University of Pretoria courses and requirements for 2026/2027

The University of Pretoria (UP) is a world-class South African higher learning institution renowned for academic excellence. It offers high-quality education in numerous fields, including Veterinary Science, Agriculture, Engineering, and Law. Here are details about the University of Pretoria courses and requirements for 2026/2027.

Key takeaways

• Applications for the 2027 academic year open on 1 April 2026.
• The general closing date for applications is 30 June 2026, while applications for Veterinary Science close on 31 May 2026.
• Undergraduate applicants must meet the minimum Admission Point Score (APS) for their specific programs.
• The general minimum APS for most degree programs is 28 or higher, while some highly competitive programmes (e.g., Engineering, Law, Medicine) require a higher minimum of 35.

University of Pretoria courses and requirements in 2026

UP is a multi-campus public research university in Pretoria. It was established in 1908 with just four professors and 32 students in a house called Kya Rosa. Today, it offers more than 1,200 academic courses at different levels.

Read also

Lephalale TVET College overview: Courses, application process, and more

To secure admission, prospective students must fulfil the specified general requirements and submit the necessary admission fee. It is highly recommended to apply as soon as applications open, as admissions are competitive and based on a ranking system. No late or walk-in applications are accommodated.

What courses does the University of Pretoria offer?

Below are lists of UP undergraduate degree courses that are still open for 2026:

1. Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences

The undergraduate courses in UP's Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences are.

• BAdmin (Public Management and International Relations)
• BCom (Accounting Sciences)
• BCom (Econometrics)
• BCom (Economics)
• BCom (Financial Sciences)
• BCom (Human Resource Management)
• BCom (Informatics Information Systems)
• BCom (Investment Management)
• BCom (Law)
• BCom (Marketing Management)
• BCom (Statistics)
• BCom (Supply Chain Management)

2. Faculty of Education

The Faculty of Education offers:

• BEd Foundation Phase Teaching
• BEd Intermediate Phase Teaching
• BEd Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching

3. Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment & Information Technology

As one of UP's biggest faculties in terms of student enrolment and course variety, it offers:

• BSc Architecture
• BSc - Construction Management
• BSc - Real Estate
• BSc - Quantity Surveying
• B&TRP - Bachelor of Town and Regional Planning
• BEng - Industrial Engineering
• BEng - Chemical Engineering
• BEng - Civil Engineering
• BEng - Electrical Engineering
• BEng - Electronic Engineering
• BEng - Mechanical Engineering
• BEng - Metallurgical Engineering
• BEng - Mining Engineering
• BEng - Computer Engineering
• BSc - Computer Science
• BSc - Information and Knowledge Systems
• BIT - Information Systems
• BIS - Multimedia
• BIS - Information Science
• BIS – Publishing

Read also

Mopani TVET College: detailed guide on courses, application, and campuses

4. Faculty of Health Sciences

Degree programs under the Faculty of Health Sciences are:

• Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BChD)
• Bachelor of Clinical Medical Practice (BCMP)
• Bachelor of Dietetics (BDietetics)
• Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNurs)
• Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOT)
• Bachelor of Oral Hygiene (BOH)
• Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPhysio)
• Bachelor of Radiography Diagnostics (BRad Diagnostics)
• Bachelor of Sports Science (BSportSci)
• Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBChB)

5. Faculty of Humanities

Prospective students can choose among the 16 degree programs under the institution’s Faculty of Humanities.

• Bachelor of Arts
• BA (Speech-Language Pathology)
• BA (Audiology)
• Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
• BA (Law)
• BA (Languages)
• BSocSci (Industrial Sociology and Labour Studies)
• BSocSci (Heritage and Cultural Tourism)
• BSocSci (Philosophy, Politics, and Economics)
• BPolSci (International Studies)
• BPolSci (Political Studies)
• BA (Fine Arts)
• BA (Information Design)
• BA (Visual Studies)
• Bachelor of Music (BMus)
• Bachelor of Drama (BDram)

Read also

Your guide to Ehlanzeni TVET College: Courses, fees, application, and campus info

6. Faculty of Law

The Faculty of Law only offers the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) on a full-time (virtual) attendance basis.

7. Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences

The Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences offers:

• BConSci Clothing Retail Management
• BConSci Food Retail Management
• BConSci Hospitality Management
• BSc Actuarial and Financial Mathematics
• BSc Applied Mathematics
• BSc Biochemistry
• BSc Biological Sciences
• BSc Biotechnology
• BSc Chemistry
• BSc Culinary Science
• BSc Ecology
• BSc Engineering and Environmental Geology
• BSc Entomology
• BSc Environmental Sciences
• BSc Extended program - Biological and Agricultural Sciences
• BSc Extended program - Mathematical Sciences
• BSc Extended program - Physical Sciences
• BSc Food Science
• BSc Genetics
• BSc Geography
• BSc Geoinformatics
• BSc Geology
• BSc Human Genetics
• BSc Human Physiology
• BSc in Human Physiology, Genetics, and Psychology
• BSc Mathematical Statistics
• BSc Mathematics
• BSc Medical Sciences
• BSc Meteorology
• BSc Microbiology
• BSc Nutrition
• BSc Physics
• BSc Plant Science
• BSc Zoology
• BScAgric Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Management
• BScAgric Animal Science
• BScAgric Applied Plant and Soil Sciences
• BScAgric Plant Pathology

Read also

Explore Esayidi TVET College: Courses, application process, and campuses

8. Faculty of Theology and Religion

The Faculty of Theology and Religion has two undergraduate programs:

• Bachelor of Divinity
• Bachelor of Theology

9. Faculty of Veterinary Science

The Faculty of Veterinary Science offers two degree courses:

• Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing (BVSc)
• Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing (BVetNurs)

University of Pretoria postgraduate courses

The institution offers various postgraduate courses under these categories:

• 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,e & Sports
• Journalism & Media

The University of Pretoria's short courses

UP offers numerous short courses in the following categories:

• 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

Read also

Lovedale TVET College: programmes, application, and campus guide

University of Pretoria bridging courses

There are various bridging courses at UP. Bridging training typically lasts twelve months, and the faculty determines the subjects to be studied by students enrolled in these courses.

University of Pretoria diploma courses

Here are the undergraduate and postgraduate University of Pretoria diploma courses in 2026:

• AdvDip in School Leadership and Management (Distance Education)
• AdvDip in Visual Impairment Studies (Distance Education)
• Higher Certificate in Sports Sciences
• Diploma in Extension and Rural Development
• Diploma in Sport Sciences
• DipVetNurs (Diploma in Veterinary Nursing)
• M Diplomatic Studies
• MDiplomatic Studies
• Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration (offered by GIBS)
• Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Evidence and Healthcare (DipCEH)
• Postgraduate Diploma in Dentistry (PGDipDent)
• Postgraduate Diploma in Family Medicine
• Postgraduate Diploma in Group Activities (DGA)
• Postgraduate Diploma in Hand Therapy (DHT)
• Postgraduate Diploma in Health Systems Management (DHSM)
• Postgraduate Diploma in Investigative and Forensic Accounting
• Postgraduate Diploma in Occupational Health (DipOH)
• Postgraduate Diploma in Occupational Medicine and Health (DOMH)
• Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health Medicine (DHSM)
• Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health (DPH)
• Postgraduate Diploma in the Handling of Childhood Disability (DCD)
• Postgraduate Diploma in Tropical Medicine and Health (DTMtH)
• Postgraduate Diploma in Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)
• The PDBA (Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration)
• University Diploma in Church Music
• University Diploma in Theology

Read also

Milpark Education: fees, courses, bursaries, student services, application, contacts

University of Pretoria distance learning courses

UP has several distance learning courses that students can pursue. Here is a quick look.

• AdvDip in School Leadership and Management (Distance Education)
• AdvDip in Visual Impairment Studies (Distance Education)
• AdvDip in School Leadership and Management (SLM)
• AdvDip in Visual Impairment Studies (VIS)
• BEdHons
• BEdHons (Computer Integrated Education)
• BEdHons (Learning support)
• BEdHons (Education Management, Law, and Policy)

Which online courses are still available at the University of Pretoria for 2026?

