University of Pretoria (UP) Online Application 2028

Planning to study at the University of Pretoria (UP) in 2028? It is important to understand when applications are expected to open, what you need to apply, how much the application may cost, and whether you meet the admission requirements.

The University of Pretoria offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across its faculties. Some programmes have different admission requirements and closing dates, so applicants should check the details for their chosen programme before applying.

This guide covers the UP 2028 application, expected dates, admission requirements, application fee, supporting documents, application process, international applications, and contact details.

UP 2028 Application Dates

The University of Pretoria is expected to open applications for the 2028 academic year during April 2027.

For planning purposes, applicants can use the following expected schedule:

Application category	Expected 2028 cycle
Applications open	1 April 2027
Veterinary Science	31 May 2027
Most undergraduate programmes	30 June 2027
Postgraduate programmes	Varies by programme

These dates are not final until officially confirmed by UP. Some programmes may have their own closing dates, so applicants should always check the requirements for the specific qualification they want to study.

Who Can Apply to the University of Pretoria?

The UP application is open to prospective students who meet the admission requirements for their selected programme.

Depending on the qualification, applicants may include:

South African citizens.
Permanent residents.
International applicants.
Current Grade 12 learners.
Students who have already completed matric.
Students transferring from another university, subject to UP requirements.
Applicants who already hold a recognised qualification and want to continue their studies.

Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Some programmes are highly competitive and have a limited number of available places.

Admission Requirements for UP Courses

The University of Pretoria offers a wide range of programmes across 9 faculties. Requirements vary according to the qualification and programme.

Meeting the minimum requirements means that you may be considered for admission, but it does not automatically guarantee acceptance.

Higher Certificate Requirements

Applicants interested in a Higher Certificate programme must meet the applicable minimum requirements.

Generally, an applicant with an NCV Level 4 qualification issued by the Council for General and Further Education and Training may qualify to apply, depending on the requirements of the selected programme.

Always check the specific programme requirements before submitting your application.

Diploma Requirements

Applicants applying for a Diploma programme may need to meet the following requirements:

An NCV Level 4 qualification issued by the Council for General and Further Education and Training.
At least 40% in three Fundamental subjects, including the language of learning and teaching at the higher education institution.
At least 50% in three compulsory Vocational subjects.
Any additional requirements set by UP or the specific programme.

Bachelor’s Degree Requirements

Applicants applying for a Bachelor’s degree programme may need to meet the following minimum requirements:

An NCV Level 4 qualification issued by the Council for General and Further Education and Training.
At least 50% in three Fundamental subjects, including the language of learning and teaching at the higher education institution.
At least 60% in four compulsory Vocational subjects.
Any additional requirements for the selected degree programme.

Important: These are general requirements. Individual programmes may require particular subjects, higher marks, an APS score or additional selection criteria.

UP APS Score and Programme Requirements

Some University of Pretoria programmes use an Admission Point Score (APS) as part of the admission process.

The required score varies between programmes. Certain courses may also require specific school subjects, such as:

Mathematics
Physical Sciences
Life Sciences
Accounting
Economics
English or another required language

For this reason, applicants should check the requirements for the exact course or degree they intend to study.

Does Meeting the Minimum Requirements Guarantee Admission?

No.

Meeting the minimum requirements means that you may qualify to be considered. It does not guarantee that UP will offer you a place.

Admission may depend on:

Academic performance.
Programme-specific requirements.
Available spaces.
Selection criteria.
The number of applications received.
Additional requirements for certain programmes.

Documents Needed for a UP Application

Prepare your supporting documents before starting the online application.

Depending on your circumstances and programme, you may need:

A certified copy of your South African ID or passport.
Latest academic results.
Matric certificate or another recognised school-leaving qualification.
Academic records from another institution, if applicable.
Proof of qualifications.
Programme-specific documents.
Additional documents for international applicants.

Make sure all uploaded documents are clear and readable.

Grade 11 Students Applying to UP

Learners who are still completing Grade 12 may be able to apply using their available school results.

However, final admission can depend on your Grade 12 results and whether you eventually meet the requirements for your selected programme.

Students should therefore continue working towards strong final results after submitting an application.

How to Apply to the University of Pretoria for 2028

The UP application process is completed online.

Step 1: Choose Your Programme

Decide what you want to study and check the programme’s:

Admission requirements.
Required subjects.
APS requirements, where applicable.
Closing date.
Additional selection requirements.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

Gather your ID or passport, academic results and any other documents required for your application.

Step 3: Complete the Online Application

Use the University of Pretoria’s official application platform to enter your personal, academic and programme information.
Check every detail carefully before continuing.

Step 4: Select Your Programme

Choose the programme you want to study. If the application allows you to select more than one option, make sure you meet the requirements for each choice.

Step 5: Upload Your Documents

Upload the supporting documents requested during the application process.
Check that each file is attached correctly and can be read clearly.

Step 6: Submit Your Application

Review your application one final time before submitting it.

Pay special attention to your:

Name.
ID or passport number.
Email address.
Contact details.
Academic information.
Programme choices.

