The University of Pretoria (UP), one of South Africa’s largest and most prestigious academic institutions, has been at the forefront of education and research since its establishment in 1908. Situated in the capital city, Pretoria, UP boasts a diverse student body, cutting-edge facilities, and a broad spectrum of courses catering to various academic and professional aspirations.
This comprehensive guide delves into the courses available at the University of Pretoria, general admission requirements, specific program prerequisites, and essential details about tuition fees.
Specific Programme Requirements
Certain programs at UP have additional entry requirements beyond the general criteria:
Faculty of Health Sciences
- The MBChB (Medicine) program requires exceptional marks in Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and Life Sciences.
- Applicants must also complete the National Benchmark Test (NBT).
Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
- Strong performance in Mathematics and Physical Sciences is essential, with an APS score often exceeding 30 for most engineering courses.
- Architecture applicants may be required to submit a portfolio or attend an interview.
Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
- BCom courses demand a minimum score of 60% in Mathematics.
- Additional entrance assessments may apply for programs like the MBA.
Faculty of Humanities
- Creative disciplines such as Visual Arts and Music may require portfolios, auditions, or interviews.
Prospective students should consult the specific faculty guidelines or prospectus for detailed admission requirements.
Courses Available
The University of Pretoria offers a rich and diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across its nine faculties. These programs are tailored to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking abilities required to excel in their chosen careers.
Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
- Undergraduate: Programmes such as Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) in Accounting Sciences, Economics, and Financial Sciences.
- Postgraduate: Master’s in Business Administration (MBA), MCom in Marketing Management, and Ph.D. in Economics and Business Leadership.
Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology (EBIT)
- Undergraduate: Degrees in Civil, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering, as well as Information Technology and Architecture.
- Postgraduate: Research-driven programs like MSc in Engineering, Master’s in Built Environment, and advanced studies in Computer Science.
Faculty of Law
- Undergraduate: Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and BA/BCom (Law).
- Postgraduate: LLM programs in Human Rights, International Law, and Environmental Law, and Doctoral degrees in legal studies.
Faculty of Health Sciences
- Undergraduate: Programmes like the Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBChB), Bachelor of Nursing, and Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS).
- Postgraduate: Master’s degrees in Public Health, Clinical Medicine, and Veterinary Science.
Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
- Undergraduate: Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Biological Sciences, Biotechnology, and Environmental Sciences.
- Postgraduate: Advanced research programs in Genetics, Climate Change, and Chemistry.
Faculty of Humanities
- Undergraduate: Courses in Psychology, Political Science, Languages, and Visual Arts.
- Postgraduate: MA and PhD programs in Sociology, Philosophy, and History.
Faculty of Education
- Undergraduate: Bachelor of Education (BEd) programs for Early Childhood, Intermediate Phase, and Senior Phase teaching.
- Postgraduate: Master’s and Doctoral programs in Curriculum Studies, Education Leadership, and Special Needs Education.
Faculty of Theology and Religion
- Undergraduate: Bachelor of Theology (BTh) and Bachelor of Divinity.
- Postgraduate: Advanced degrees in Theology, Ethics, and Religious Studies.
Faculty of Veterinary Science
- Undergraduate: Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc).
- Postgraduate: Specialised Masters and PhD programs in Veterinary Medicine and related fields.
Each faculty integrates theoretical learning with practical experience, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for their professional journeys.
General Admission Requirements
Admission to the University of Pretoria is competitive, with requirements tailored to the program of interest. Below are the general criteria applicable to most applicants:
- National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent qualification with a Bachelor’s Pass.
- Minimum Admission Point Score (APS): Calculated from school-leaving results, specific thresholds varying by program.
- Proficiency in English or Afrikaans, the primary language of instruction, demonstrated through academic results or language tests for international applicants.
- Submission of a complete online application with all required supporting documents, such as certified academic transcripts and proof of identity.
International students may need to verify their qualifications through the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
Course Fees
The cost of studying at the University of Pretoria varies based on the faculty, program, and level of study. Below is an outline of typical costs:
Undergraduate Tuition Fees
- Tuition fees for undergraduate courses range from ZAR 40,000 to ZAR 80,000 annually, depending on the program.
- Professional degrees in Medicine, Engineering, and Veterinary Science are on the higher end of the scale.
Postgraduate Tuition Fees
- Coursework Master’s programs may cost between ZAR 50,000 and ZAR 150,000 per year.
- Research-based Master’s and Doctoral programs often have variable costs based on the nature and duration of the research.
Additional Costs
- Students should budget for ancillary expenses such as accommodation, textbooks, and laboratory fees for science and engineering courses.
Tuition Fee Payment Options
UP provides several payment options to accommodate different financial needs:
- Upfront Payment Discounts: Students who pay the full year’s fees at the beginning of the academic year may qualify for discounts.
- Installment Plans: Tuition fees can be divided into smaller payments spread across the year.
- International Student Deposits: Required before registration for students from outside South Africa.
Refund policies apply for students who withdraw from their studies, provided deadlines and conditions are met.
Conclusion
The University of Pretoria stands as a beacon of academic excellence, offering a broad range of courses that cater to diverse interests and career goals. With its commitment to innovative teaching, extensive resources, and supportive campus environment, UP ensures that students are equipped to make meaningful contributions to their chosen fields.
Whether you’re pursuing an undergraduate degree or advancing your career through postgraduate studies, understanding the university’s courses, admission requirements, and financial obligations is essential for a successful application.
For further details, visit the University of Pretoria’s official website to begin your academic journey.