Studying at the University of Pretoria (UP) costs different amounts depending on your programme and year of study. UP publishes average yearly tuition estimates for each faculty, along with the payments that you must make before registration. The figures below come from UP's 2026 fee pages, and UP usually updates them at the end of each year.
Payments before you register
- Application fee: R300
- Initial tuition payment: R11,000 for undergraduates and R13,500 for postgraduates in 2026
- Residence acceptance levy: R5,700, included in the first instalment for students registering for the first time
Students funded by an external sponsor or by NSFAS do not have to pay the initial tuition payment. Non-SADC international undergraduates pay R40,000 before they can register.
Estimated first-year tuition
UP's 2026 tables give these approximate first-year amounts for South African and SADC students:
- BCom Accounting Sciences: from about R74,000
- LLB: from about R65,000
- BEng Civil Engineering: from about R65,000
- BSc Computer Science: from about R94,000
- MBChB: about R89,000 to R98,000
- BEd Early Childhood Development and Foundation Phase: from about R47,000
These estimates exclude books, stationery and other study costs. Fees also change from year to year within a degree. For example, BCom Accounting Sciences rises to about R80,000 in the second year and R87,000 in the third.
When to pay the balance
UP asks you to pay half (50%) of your account by 30 April and the full account by 31 July, even if you do not receive a statement in the post. If you pay in full by 30 April, you may qualify for a 2.5% discount. Any amount still owing after 31 July blocks access to your academic records.
UP advises paying the initial fee into its bank account at least five days before your registration date. This avoids long queues at the cashiers in January and makes sure that the payment reflects in time.
Viewing your account
Shortly after you register, your account appears on the UP Student Portal, along with any rebates. If you finish a degree mid-year and register for a new one in the same year, the full tuition for the new degree is payable immediately.
Other charges
Cancelling your study place within the wash period costs R1,840. Cancelling a residence place within 30 days of the offer costs R1,840, and cancelling later costs R2,850. International students also pay an international levy of R4,725.
Funding your studies
Qualifying students can apply for NSFAS, and UP runs its own bursaries, loans and tuition discounts. Many companies also fund UP students in commerce, engineering and the sciences. Browse our bursaries, or read the UP overview.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the UP initial payment?
In 2026, it was R11,000 for undergraduates. NSFAS and externally sponsored students are exempt.
When must UP fees be paid?
Half of the account is due by 30 April and the full account by 31 July.
Does UP give a discount for paying early?
Yes. UP offers a 2.5% discount if you pay in full by 30 April.