After submitting, keep your application details for future reference.

University of Pretoria Application Fee

Applicants should check the application fee for the 2028 cycle before submitting their application.

For the previous application cycle, the fee was R300 for South African applicants and US$30 for foreign applicants.

Because application fees can change, applicants should confirm the amount applicable to 2028 before making payment.

Can You Apply Without Paying the Application Fee?

This depends on the application category and the rules for the relevant application cycle.

Applicants should follow the official UP instructions rather than assuming that previous fee arrangements will remain the same.

UP Veterinary Science Application

Veterinary Science is one of the programmes that applicants should plan for carefully because it normally has an earlier closing date than many other undergraduate programmes.

Students interested in Veterinary Science should therefore prepare their applications well in advance and check the programme’s specific admission requirements.

UP Postgraduate Applications for 2028

Postgraduate applications can follow different schedules from undergraduate applications.

If you are applying for:

Honours
Postgraduate Diploma
Master’s
Doctoral studies

check the requirements and closing date for your specific programme or faculty.

Postgraduate applicants may also need additional documents, including:

Academic transcripts.
Previous qualifications.
Research proposals, where required.
CVs.
Letters of recommendation, where required.
Other programme-specific documents.

International Students Applying to UP

International applicants can apply to the University of Pretoria, but additional requirements may apply.

Depending on your country and qualification, you may need:

A valid passport.
International academic certificates.
Academic transcripts.
Qualification evaluation or equivalence documentation where required.
Proof of English proficiency where applicable.
Immigration or study-related documents after admission.

International students should start the process early because academic verification and immigration procedures can take additional time.

Transferring to the University of Pretoria

Students currently studying at another university who want to transfer to UP should check the university’s transfer requirements.

A transfer applicant may need to submit academic records from their previous institution.

Previous university study does not automatically guarantee admission. UP will assess whether the applicant meets the programme requirements and whether a place is available.

What Happens After You Apply?

Submitting your application is only the beginning of the admission process.

After applying, regularly check the contact details and application channels you provided.

You may need to:

Check your application status.
Submit additional documents if requested.
Monitor admission decisions.
Follow instructions from UP.
Complete registration if you are accepted.

Keep your application information safe so that you can refer to it when needed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying to UP

1. Waiting Until the Last Minute

Submit your application early instead of waiting until the closing date.

2. Choosing a Programme Without Checking Its Requirements

Some courses require specific subjects, marks or selection criteria.

3. Uploading the Wrong Documents

Check that every document belongs to you and is clear enough to read.

4. Entering Incorrect Information

Carefully check your name, ID number, email address and other personal details.

5. Assuming Minimum Requirements Guarantee Admission

Minimum requirements only make you eligible for consideration. They do not guarantee a place.

6. Forgetting About Your Application After Submission

Continue checking your application status and email after applying.

UP 2028 Application Checklist

Before submitting your application, make sure you have:

University of Pretoria Contact Details

If you have questions about your UP 2028 application, admission requirements, application status or registration, you can contact the university through its student support channels.

Postal Address

University of Pretoria
Private Bag X20
Hatfield
0028
South Africa

Student Service Centre

Telephone: 012 420 3111
Email: ssc@up.ac.za

UPOnline

Applicants and students using UPOnline can contact the online support team through:

Email: enquiries@online.up.ac.za

When contacting the university, have your application number or student number available where applicable. This can help the university locate your information more quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions About UP 2028 Applications

When will UP applications for 2028 open?

UP 2028 applications are expected to open in April 2027, based on the previous application cycle. The university’s official announcement should be used to confirm the final opening date.

When does the UP 2028 application close?

The closing date depends on the programme. Applicants should use the key dates published by UP and check the deadline for their specific qualification.

How much is the UP application fee?

The previous application fee was R300 for South African applicants and US$30 for foreign applicants. The 2028 fee should be confirmed when UP releases its official application information.

Can I apply to UP if I do not meet the minimum requirements?

Applicants should carefully compare their results with the requirements of their chosen programme. If you do not meet the stated requirements, you may not qualify for admission to that programme.

Does meeting the UP requirements guarantee admission?

No. Meeting the minimum requirements allows you to be considered, but admission may depend on selection criteria, academic performance and available spaces.

Can international students apply to UP?

Yes. International applicants can apply, although additional academic and immigration requirements may apply.

Can I apply after the deadline?

Applicants should aim to submit their applications before the relevant closing date. Whether late applications are considered depends on UP and the specific programme.

Where can I check my UP application status?

Applicants should use the University’s official application or student portal to monitor their application status and follow any instructions provided by UP.

Final Word

The University of Pretoria 2028 application gives prospective students the opportunity to apply for a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

Before applying, make sure you understand the requirements for your chosen programme, prepare your supporting documents and check the official UP information for the latest application dates and fees.

Starting early can give you enough time to correct mistakes, provide missing documents and complete any additional requirements.

For the most accurate information, always confirm the final UP 2028 application dates, admission requirements, fees and programme details with the University of Pretoria.

For more information, visit the official website here.