APPLICATION INFORMATION
Applications Open
01 April 2025
Applications Close
30 June 2025 (Most faculties)
Early: 31 May 2025 (Veterinary Science)
Time Remaining
Calculating...
Application Fee
R300 (Non-refundable)
IMPORTANT DEADLINES
Faculty of Veterinary Science: Applications close 31 May 2025.
All other faculties: Applications close 30 June 2025. All programmes are number-limited - apply early!
About University of Pretoria
The University of Pretoria (UP) is South Africa's top-ranked university and one of the largest contact universities in the country. With a proud heritage of academic excellence spanning over a century, UP is committed to producing graduates who are not only well-educated but also responsible, innovative, and ready to make a positive impact on society.
UP Rankings & Achievements
Consistently ranked as South Africa's top university across multiple ranking systems
Ranked among the top 300-400 universities worldwide in major international rankings
Largest research output in South Africa with numerous research chairs and centers of excellence
One of the largest residential universities in South Africa with diverse student community
All qualifications aligned with the Higher Education Qualification Sub-Framework (HEQSF)
FLY@UP Assist First-Year Awards 2026
The FLY@UP Assist First-Year Awards are automatic awards made to first-time entering first-year undergraduate students who meet specific academic criteria. Students do not apply for these awards - qualifying students are identified and notified automatically.
Table 1: Umalusi School-Leaving Certificates (NSC, IEB, SACAI)
| Award | Qualifying Average Percentage | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Award A | 80% – 89.99% (6 best subjects, excluding Life Orientation) | R18,000 | Based on final Grade 12 results |
| Award A | 90% – 100% (6 best subjects, excluding Life Orientation) | R45,000 | Based on final Grade 12 results |
| Award B* | 80% – 100% in Mathematics, Physical Sciences or specific advanced versions | R2,000 per subject | Only if you qualify for Award A |
IMPORTANT NOTES FOR AWARD B:
- Award B is only applicable if you achieved Award A
- Mathematical Literacy, Technical Mathematics, Technical Sciences and equivalent subjects are not eligible
- Subjects excluded from average calculation: Life Orientation, Mathematics Paper 3, Practical Music Grade 4 and 5
Table 2: International Qualifications (Maximum R30,000 per student)
| Qualification | Award | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cambridge (CAIE) | A-Level: A*, A or B symbol | R5,000 per symbol | Once per subject |
| Cambridge (CAIE) | AS-Level: A symbol | R5,000 per symbol | Once per subject |
| IB Diploma Programme | Higher Level: 6 or 7 symbol | R5,000 per symbol | Once per subject |
| IB Diploma Programme | Standard Level: 7 symbol | R5,000 per symbol | Once per subject |
Table 3: Other FLY@UP Awards
| Award | Amount | Who Qualifies |
|---|---|---|
| JuniorTukkie Grade 11 Empowerment Week Award | R16,000 | 40 learners with best Grade 12 results who attended the Empowerment Week |
| Grade 12 Dux Scholar Award | R10,000 | Top academic Grade 12 achiever of a specific school (one per school) |
| Vice-Chancellor's Distinguished Merit Award (VCDMA) | Covers 3 years' tuition + R150,000 first year | Highest overall average percentage; top student from Quintile 1-3 school |
Key Eligibility Conditions for ALL FLY@UP Awards:
- Automatic Awards: No application needed - qualifying students are notified
- First-Time Entering Students Only: No previous tertiary registration
- Gap Year Students Eligible: Students who took a gap year after Grade 12 ARE eligible
- Registered Students: Must be registered undergraduate students at UP
- Based on Final Results: Awards based on final school-year examination results
- No Re-marked Papers: Results from re-marked papers not considered
- Continuation Required: Award cancelled if studies discontinued/excluded
Need More Information?
Visit: www.up.ac.za/student-funding/article/2746337/flyup-assist-1st-year-awards
Online Application Process for 2026
Follow these 9 steps to apply for studies at the University of Pretoria in 2026:
Step 1: Choose a Study Programme
Select your first and second choice programmes that meet minimum admission requirements. Certain programmes won't be considered as second choice - check faculty brochures.
