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SOUTH AFRICA · PRETORIA

University of Pretoria

public · Founded 1908 · Languages: en

In short

The University of Pretoria is a leading African research institution offering over 1,800 programmes across nine faculties. It provides a vibrant campus experience in South Africa's administrative capital, with competitive tuition fees relative to international peers.

Key facts

Type: Public
Founded: 1908
Students: 50,000
International students: 3,500
Acceptance rate: 35%
Tuition (intl): €5–10k/yr
Languages: EN
Location: Pretoria, South Africa

The University of Pretoria (UP) is South Africa's largest contact university and one of Africa's top research institutions, founded in 1908. With nine faculties and over 1,800 academic programmes, UP offers undergraduate and postgraduate education of the highest quality across sciences, humanities, law, health, engineering, and business. Its Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) is ranked among Africa's leading business schools by the Financial Times.

Why study here

South Africa's largest contact university with over 50,000 students and a vibrant, diverse campus community.
Africa-focused research addressing real-world challenges in health, food security, energy, and sustainability.
Only Faculty of Veterinary Science in South Africa, alongside strong medical, law, and engineering faculties.
GIBS — consistently ranked Africa's top business school for executive education by the Financial Times.
Affordable tuition relative to international peers, with generous NRF and institutional scholarships available.

Student life

The University of Pretoria's Hatfield campus is a self-contained hub with student residences, restaurants, sports facilities including Olympic-standard athletics tracks, swimming pools, and a fully equipped gym. Students can join over 200 clubs and societies spanning culture, sport, academics, and community outreach. Pretoria itself is a safe and walkable city with excellent transport links, a lively arts scene, and close proximity to Johannesburg's international airport.

Fees

InternationalNon-SADC international students pay double the local tuition fee plus an annual international levy (approximately ZAR 5,000). Annual international tuition typically ranges from ZAR 80,000 to ZAR 160,000 (approx. EUR 4,000–8,000) depending on programme. Research Master's and Doctoral students pay only local fees plus the levy.

HomeSouth African students pay the standard tuition fee set annually by the university, averaging ZAR 40,000–80,000 per year depending on faculty and programme level.

LivingStudent accommodation on campus ranges from ZAR 30,000 to ZAR 60,000 per year. Monthly living expenses in Pretoria are estimated at ZAR 5,000–8,000 covering food, transport, and personal expenses.

Fees are published in South African Rand (ZAR) and are payable annually. Payments can be made via credit card, SWIFT transfer, or Flywire. International students are required to have valid South African-compliant medical aid cover.

Admissions

Academic TranscriptsCertified full academic transcripts from undergraduate level to current level of study.

IdentificationCertified copy of passport or national ID.

Research Concept Note (postgraduate)A 500-word description of proposed research topic for Master's and Doctoral applicants.

SAQA EvaluationForeign qualifications must be evaluated by SAQA or a comprehensive Foreign Qualification Report.

Referee Reports (PhD)Two independent academic or professional referee reports assessing suitability for doctoral study.

TOEFLMinimum score varies by faculty; results required for non-English-medium prior education

IELTSMinimum score varies by faculty; results required for non-English-medium prior education

Pearson Test of EnglishAccepted as proof of English proficiency

Rankings

QS World University Rankings362

Financial Times Executive EducationTop 50 globally (GIBS)

Times Higher Education Africa RankingsTop 10 in Africa

University scholarships

NRF Postgraduate ScholarshipsVaries by level (Honours to Doctoral); renewable with academic performance

UP Postgraduate Merit BursaryPartial tuition waiver for high-achieving postgraduate students

African Union Kwame Nkrumah Scientific AwardsCompetitive award for African research excellence

Accreditation

The University of Pretoria is accredited by the South African Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and registered with the Council on Higher Education (CHE). Professional programmes hold accreditation from bodies including SACAP (architecture), SACQSP (quantity surveying), SACPLAN (planning), and the Health Professions Council of South Africa. GIBS holds international recognition from the Financial Times.

Programs

a selection

View top programs →

University of Pretoria · South Africa

Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering) - ENGAGE Programme

The Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering) ENGAGE Programme is an extended degree designed for students who demonstrate potential for engineering but may not meet the direct entry requirements for the standard four-year program. This five-year curriculum provides additional support and foundational knowledge, allowing students to build the necessary skills for success in engineering. The initial three years focus on covering the content of the first two years of the standard degree, supplemented by compulsory 'augmented' modules. These modules are specifically designed to strengthen core subjects like Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry, ensuring students have a solid grasp of essential concepts. Years four and five of the ENGAGE programme mirror the curriculum of the third and fourth years of the standard four-year degree. This structure ensures graduates receive the same comprehensive engineering education and achieve the same learning outcomes as their peers in the standard programme. Attendance in the first three years is mandatory, with strict policies on non-attendance. Students must successfully pass all modules, including the augmented ones, to progress.