The University of Pretoria offers a variety of free online courses through its Professional Online Development (PODs) initiative. Some of these courses are:

• Higher Certificate in Sports Sciences (Part-time, closes on October 9, 2026)
• Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health
• Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management
• Advanced Diploma in School Leadership and Management (Distance)
• Advanced Diploma in Visual Impairment Studies (Distance)
• Business Management & Entrepreneurship: Bioentrepreneurship, Event Management, Business Rescue, Contract Management, Risk Management
• IT & Management: Information Security, Project Management, Procurement

Read also

Universities with low entry requirements in South Africa (2025)

University of Pretoria requirements for 2026/2027

There are various courses, each with different entry requirements, but the general requirements for undergraduate students are:

• Cambridge A-Level applicants with a minimum of a D in the required subjects are eligible for admission.
• International learners with a minimum of 4 essential subjects will be considered for admission.
• Students with a Grade 12 certificate and its equivalent from UP or any other recognized institution are eligible for enrollment.
• Life orientation is excluded when computing APS.
• The general requirements for postgraduate students include a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.

University of Pretoria postgraduate application for 2025

Postgraduate applications for the University of Pretoria (UP) for 2026 generally require;

• A Bachelor's degree for Honours/PG Diploma programs or an Honours/equivalent degree for Master's programs, usually with a minimum weighted average of 60% or higher.
• Certified copies of academic transcripts and, for Master's/PhD, a 500-word research proposal/concept note are required.

Read also

Top universities with no application fee in South Africa for 2025

Check the application deadlines on the University of Pretoria postgraduate prospectus for 2026.

How much is the application fee for the University of Pretoria?

The application fee for the University of Pretoria (UP) is R300 ($30) for both South African and international students, which is non-refundable and must be paid when submitting the application. The fee is waived for applicants with a total household income of R150,000 per annum or less, provided proof is submitted.

Are there forensic investigation courses at the University of Pretoria?

The institution offers forensic-related courses like:

• Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) in Investigative and Forensic Accounting
• Forensic Medicine and Medical Criminalistics for postgraduate BSc(Hons) and MSc degree students
• Forensic Anthropology at UP's Forensic Anthropology Research Centre (FARC)

Are UP applications open for 2026?

The University of Pretoria's online applications for 2026 opened on 1 April 2025. Applications for Veterinary Science will close on 31 May 2026, while applications for all other undergraduate programs will close on 30 June 2026.

Read also

How students could access financial assistance for higher education in South Africa

What do you need to qualify for the University of Pretoria?

To qualify to study at UP, you must meet the general admission requirements:

• You must meet the minimum APS for your chosen program.
• You must pass the specific subject requirements depending on the faculty.
• Applicants from South Africa need an NSC with a bachelor’s degree endorsement.
• Preliminary admission is based on Grade 11 results, but final admission relies on the final Grade 12 results.
• International applicants or those with non-NSC qualifications (like Cambridge or IB) must obtain a full exemption certificate from Universities South Africa (USAf).
• Prepare all necessary documents in advance to ensure a smooth application process.

What are the University of Pretoria course requirements for teaching?

The University of Pretoria offers teaching qualifications with an Admission Point Score (APS) of 28 for BEd degrees (Foundation, Intermediate, Senior/FET phases). Requirements include 50-59% in English Home Language or First Additional Language.

Read also

List of courses that require 20 points at UJ in 2026: Everything you should know

A Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) requires a relevant Bachelor's degree or 360-credit Diploma, and at least one relevant module passed at third-year diploma/bachelor level.

What are the University of Pretoria course requirements for medicine?

To gain admission to the MBChB (Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery) program at the University of Pretoria in 2026, applicants must achieve an Admission Point Score (APS) of at least 35, along with specific subject results of 6 (70%–79%) for Mathematics, and 5 (60%–69%) for both English and Physical Science. Admission is competitive, with only 400 spots available.

Does UP have short courses?

UP offers short courses in various categories, such as veterinary science, supply chain management and logistics, properties, retail, facilities management, general management, and leadership development.

For more details, download the University of Pretoria courses and requirements PDFs for 2026 from the school's website. You can apply with your final Grade 11 results for conditional admission, which secures your place early, but final admission relies on the final Grade 12 results.

Read also

List of courses funded by NSFAS in 2022 (including courses not funded)

Knowing the University of Pretoria courses and requirements for 2026/2027 is essential because the institution is highly competitive, with many programs reaching capacity quickly. Prospective students are encouraged to monitor the official UP website for updates to this university's courses and requirements for admission.

Briefly.co.za published a list of the best public high schools in Pretoria. Pretoria is home to the best educational institutions in the country.

Due to the increasing number of private and public schools in the region, it would help to research several institutions to ensure the one you choose meets your child's needs. This list can help you find a suitable school for your child.

Source: Briefly News