The University of Pretoria (UP) has 29 residences across its Hatfield (and Hillcrest), Groenkloof, Prinshof and Onderstepoort campuses. Demand for places is higher than the supply, so admission to a programme does not guarantee a residence place. The details below come from UP's accommodation frequently asked questions and its fees information.
How placement works
UP places students in residences based on their Grade 11 academic achievement (APS) and the date of their application. UP strongly advises you to apply for a residence in March of the year before you start studying. You indicate your residence preferences during your online academic application.
The waiting list
If the residences are full when you apply, UP automatically places you on the waiting list, ranked by your application date and your Grade 11 marks. Whenever someone cancels, the first person on the list is placed. This is a constant process.
After placement
You can see your residence application status on the UP Student Portal, and UP emails a placement letter to the address you used when you applied. To secure your place, accept it on the portal and pay the residence acceptance levy shown in your letter. UP's fee schedule lists the acceptance levy as R5,700, which for first-time students is included in the first instalment.
Cancelling a place
- Within 30 days of being notified: a late cancellation levy of R1,840
- Later than 30 days, or not taking up the place: a cancellation levy of R2,850
Residences by campus
- Groenkloof Campus: Zinnia, Hayani and Ikageng for women, and Tirisano for men. Education students are considered here automatically, and a free bus service links it to the Hatfield Campus for residence students.
- Prinshof Campus (Health Sciences): House Ukuthula for men, Curelitzia for women and Tuks Bophelong as a mixed residence. Placement takes place in October, after health sciences selection.
- Onderstepoort: students admitted to Veterinary Science are placed in OP Village.
Three types of accommodation
- UP residences: owned and fully managed by UP
- Leased residences: buildings that UP leases, with UP managing placement and accounts
- Accredited accommodation: private providers that UP has evaluated and accredited, which manage their own placement, contracts and accounts
Rooms and roommates
Most first-year students share double rooms, because single rooms are limited. Your residence's first-year guardian and head of residence allocate rooms using a questionnaire about your interests.
Keeping your place
Renewal for the next year depends on your first-semester grade point average. Current residents are told by SMS by mid-July how to reapply or cancel.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does UP decide on residence placement?
On your Grade 11 APS and the date of your application.
When should I apply for a UP residence?
UP advises applying in March of the year before you start studying.
How much is the UP residence acceptance levy?
UP's fee schedule lists it as R5,700.