The University of Pretoria (UP) is one of South Africa’s most prestigious universities, offering a wide selection of programs across various faculties. If you’re planning to apply for admission in 2025, it’s important to understand the specific entry requirements to ensure your application stands the best chance of success. Here’s a fresh and detailed overview of UP’s admission criteria and application process.
General Admission Requirements
Admission to UP depends on the qualification level, chosen program, and applicant nationality. The university accepts the National Senior Certificate (NSC) and Independent Examination Board (IEB) qualifications, as well as equivalent certificates from other recognized bodies.
- National Senior Certificate (NSC) or IEB: Applicants need a certificate with bachelor’s degree endorsement verified by Umalusi.
- Admission Point Score (APS): UP calculates an APS based on six recognized 20-credit subjects, excluding Life Orientation. The APS scale ranges from 1 to 7 per subject, with a maximum total of 42 points.
- Minimum APS: The required APS varies by program but generally ranges from 25 to 35 or higher for competitive courses like Engineering or Health Sciences.
- Subject-Specific Requirements: Certain faculties require specific subjects and minimum achievement levels. For example:
- Engineering, Built Environment, and IT: Mathematics (Higher Grade) minimum rating 6 (70-79%) and Physical Science (Higher Grade) minimum rating 6 (70-79%).
- Languages: Minimum rating 4 (50-59%) in English or Afrikaans (Home Language).
- Life Orientation: Excluded from APS calculation but a minimum rating of 4 (50-59%) is generally expected.
- Conditional Admission: Grade 11 results may be used for provisional admission, but final acceptance depends on Grade 12 results.
Admission Requirements by Qualification Type
- Bachelor’s Degree: Minimum of 50-59% (rating 4) in four recognized 20-credit subjects, including language of instruction.
- Diploma: Requires a National Senior Certificate with a minimum rating of 3 (40-49%) in four recognized subjects.
- Certificate: Requires a National Senior Certificate with a minimum rating of 3 (40-49%) in four recognized subjects.
Additional Admission Criteria
- Institutional Proficiency Test: Some faculties may require applicants to pass a proficiency or aptitude test.
- Language Proficiency: All modules are taught in English. Applicants whose first language is not English may need to provide proof of English proficiency.
- International Applicants: Must have qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) and meet equivalent academic standards.
Application Process and Important Dates
- Applications for undergraduate programs open early in the year and close by the end of September 2025.
- Postgraduate applications have varying deadlines depending on the faculty.
- Applications are submitted online via the UP portal, where applicants upload certified documents and pay a non-refundable application fee.
- Applicants can track their application status through the UP Student Portal.
Faculties and Programs
UP offers a broad spectrum of programs across faculties such as:
- Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
- Health Sciences
- Humanities
- Law
- Natural and Agricultural Sciences
- Economic and Management Sciences
- Education
- Theology and Religion
Important Notes
- Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission due to limited space and competitive selection.
- UP does not accept GED certificates or certain alternative school qualifications like Accelerated Christian Education (ACE) from 2020 onwards.
- Applicants are encouraged to check specific program requirements on the official UP website or prospectus.
Admission to the University of Pretoria requires meeting academic benchmarks and fulfilling program-specific criteria. Understanding the APS system, subject requirements, and application deadlines will help prospective students prepare a strong application. UP’s diverse program offerings and rigorous admission process ensure that students are well-prepared for academic success