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UP 2026 Admissions: Deadlines, APS Requirements & How to Apply

By MONAMODI · Jan 28, 2025
UP 2026 Admissions: Deadlines, APS Requirements & How to Apply picture

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, weโ€™ll guide you through all the important details about the application processโ€”key dates, requirements, available courses, and tips to help make your application stand out.

 

Key Dates and Deadlines for UP 2026 Applications

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:

Application Opening Date

๐Ÿ“… 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.

Application Closing Dates

  • 30 June 2025 โ€“ The deadline for most UP study courses.
  • 31 May 2025 โ€“ The closing date for applications to the Faculty of Veterinary Science.

๐Ÿ’ก 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.

 

How to Apply to UP for 2026 Applications  โ€“ A Step-by-Step Guide

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.

Step 1: Research Your Study course

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.
๐Ÿ”— Visit the official UP website to review available courses: www.up.ac.za

Step 2: Gather Your Required Documents

Ensure you have all necessary documents ready before you start your online application. These typically include:
โœ… Certified copy of your ID or passport (for international students)
โœ… Latest Grade 11 or equivalent results (final NSC results will be required later)
โœ… Proof of payment for the application fee
โœ… Additional documents (if required for specific programs)

Step 3: Create a Profile on the UP Online Application Portal

  • Go to the official UP online application portal: www1.up.ac.za
  • Click on "New User" and create an account using your details.
  • Log in to the portal using your credentials to start your application.

Step 4: Complete the Online Application Form

  • Fill in your details accurately.
  • Select your desired study courses and provide your academic history.
  • Upload the required documents as per UPโ€™s application guidelines.
  • Double-check your information before proceeding to the next step.

Step 5: Pay the Application Fee

  • Pay the non-refundable application fee as required by UP.
  • Keep a copy of the proof of payment, as you may need to upload it to the portal.

Step 6: Submit and Track Your Application

  • Once all sections are complete, submit your application before the deadline.
  • You will receive a confirmation email with your application reference number.
  • Regularly check your application status on the UP Student Portal (www1.up.ac.za).

๐Ÿ’ก Important Reminders:

  • Late applications may not be considered, so apply as early as possible.
  • Make sure your contact details are correct so UP can reach you with important updates.
  • Applying for multiple courses? You can select two choices in case your first choice is full or competitive.

Once you've submitted your application, the waiting game begins! Donโ€™t worryโ€”UP will update you on the next steps, and weโ€™ll cover what happens after submission in the next section.

 

UP 2026 Admission Requirements and Criteria

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. Hereโ€™s what you need to know about the entry criteria:

1. General Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to a first-year diploma or bachelorโ€™s degree at UP, you must:
โœ… Have a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a diploma or bachelorโ€™s degree endorsement or an equivalent qualification.
โœ… Meet the specific subject and achievement level requirements for your chosen course.
โœ… If applicable, provide certified copies of academic transcripts if you are transferring from another institution.

2. APS (Admission Point Score) Calculation

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 CodeAchievement LevelMarks (%)
7Outstanding Achievement80 โ€“ 100%
6Meritorious Achievement70 โ€“ 79%
5Substantial Achievement60 โ€“ 69%
4Adequate Achievement50 โ€“ 59%
3Moderate Achievement40 โ€“ 49%
2Elementary Achievement30 โ€“ 39%
1Not Achieved0 โ€“ 29%

๐Ÿ’ก Example APS Calculation:
If your top six subjects have the following ratings:

  • Mathematics: 6
  • Physical Science: 5
  • English: 5
  • Life Sciences: 6
  • Geography: 4
  • Accounting: 5
    โœ… Your total APS score = 31

3. Minimum APS for Popular Course

Different courses have varying APS requirements. Below are a few examples:

  • MBChB (Medicine): APS of 35+, with high scores in Mathematics, Physical Science, and Life Sciences.
  • LLB (Law): APS of 32+, with strong English and reading comprehension skills.
  • Engineering Courses: APS of 33+, with Mathematics and Physical Science as key subjects.
  • BCom (Commerce): APS of 30+, with Mathematics as a requirement.

๐Ÿ”— 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.

4. Language Requirements

All programs at UP are taught in English, so applicants must have at least:
โœ… A minimum APS of 5 (60-69%) in English as a Home Language or First Additional Language.

5. Applicants with Foreign Qualifications

  • If you have an international qualification (e.g., Cambridge A-levels, IB Diploma), your results must be evaluated by SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority).
  • You may need to meet additional subject and language requirements.

6. Alternative Qualifications Accepted

UP also considers candidates with:
โœ… National Certificate (Vocational) (NCV) Level 4, depending on the program.
โœ… Senior Certificate with matriculation exemption (pre-2008).
โœ… General Education Development (GED) and other equivalent qualifications, but these may not always guarantee admission.

๐Ÿ’ก 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!

 

What Happens After Submitting Your UP 2026 Application?

After submitting your application, hereโ€™s what you can expect:

โœ… Step 1: Application Review

UP will review your academic qualifications, APS score, and subject requirements for your selected courses.

โœ… Step 2: Receive a Response from UP

  • If your application meets the requirements, you may receive a conditional or firm offer.
  • If your results are below the cutoff, your application might be declined or placed on a waiting list.
  • Some courses, like Health Sciences and Engineering, may require additional selection processes.

โœ… Step 3: Acceptance and Student Portal Updates

  • If you receive a conditional offer, you must accept it online and submit any outstanding documents.
  • Final acceptance depends on your final NSC results (Grade 12).
  • Log in to the UP Student Portal (www1.up.ac.za) to check updates.

 

UP 2026 Registration and Orientation for New Students

Once you receive final admission confirmation, youโ€™ll need to register for your first-year studies.

๐Ÿ“Œ Registration Process

  • Registration opens in January 2026.
  • You will receive a registration guide with instructions on selecting modules and finalizing fees.
  • Ensure your student fees are paid before completing registration.

๐ŸŽ‰ Orientation Program

  • UP hosts an orientation week to help new students transition into university life.
  • Attend sessions on campus navigation, academic expectations, and student support services.
  • International students may have additional orientation requirements.

๐Ÿ”— Check the UP website for official registration details: www.up.ac.za

๐Ÿ’ก Tip: Stay updated on emails and student portal notifications to ensure a smooth transition from application to enrollment!


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About UP 2026 Applications

1. When do applications for UP 2026 open?
๐Ÿ“… Applications open on 1 April 2025 for all study courses.

2. What are the closing dates for UP applications?

  • 31 May 2025 โ€“ Faculty of Veterinary Science deadline.
  • 30 June 2025 โ€“ Deadline for most other courses.

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?
โœ… Certified copy of your ID or passport (for international students).
โœ… Latest Grade 11 results (Final NSC results required later).
โœ… Proof of application fee payment.
โœ… 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 UPโ€™s 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. Itโ€™s 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:

  • MBChB (Medicine): APS 35+
  • LLB (Law): APS 32+
  • Engineering courses: APS 33+
  • BCom (Commerce): APS 30+

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?
๐Ÿ“ž UP Student Service Centre (for Contact Students)

 

Conclusion

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, donโ€™t hesitate to contact UPโ€™s Student Service Centre for assistance. Remember the earlier you apply, the better your chances of getting into your preferred program! ๐Ÿš€

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