University of Pretoria (UP)

The University of Pretoria, known as UP or Tuks, is one of South Africa's largest residential universities. It began in 1908 and now teaches around 56,000 students. Its main campus is in Hatfield, Pretoria, and it is the only university in the country with a faculty of veterinary science.

About the University of Pretoria

UP started on 10 February 1908, when 32 students began classes in a house called Kya Rosa in Pretoria. At the time, it was the Pretoria branch of the Transvaal University College. The college moved to its current Hatfield site a few years later, and on 10 October 1930 it became the independent University of Pretoria.

Today, the university teaches more than 50,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students across nine faculties. It also runs the Gordon Institute of Business Science, known as GIBS, in Illovo, Johannesburg.

Faculties and campuses

UP describes itself as a seven-campus university, and Hatfield is the largest. Several faculties have campuses of their own. Veterinary Science is at Onderstepoort, Health Sciences at Prinshof, and Education at Groenkloof. Meanwhile, the Hillcrest campus hosts the university's sports facilities. Most other faculties are based in Hatfield.

Applying to the University of Pretoria

UP opens applications on 1 April each year for study in the following year. For 2027, Veterinary Science programmes closed on 31 May 2026, and all other undergraduate programmes closed on 30 June 2026. Some distance education programmes had later dates. So applicants for 2028 should apply from 1 April 2027.

Every undergraduate programme at UP is number-limited, which means that places are capped. Selection is based on academic merit, so meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee a place. Apply early, and choose a realistic second option.

Fees and funding

Your fees depend on your faculty and the modules that you register for. Residence fees add to the cost if you live on campus. Qualifying students can apply for NSFAS, whose 2027 applications closed on 31 October 2026. Many companies also fund UP students in engineering, commerce and the sciences, so browse our bursaries to compare options.

Is UP right for you?

UP suits students who want a large, well-resourced university in Pretoria, with a wide choice of degrees. Because its main closing date falls at the end of June, earlier than many universities, plan your application in the first half of matric.

Before you apply to UP

Because UP selects on merit and caps every programme, your Grade 11 and early Grade 12 results matter a great deal. Check the admission score and subject requirements for your programme, and remember that popular degrees often need more than the minimum. If you want a residence place, apply for it at the same time as your studies. Keep your contact details current, since UP sends its outcomes and requests for documents by email.