Applications for the 2026 academic year at the University of Pretoria (UP) are approaching! Whether you're about to finish high school and want to start your studies, or you're a professional looking to advance your education, UP offers incredible opportunities for learning and personal growth. In this blog, weโll guide you through all the important details about the application processโkey dates, requirements, available courses, and tips to help make your application stand out.
Applying to the University of Pretoria (UP) on time is crucial to securing your place in your desired course. Here are the important dates you need to keep in mind for the 2026 academic year:
๐ 1 April 2025 โ Applications for all UP study courses officially open. Since space in many courses is limited, applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
๐ก Pro Tip: Meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission. Due to high competition, applying early increases your chances of securing a spot in your preferred course.
Applying to the University of Pretoria (UP) is a straightforward process, but attention to detail is key to ensuring a successful application. Follow this step-by-step guide to complete your application for the 2026 academic year.
Before starting your application, explore the various undergraduate courses offered at UP. Each course has specific entry requirements, so make sure you meet the minimum Admission Point Score (APS) and subject prerequisites.
๐ Visit the official UP website to review available courses: www.up.ac.za
Ensure you have all necessary documents ready before you start your online application. These typically include:
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Certified copy of your ID or passport (for international students)
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Latest Grade 11 or equivalent results (final NSC results will be required later)
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Proof of payment for the application fee
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Additional documents (if required for specific programs)
๐ก Important Reminders:
Once you've submitted your application, the waiting game begins! Donโt worryโUP will update you on the next steps, and weโll cover what happens after submission in the next section.
To secure a place at the University of Pretoria (UP), applicants must meet both the general admission requirements and the minimum Admission Point Score (APS) for their chosen courses. Hereโs what you need to know about the entry criteria:
To be considered for admission to a first-year diploma or bachelorโs degree at UP, you must:
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Have a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a diploma or bachelorโs degree endorsement or an equivalent qualification.
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Meet the specific subject and achievement level requirements for your chosen course.
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If applicable, provide certified copies of academic transcripts if you are transferring from another institution.
UP uses the NSC 1 to 7 scale of achievement to calculate your APS based on your best six recognized 20-credit subjects (excluding Life Orientation). The highest APS score possible is 42 points.
Rating Code | Achievement Level | Marks (%) |
---|---|---|
7 | Outstanding Achievement | 80 โ 100% |
6 | Meritorious Achievement | 70 โ 79% |
5 | Substantial Achievement | 60 โ 69% |
4 | Adequate Achievement | 50 โ 59% |
3 | Moderate Achievement | 40 โ 49% |
2 | Elementary Achievement | 30 โ 39% |
1 | Not Achieved | 0 โ 29% |
๐ก Example APS Calculation:
If your top six subjects have the following ratings:
Different courses have varying APS requirements. Below are a few examples:
๐ Pro Tip: For a full list of courses available under each faculty, along with their detailed admission requirements, please refer to the University Prospectus, which you can download here.
All programs at UP are taught in English, so applicants must have at least:
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A minimum APS of 5 (60-69%) in English as a Home Language or First Additional Language.
UP also considers candidates with:
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National Certificate (Vocational) (NCV) Level 4, depending on the program.
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Senior Certificate with matriculation exemption (pre-2008).
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General Education Development (GED) and other equivalent qualifications, but these may not always guarantee admission.
๐ก Tip: Even if you meet the minimum admission requirements, space in courses is limited, and selection is competitive. Apply early and aim for high marks to improve your chances!
After submitting your application, hereโs what you can expect:
UP will review your academic qualifications, APS score, and subject requirements for your selected courses.
Once you receive final admission confirmation, youโll need to register for your first-year studies.
๐ Check the UP website for official registration details: www.up.ac.za
๐ก Tip: Stay updated on emails and student portal notifications to ensure a smooth transition from application to enrollment!
1. When do applications for UP 2026 open?
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Applications open on 1 April 2025 for all study courses.
2. What are the closing dates for UP applications?
3. How can I apply to UP?
You must apply online through the UP Online Application Portal: www1.up.ac.za.
4. What documents do I need for my application?
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Certified copy of your ID or passport (for international students).
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Latest Grade 11 results (Final NSC results required later).
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Proof of application fee payment.
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Any additional documents required for specific courses.
5. What is the application fee?
The application fee is non-refundable and must be paid before submission. The exact amount can be found on UPโs website.
6. How do I check my application status?
After submitting your application, track your status on the UP Student Portal: www1.up.ac.za.
7. What if I miss the application deadline?
Late applications may not be considered due to limited space. Itโs best to apply early to secure your spot.
8. What is the minimum APS score required?
APS requirements vary by course. Here are a few examples:
9. Can I apply for more than one course?
Yes! You can select two-course choices in case your first option is full or highly competitive.
10. How do I contact UP for help?
๐ UP Student Service Centre (for Contact Students)
Applying to the University of Pretoria (UP) for 2026 is an exciting step toward your future. By preparing early, ensuring you meet the admission requirements, and submitting your application on time, you can increase your chances of securing a spot in your chosen course.
Stay updated by regularly checking your email and the UP Student Portal for application updates. If you have any questions, donโt hesitate to contact UPโs Student Service Centre for assistance. Remember the earlier you apply, the better your chances of getting into your preferred program! ๐