University of Pretoria · South Africa

BEng Hons Structural Engineering

The BEng Hons Structural Engineering is a one-year postgraduate program offered by the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Pretoria. This program is designed for students who hold a relevant four-year bachelor's degree in engineering, which is recognized by the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) for registration as a candidate or professional engineer. The curriculum focuses on advanced topics in structural engineering and requires students to pass modules worth at least 128 credits. The degree is awarded based on examinations only. An entrance examination may be required for admission.

University of Pretoria · South Africa

Master of Public Administration (MPA) (Coursework)

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) by Coursework is designed for individuals seeking to advance their careers in public service. This program aims to develop employable, innovative, and diverse graduates equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective public administration in national, African, and global contexts. The Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences is committed to being at the forefront of economic, financial, and management education and research.

Scholarships

for South Africa

Browse all scholarships →

full funding

Accenture Education Trust Fund

Accenture Education Trust Scholarship

Open to South African citizens from low-income households (parents/guardian earnings under R1 million) with a strong academic record who are enrolled full-time at a selected tertiary institution in South Africa.

University of Pretoria

University of Pretoria Commonwealth PhD Scholarship

Open to citizens of Commonwealth countries (excluding South Africa) who hold a master's degree completed at least two years before applying and are under 38 years of age at the time of application. Applicants must not be current or former master's or doctoral students at the University of Pretoria. The award funds full doctoral study at UP with tuition coverage, a living allowance, and research support.

The Mandela Rhodes Foundation

Mandela Rhodes Scholarship

African nationals aged ~19–30 with a strong academic record (~70%+ average) pursuing an honours or master’s degree at a South African university, showing leadership and a commitment to Africa’s development.

Wellcome Trust Fellowships and Grants (for international researchers)

For researchers at different career stages working on health-related science. Wellcome funds a family of fellowships and grants — early-career, career-development, and discovery awards, plus team and translational funding — each with its own eligibility, value, and call deadline. There is no single scholarship application; you apply to the specific scheme that fits your stage and project.

Wellcome International Training Fellowships

For early-career researchers based in low- and middle-income countries (outside the high-income world) who want protected time and support for research training in health, often including a PhD or postdoctoral research. Wellcome's scheme names and exact criteria change over time, so applicants should check the current relevant Wellcome funding scheme.

European Commission - European Research Executive Agency (REA)

Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowships

Open to researchers of any nationality who hold a PhD (or will have defended their doctoral thesis by the call deadline) and have at most 8 years of full-time-equivalent research experience after the PhD. Applicants apply jointly with a host organisation - a university, research institution, business, SME, or other body based in an EU Member State or a country associated to Horizon Europe. European Postdoctoral Fellowships are open to all nationalities for a project inside the EU or an associated country; Global Postdoctoral Fellowships are reserved for EU nationals or long-term residents who carry out a phase in a third country before returning to Europe. Researchers who have been displaced by conflict and those restarting a research career after a break are explicitly encouraged to apply.

Frequently asked questions

What are the estimated tuition fees for international students at the University of Pretoria?

Non-SADC international students typically pay double the local tuition fee plus an annual international levy. Annual international tuition fees generally range from ZAR 80,000 to ZAR 160,000, which is approximately EUR 4,000–8,000, depending on the specific program.

What are the living costs for students in Pretoria?

On-campus student accommodation at the University of Pretoria ranges from ZAR 30,000 to ZAR 60,000 per year. Estimated monthly living expenses in Pretoria, covering food, transport, and personal needs, are between ZAR 5,000 and ZAR 8,000.

How can international students prove their English proficiency?

International students can demonstrate English proficiency through TOEFL, IELTS, or the Pearson Test of English. The minimum score required can vary by faculty, and these tests are necessary for students whose prior education was not conducted in English.

What academic qualifications are needed for international applicants?

Applicants will need to submit certified full academic transcripts, a certified copy of their passport or national ID, and potentially a SAQA evaluation for foreign qualifications. Postgraduate applicants may also need to provide a research concept note and referee reports.

Does the University of Pretoria offer scholarships for international students?

The University of Pretoria offers various scholarships, including NRF Postgraduate Scholarships and the UP Postgraduate Merit Bursary for high-achieving students. Competitive awards like the African Union Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards are also available for research excellence.

Last updated 3 July 2026