The University of Pretoria (UP) is one of Africa’s top universities and the largest contact university in South Africa. We produce socially impactful research to find solutions for the world’s most pressing issues. We have a high quality of teaching and learning in the classroom, online, or in communities. We have support in place for our students to graduate on time as well-rounded, responsible citizens fully prepared for the world beyond university.
Undergraduates
Postgraduates
UP at a glance
1175
Academic programmes
90%
Module pass rate
56 453
Total number of students enrolled
334 174
Alumni
What would you like to study?
Campus Life
Your academic success is important, but university life is also about having fun and exploring your talents to be a well-rounded graduate who is ready for the world beyond university. At the University of Pretoria, we have a vibrant student life and there are many arts, cultural, sporting, and even academic extramural activities that you can participate in.
Let's hear from our students
Meet: Laureanne Geertsema
Bachelor of Divinity (BDiv)
Laureanne shares how studying at the Faculty of Theology and Religion at the University of Pretoria has been an enriching and transformative experience.
Meet: Tandile Tambekile
BA in Psychology
Tandile shares how her lecturers have played a vital role in her journey at UP, from academic support to career guidance.
Meet: Winston Gomba
Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc)
Growing up in a small town, Winston developed a deep appreciation for the relationship between people and animals and the role it plays in building stronger...
Meet: Luc Davel
Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBChB)
The first time he visited the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Pretoria, Luc was struck by its beautiful campus, world-class skills labs and...
Meet: Sirisha Bhawanideen
PhD specialising in Microbiology
Sirisha chose the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the University of Pretoria for her PhD because of the strong support within her research group...
Meet: Matthew Wyngaard
Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBChB)
"What made me choose UP was the relentless dedication and reputation to long-standing excellence and innovation."
Meet: Michelle Manne
BSc Actuarial Science
"What made me choose UP is that it chose me. I was able to get into the degree that I wanted."
Research Matters
My choice, their health
Non-vaccination is a personal choice – but how can this be balanced with public responsibility? It’s a prickly debate. A University of Pretoria researcher is...
Sentinels of our changing seas: Rethinking baleen whale health beyond stats
The story of whale conservation is no longer just about population count – it’s about quality of life, resilience and long-term survival in changing oceans. By...
Teaching and Learning Matters
December 03, 2025
UP’s E-Education Group wins international award for outstanding professional development
The E-Education Group at the University of Pretoria (UP) recently received an Anthology Catalyst Award for Training & Professional Development, recognising its...
December 03, 2025
Co-Creating Fully Online Learning Excellence
Behind every successful fully online learning programme at the University of Pretoria is a collaboration between Comprehensive Online Education Services (COES)...
Latest News
June 17, 2026
UP EXPERT OPINION: Harnessing green talent: Why the Just Energy Transition could be South Africa’s ultimate youth employment strategy
By Dr Jessika Bohlmann , Department of Economics, University of Pretoria , and Dr Sean Kruger , Centre for the Future of Work , University of Pretoria South...
June 15, 2026
UP EXPERT OPINION: From Soweto to 2076 - 50 years of reckoning, and 50 more of possibility
By Prof Lindelani Mnguni, Dean of the Faculty of Education at the University of Pretoria As we mark the 50th anniversary of 16 June 1976, when schoolchildren in...
June 15, 2026
MoU between UP and Komati Basin Water Authority strengthens water research and skills development
The University of Pretoria (UP) and the Komati Basin Water Authority (KOBWA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will strengthen collaboration...
June 15, 2026
UP EXPERT OPINION: Our silent shame – why South Africans must pay heed to elder abuse
By Professor Stephan Geyer of the Department of Social Work and Criminology at the University of Pretoria With the observance of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day...
June 12, 2026
UP hosts Postgraduate Welcome Day 2026
The University of Pretoria (UP) welcomed its postgraduate students to the Aula Auditorium on the Hatfield Campus for its Postgraduate Welcome Day on the 5 June...
June 11, 2026
Running it forward: Tuks AlumNation Champions take on Comrades Marathon for Degrees Delivered campaign
Despite successfully completing their studies, many graduates are unable to access their degree certificates because of outstanding historical student debt...
My choice, their health
Non-vaccination is a personal choice – but how can this be balanced with public responsibility? It’s a prickly debate. A University of Pretoria researcher is...
June 08, 2026
UP EXPERT OPINION: Democratic institutions, inclusive economies and dialogue can address migration challenges
By Tendai Mbanje of the Centre for Human Rights at the University of Pretoria South Africa is at a defining moment, as rising tensions around immigration test...
Events
International Student's Day
02 October 2026
09:00
University of Pretoria
This annual event highlights the vibrant cultural diversity and global connections that enrich our campus
Principal's Concert
07 October 2026
17:00
TBC
Principal’s Concert showcases UP’s values through unforgettable performance