programme.
• It is important to choose programmes that match your academic qualifications and interests.

Step 3: Upload Your Supporting Documents

• Applicants for a new qualification must provide the supporting documents required by UP.
• These may include documents relating to your identity and academic results.
• Prepare electronic copies of your documents before beginning the application so that you are ready to upload them.
• Do not wait until the final day to deal with your documents. Missing or unclear documentation can create unnecessary delays.

Step 4: Pay the Application Fee

• The application fee is R300.00 for online applications.
• Pay the application fee after you have received your student number from the University of Pretoria.
• Upload your proof of payment through the online application portal.
• When making the payment, use the student number you received from UP and the application fee allocation number as your reference.

PLEASE NOTE:

The application fee is non-refundable, even if you decide not to study at UP, do not meet the admission requirements, or are not offered a place because of limited spaces.

The University of Pretoria does not provide cashier services. Applicants should make payments through the approved bank deposit or online payment channels.

The application fee must be paid by the closing date of the application period. Applications for which the required fee has not been paid by the deadline may not be processed.

Be sure to keep a copy of your proof of payment for your records.

Step 5: Complete and Submit Your Application

Before submitting your application, carefully check that you have provided all the required information and uploaded all necessary supporting documents.

An incomplete application may not be processed. If your application is not completed within the application period, you may have to wait until the next application cycle to apply again.

What Documents Should You Prepare?

Although the exact documents can depend on your circumstances and programme, prospective applicants should prepare their important documents before applications open.

These may include:

• South African ID or relevant identification document.
• Latest school results or academic record.
• Proof of examination results where applicable.
• Other documents specifically requested for your programme.
• Proof of payment if an application fee applies.

International applicants may have additional documentation requirements.

The safest approach is to check the official document requirements for your particular application before submitting.

What Should You Do Before UP 2028 Applications Open?

You do not have to wait until April 2027 to start preparing.

Use the months before applications open to:

1. Research your preferred UP programmes.
2. Check the admission requirements.
3. Calculate your expected APS.
4. Identify any subjects you need to improve.
5. Prepare your supporting documents.
6. Research residence options.
7. Explore bursaries and other funding opportunities.
8. Create a list of alternative programmes or institutions.
9. Watch for UP’s official announcement of the 2028 application dates.

This preparation can make the actual application process much easier.

For more information, visit the official website here.

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