The University of Pretoria: A Premier Destination for Academic Excellence and Innovation
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About and History
The University of Pretoria (UP),
located in Pretoria, South Africa, is one of the largest and most prestigious
research universities in Africa. Established in 1908 as the Pretoria campus of
the Johannesburg-based Transvaal University College, UP has grown from its
humble beginnings with just 32 students into a leading academic institution
with a vibrant student population of over 53,000.
Throughout its history, the
University of Pretoria has been dedicated to academic excellence, innovation,
and a commitment to social impact. Initially offering courses in languages,
sciences, and law, the university has expanded its offerings to encompass a
wide range of disciplines across nine faculties.
Chancellors and Leadership
The governance of UP is overseen
by a Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, and Principal, supported by an executive team
and the University Council. The Chancellor acts as the ceremonial head of the
university, while the Vice-Chancellor and Principal handle the day-to-day
operations and strategic direction.
Notable Chancellors:
- Prof. Wiseman Nkuhlu (Current
Chancellor): A renowned academic and business leader, Nkuhlu has held numerous
significant positions, including being the first black chartered accountant in
South Africa.
Vice-Chancellor and Principal:
- Prof. Tawana Kupe (Current
Vice-Chancellor and Principal): An accomplished academic and media studies
expert, Prof. Kupe has been instrumental in advancing UP's strategic vision and
global partnerships.
Awards and Achievements
The University of Pretoria is
recognized for its academic excellence and research contributions. It
consistently ranks among the top universities in South Africa and Africa, with
numerous accolades highlighting its achievements:
- Research Excellence: UP is a
leading research institution, with numerous NRF-rated researchers and several
research centres of excellence.
- Academic Achievements: The
university has produced Rhodes Scholars, and its graduates are well-represented
in various professional fields globally.
- Community Engagement: UP's
commitment to social responsibility is demonstrated through its various
community outreach programs and projects.
Rankings
UP is consistently ranked among
the top universities in Africa. Some of its notable rankings include:
- QS World University Rankings:
UP is often placed within the top 500 universities globally and among the top
10 in Africa.
- Times Higher Education World
University Rankings: Recognizes UP for its strong performance in teaching,
research, citations, international outlook, and industry income.
- Academic Ranking of World
Universities (ARWU): Highlights UP's research impact and academic excellence.
Open Days
The UP Open Day is held annually
in April, during this event, Grade 11 and 12 students are introduced to both
the practical and theoretical aspects to help them make informed career
choices. As part of the programme, students also gain industry exposure either
on-site or off-campus. The EBIT Open Day provides prospective students with an
in-depth look at the various qualifications offered in the School of Engineering,
Built Environment, and Information Technology, guided by academic experts.
Why Choose UP?
Choosing the University of Pretoria
offers several advantages:
- Academic Excellence: UP is
known for its high academic standards and comprehensive range of programmes.
- Research Opportunities: As a
leading research university, UP offers numerous opportunities for undergraduate
and postgraduate research.
- Diverse Community: With a large
and diverse student body, UP fosters an inclusive and multicultural
environment.
- State-of-the-Art Facilities:
The university boasts modern facilities, including advanced laboratories,
libraries, and sports complexes.
- Global Recognition: A degree
from UP is recognized and respected worldwide, enhancing employability and
career prospects.
Facilities and Departments
UP's facilities are designed to
support a holistic educational experience:
- Libraries: Extensive libraries
with vast collections of academic resources.
- Laboratories: State-of-the-art
laboratories for science, engineering, and medical research.
- Sports Complexes: World-class
sports facilities, including the High Performance Centre.
- Accommodation: Comfortable and
secure on-campus housing options.
- Health Services: Comprehensive
health and wellness services for students.
