The University of Pretoria (UP) is one of South Africa’s most prestigious and comprehensive universities, offering a vast array of undergraduate programs across multiple faculties. Whether you are interested in business, engineering, health sciences, humanities, or law, UP provides a diverse selection of courses designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in their chosen careers. This blog post offers a clear and updated overview of the courses available at UP for 2026, helping prospective students make informed decisions.
Faculties and Their Programmes
UP’s academic offerings are spread across nine faculties, each with a variety of undergraduate degrees, diplomas, and certificates:
- Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
This faculty offers a wide range of commerce-related degrees, including:- Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) with specializations such as Accounting Sciences, Agribusiness Management, Business Management, Econometrics, Economics, Financial Sciences, Human Resource Management, Informatics (Information Systems), Investment Management, Law, Marketing Management, Statistics, and Supply Chain Management.
- The BCom Extended Programme is also available for students requiring additional academic support.
- Faculty of Education
Degrees include:- Bachelor of Education (BEd) in Foundation Phase Teaching, Intermediate Phase Teaching, and Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching.
- Higher Certificate in Sports Science Education.
- Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Programs include:- Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) in Chemical, Civil, Computer, Electrical, Electronic, Industrial, Mechanical, Metallurgical, and Mining Engineering.
- Bachelor of Information Science (BIS) in Information Science, Multimedia, Publishing.
- Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT) in Information Systems.
- Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Architecture, Computer Science, Construction Management, Information and Knowledge Systems, Interior Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Quantity Surveying, and Real Estate.
- Bachelor of Town and Regional Planning (BTRP).
- Faculty of Health Sciences
Health-related degrees include:- Bachelor of Clinical Medical Practice (BCMP).
- Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BChD).
- Bachelor of Dietetics.
- Bachelor of Speech-Language Pathology.
- Other health science programs with limited intake and competitive selection.
- Faculty of Humanities
This faculty offers 19 different undergraduate degree programs with over 400 course options, including:- Bachelor of Arts (BA) specializing in Law, Languages, Drama, Industrial Sociology and Labour Studies, Heritage and Cultural Tourism, and Speech-Language Pathology.
- Bachelor of Drama (three- and four-year programs requiring auditions).
- Degrees in Psychology, Philosophy, and Social Sciences.
- Faculty of Law
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB) preparing students for legal careers.
- Faculty of Theology and Religion
- Various theological and religious studies programs.
- Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
- Degrees in Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, Mathematics, Physics, and Agricultural Sciences.
- Faculty of Veterinary Science
- Veterinary Medicine and related programs.
Admission Requirements and Application Process
Admission to UP programs is competitive and based on the National Senior Certificate (NSC) or Independent Examinations Board (IEB) results. Each program has specific subject and achievement level requirements, often reflected in an Admission Point Score (APS). For example, the Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting Sciences requires a minimum APS of 34, including a level 6 in Mathematics.
Applications for 2026 open on 1 April 2025 and close on 30 September 2025. Prospective students can apply online at www.up.ac.za/apply. UP allows applicants to select two study choices per application, so choose carefully as changes are not permitted after submission.
Courses Still Open for 2026
As of mid-2025, several courses at UP are still accepting applications, including but not limited to:
- BAdmin in Public Management and International Relations
- Various BCom specializations such as Accounting Sciences, Agribusiness Management, Business Management, Econometrics, Economics, Financial Sciences, Human Resource Management, Informatics, Investment Management, Law, Marketing Management, Statistics, and Supply Chain Management
- BEd programs across different teaching phases
- Engineering degrees in Chemical, Civil, Computer, Electrical, Electronic, Industrial, Mechanical, Metallurgical, and Mining Engineering
- Health sciences degrees such as Dentistry, Clinical Medical Practice, Dietetics, and Speech-Language Pathology
- Humanities degrees including Drama, Languages, and Law
- Information Science and Information Technology programs
The University of Pretoria offers a rich and varied selection of courses that cater to a wide range of academic interests and career goals. Its commitment to academic excellence, research, and student support makes it an excellent choice for students seeking quality higher education in South Africa.
For detailed information on specific courses, admission criteria, and application guidelines, prospective students should consult the official UP 2026 Undergraduate Prospectus and visit the university’s website at www.up.ac.za.