Step 2: Check Tuition & Residence Fees
Get fee quotations, check family discounts, 2.5% early payment discount, and residence reservation fees.
Step 3: Apply Online
Apply at www.up.ac.za/apply from 1 April 2025. Applications close 30 June 2025 (31 May for Veterinary Science).
Step 4: Apply for Residence Placement
Complete the residence section in your online application. Spaces are limited - apply early!
Step 5: Apply for Bursaries & Loans
Apply for UP bursaries via the UP Student Portal, NSFAS at www.nsfas.org.za, and other options.
Step 6: Access UP Student Portal
Use your student number (received within 10 working days) to access the portal at www.up.ac.za > My UP Login.
Step 7: Complete UP Student Contract
Complete, print, sign, and submit your UP Student Contract before registration.
Step 8: Orientation & Registration
Access orientation programme and online registration information by end of December 2025.
Step 9: FLY@UP Awards
First-year students meeting award criteria will be automatically considered - no application needed.
Admission Requirements
IMPORTANT NOTES:
- Grade 11 results are used for conditional admission, but final admission depends on final Grade 12 results.
- Meeting minimum requirements does NOT guarantee admission - all programmes are number-limited.
- Candidates must comply with specific subject requirements and minimum APS for chosen programmes.
Admission Point Score (APS) Conversion
| Rating Code | Rating | Marks % | APS Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Outstanding achievement | 80–100% | 7 |
| 6 | Meritorious achievement | 70–79% | 6 |
| 5 | Substantial achievement | 60–69% | 5 |
| 4 | Adequate achievement | 50–59% | 4 |
| 3 | Moderate achievement | 40–49% | 3 |
| 2 | Elementary achievement | 30–39% | 2 |
| 1 | Not achieved | 0–29% | 0 |
APS Calculation:
- Calculated using six recognised 20-credit subjects
- Life Orientation (10-credit subject) is excluded from APS calculation
- Maximum APS achievable is 42 (6 subjects × 7 points each)
- Check faculty brochures for programme-specific APS requirements
Qualifications NOT Accepted:
School of Tomorrow (SOT), Accelerated Christian Education (ACE), and General Education Development (GED) qualifications are NOT accepted at UP.
UP Contact Details
Student Service Centre (SSC)
Tel: +27 (0)12 420 3111
Email: [email protected]
General enquiries and application support
Fees & Funding
Website: www.up.ac.za/fees-and-funding
Accommodation
Website: www.up.ac.za/accommodation
Frequently Asked Questions
The application fee is R300 and is non-refundable. This must be paid when submitting your online application.
FLY@UP awards are automatic awards for first-time entering students based on final Grade 12 results. No application is needed - qualifying students are notified. Awards range from R18,000 for 80-89.99% average to R45,000 for 90-100% average, plus subject awards for high marks in Mathematics and Physical Sciences.
Yes, there is a section in the online application for residence placement. Apply as early as possible after 1 April 2025 as spaces are limited and demand exceeds availability.
UP accepts international qualifications like Cambridge A-Levels and IB Diploma. These are evaluated according to UP conversion guidelines and may qualify for FLY@UP awards up to R30,000. Refer to the International Undergraduate Prospectus on the UP website.
The Admission Point Score (APS) is calculated using your six best 20-credit subjects from Grade 12. Life Orientation is excluded. Each subject gets points from 0-7 based on your percentage. The maximum APS is 42. Check the APS conversion table above for details.
You will receive your student number within 10 working days after submitting your application. You can then track your application status on the UP Student Portal. Conditional offers are made based on Grade 11 results, with final admission depending on Grade 12 results.
UP is South Africa's top-ranked university with the largest research output in the country. It offers comprehensive FLY@UP awards for high achievers, has nine faculties including the only Faculty of Veterinary Science in South Africa, and maintains strong industry partnerships and graduate employability rates.