University of Pretoria – Guide to Admission Requirement

Postgraduate Courses:

  • UP offers a wide range of postgraduate courses across various disciplines, including Medicine & Health, Business & Management, Social Sciences, Humanities, Engineering & Technology, Natural Sciences & Mathematics, Agriculture & Forestry, Environmental Studies & Earth Sciences, Law, Arts, Design & Architecture, Applied Sciences & Professions, Computer Science & IT, Education & Training, Hospitality, Leisure & Sports, and Journalism & Media.

Short Courses:

  • UP provides short courses in diverse fields, including Veterinary Science, Supply Chain Management and Logistics, Sports, Tourism, Arts and Culture, Social and Religious Studies, Public Administration and Management, Properties, Retail, and Facilities Management, Project and Risk Management, Marketing, Communication, and Languages, Law and Human Rights, Information and Communication Technology, Human Capital Management, Health and Health Care, General Management and Leadership Development, Financial Management and Taxation, Environmental Management and Geophysics, Engineering and Technology Management, Education and Teacher Development, Business Management and Entrepreneurship, Built Environment and Construction, Agriculture and Food Security.

Bridging Courses:

  • Various bridging courses are available across faculties to assist students in meeting entry requirements for diploma or degree programs. Subjects for bridging courses are determined by faculties, and students typically undertake the National Benchmark Test (NBT) to assess eligibility.

Diploma Courses:

  • UP offers diploma courses in fields such as Extension and Rural Development, Sport Sciences, Veterinary Nursing, Diplomatic Studies, Clinical Evidence and Healthcare, Dentistry, Family Medicine, Group Activities, Hand Therapy, Health Systems Management, Investigative and Forensic Accounting, Occupational Health, Occupational Medicine and Health, Public Health Medicine, Handling of Childhood Disability, Tropical Medicine and Health, Vocational Rehabilitation, Business Administration, Church Music, and Theology.

Distance Learning Courses:

  • UP provides distance learning courses for students seeking flexible learning options.

Free Online Courses:

  • UP offers free online courses through its Professional Online Development (PODs) initiative, covering a wide range of topics and accessible to the public.

Requirements for Admission:

  • General entry requirements for undergraduate students include possession of a National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent qualification, with specific subject requirements based on the chosen program. Cambridge A-Level applicants with minimum required grades are also eligible. Postgraduate students typically need a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.

This guide provides detailed insights into the University of Pretoria’s courses, admission requirements, and educational offerings for the academic year. For further information and specific inquiries, prospective students are encouraged to visit the university’s official website or contact the admissions office directly.


Overview of Public Universities in South Africa

Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.

University of Pretoria

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
  • Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.

University of Cape Town

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
  • Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.

Stellenbosch University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.

University of the Witwatersrand

  • Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
  • Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.

University of Johannesburg

  • Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
  • Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.

University of the Free State

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.

University of Venda

  • Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
  • Application Period: Usually from May to September.

University of Fort Hare

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
  • Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.

University of the Western Cape

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Generally from May to September.

North-West University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.

Rhodes University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
  • Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.

Nelson Mandela University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
  • Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.

Cape Peninsula University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.

University of Limpopo

  • Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

University of Zululand

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
  • Application Period: Usually between April and November.

Central University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.

Vaal University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
  • Application Period: Typically from May to September.

Walter Sisulu University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

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