Faculties and Departments
UP comprises nine faculties, each
housing various departments:
1. Faculty of Economic and
Management Sciences
2. Faculty of Education
3. Faculty of Engineering, Built
Environment and Information Technology
4. Faculty of Health Sciences
5. Faculty of Humanities
6. Faculty of Law
7. Faculty of Natural and
Agricultural Sciences
8. Faculty of Theology and
Religion
9. Faculty of Veterinary Science
Courses Offered
UP offers a wide range of
undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across its faculties. Some popular
courses include:
- Bachelor of Commerce (BCom)
- Bachelor of Education (BEd)
- Bachelor of Engineering (BEng)
- Bachelor of Medicine and
Surgery (MBChB)
- Bachelor of Arts (BA)
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
- Master's and Doctoral programmes
in various disciplines
Minimum Admission Requirements
Admission requirements vary by
programme, but general requirements include:
- Undergraduate Programmes:
- National Senior Certificate (NSC) with university endorsement
- Minimum Admission Point Score (APS) of 30-35 (varies by programme)
- Specific subject requirements for certain programs (e.g., Mathematics
and Physical Sciences for Engineering)
- Postgraduate Programmes:
- Relevant undergraduate degree
- Minimum academic performance in the undergraduate programme
- Additional requirements as specified by the faculty
Here is an example below;
At the beginning of any of the
three degrees offered by this Department (Electrical, Electronic, or Computer
Engineering), students may choose either the four-year program or the five-year
program for their chosen degree. To be admitted to any of these undergraduate
degrees, students must meet the following requirements:
Admission
Requirements
The minimum requirements for
formal admission to the Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and
Information Technology are:
- Matriculation Exemption
- English or Afrikaans (Higher
Grade) (first language) - Score of 5 (60-69%)
- Mathematics (Higher Grade) -
Score of 6 (70-79%)
- Physical Science (Higher Grade)
- Score of 6 (70-79%)
- Life Orientation - Score of 4
(50-59%)
- Two Additional Subjects
- Minimum Admission Point Score
(APS) = 35 (Life Orientation is excluded from the APS calculation)
Admission
to the Engage Programme
Admission to the Engage Programme
will be determined based on:
- Faculty Selection
- Results of the Institutional
Proficiency Test
- The National Senior Certificate:
- Mathematics (Higher Grade) - Score of 5
- Physical Science (Higher Grade) - Score of 4
- Afrikaans or English - Score of 4
- Minimum APS score = 25
How to
Apply
Documents Required
- Completed application form
- Certified copies of academic
transcripts and certificates
- Proof of payment of application
fee
- Identification document (ID or
passport)
- English language proficiency
test results (if applicable)
Application Process
1. Online Application: Complete the online application form available on the UP website. Click here to apply.
2. Submission of Documents:
Upload the required documents.
3. Payment of Application Fee:
Pay the non-refundable application fee.
4. Application Review: The
university reviews the application and notifies applicants of the outcome.
Application Dates and Closing Dates
Applications open on April 1st.
All study programmes at the University of Pretoria have limited spaces. It is
recommended to submit your application as soon as possible after April 1st. The
application deadline for programs in the Faculty of Veterinary Science is May
31st, while the deadline for programs in all other faculties is June 30th.
Application Fee
- The application fee for
undergraduate programmes is R300. Postgraduate application fees vary by
programme. Please note that the application fee is non-refundable.
Housing and Transportation
Housing
The Department of Residence
Affairs and Accommodation, commonly known as TuksRes, consists of various
management teams committed to serving students in university residences. With
an extensive residential community of nearly 8,000 students and over 10,000
accredited student accommodation beds, the University of Pretoria is the
largest residential university in South Africa. The comprehensive framework of
TuksRes ensures effective management of the diverse needs of the student
population residing in university housing.
UP offers several on-campus
accommodation options:
-
Residence Halls: Cater to undergraduate and postgraduate students,
offering various room types and amenities.
-
Apartments: Self-catering apartments for senior students.
-
Student Village: Provides a communal living environment with modern
facilities.
Transportation
- Campus Shuttle Service:
Provides transportation between campuses and to key locations in Pretoria.
- Public Transport: Buses and
taxis are readily available for commuting within the city.
Contact Details
For more information, prospective
students can contact UP through the following channels:
- Website: UP website
- General Enquiries:
- Phone: +27 12 420 3111
- Email: ssc@up.ac.za
- Admissions Office:
- Phone: +27 12 420 4111
- Email: [enquiries@up.ac.za](mailto:enquiries@up.ac.za)
- Postal address: University of
Pretoria, Private bag X20, Hatfield 0028, South Africa
- Physical address: University of
Pretoria, Cnr Lynnwood Road and Roper Street, Hatfield, South Africa
The University of Pretoria stands
out as a beacon of higher education in Africa, offering quality education,
cutting-edge research, and a supportive environment for students to thrive.
Whether you are a prospective student or simply interested in learning more, UP
provides ample opportunities for academic and personal growth.
