University of Pretoria Online Application

Read through all the steps below to determine which actions are relevant for your application to study at the University of Pretoria

Non-South African citizens should also take note of the steps below with specific reference to the important information on page 1 of University of Pretoria UP prospectus.

Choose a programme

Read about all undergraduate programmes offered at UP from page 5 in this brochure.

  • It is important to indicate a first- as well as a second-choice programme on your Online Application. The Application only makes provision for two study choices. If you want to add a third choice, or if you want to change your study choice after you have already submitted your online application, please forward your request to ssc@up.ac.za.
  • Your second-choice programme will automatically be considered should your application for your first-choice programme be unsuccessful or if your first choice is a selection programme.
  • Ensure that your first- and second-choice programmes meet the minimum admission requirements as well as the faculty’s selection guidelines.
  • Note that certain programmes will not be considered if indicated as your second-choice. Refer to the faculty tables from page 5 of the prospectus.
  • For study advice, make an appointment with a Student Advisor via Ms Carol Bosch at +27 (0)12 420 5144 or carol.bosch@up.ac.za

Tuition and residence fees

For more information on tuition and residence fees, go to www.up.ac.za/fees-and-funding.

  • Fee estimator: Go to http://estimate.up.ac.za to get an estimation of the study fees for the programme/s that you are interested in.
  • Family discount: When two or more dependent children of the same family are registered simultaneously at the University of Pretoria, they may apply for a rebate on tuition fees.
  • The 2.5% discount: If the student account is paid in full (ie 100%) by 30 April, a 2.5% discount is applicable.
  • Registration fee: This fee is not an additional amount payable, but forms part of the tuition fees and is an initial payment towards the tuition fees.
  • Residence reservation fee: This fee will be payable within 30 days after placement in a UP residence. For residence room fees, go to www.up.ac.za/accommodation.
  • Fees paid by bursaries: Students must submit written proof from the sponsor of the bursary awarded to them prior to registration, otherwise the registration fee will be payable by the student. The final decision regarding the acceptance of a bursary letter rests with the University.
  • How and where to pay: Cashiers are available on all our campuses from Mondays to Fridays from 08:00 to 16:00. For EFT and credit card payments, please allow at least 5 working days for the payment to reflect on your student account.
  • UP banking details: See page 1 of the prospectus.

Apply to study at Tuks

Apply ONLINE at www.up.ac.za/apply from 1 March in the year preceding studies. Remember the application deadline for most courses is 30th September.

  • Before you start to complete the Online Application, watch a video on
    “How to complete the online Application” at www.up.ac.za. Click on “See all YouTube videos.”
  • Ensure that the email address that you indicate on your Online Application is correct as your temporary password and T number will be sent to this email address.
  • Ensure that you apply before the closing dates of both your first-and second-choice programmes. The closing dates are indicated in the faculty tables; see page 5 in this brochure or go to www.up.ac.za/closing dates
  • Certain programmes will not be considered if indicated as your second-choice.
  • You will receive your student number within 10 working days after you have submitted your Online Application.
  • On receipt of your student number, you will be able to track your admission status on the UP Portal. Refer to Step 7 for instructions on how to gain access to your Student Portal.

Apply for residence placement

The Online Application has a section to be completed if you are interested in residence placement.

  • Residence placement is based on academic merit and date of application.
  • The demand for accommodation by far exceeds the available spaces – apply as soon as possible from 1 March.
  • Preference is given to students with an academic average of 75% and above. More information is available at www.up.ac.za/accommodation.
  • To qualify for guaranteed placement in a UP residence, the prospective
    student must:

– apply before 1 May in the year preceding studies;
– have obtained a minimum average of 85% in the examination with which the student applies to study at UP; and
– be provisionally admitted to a programme.

Apply for bursaries and loans

UP bursaries and loans

  • Applications must be submitted via the UP Student Portal or www.up.ac.za/ fees-and-funding. Closing date for applications: 31 October in the year preceding studies. No late applications will be accepted.
  • UP sports bursaries: www.up.ac.za/sport (Closing date: 30 September).

National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS)

  • For applications and comprehensive information, read this nsfas online application guide.
  • Closing date for applications: 30 November in the year preceding studies.

Eduloan

As a registered credit provider, Eduloan covers a wide range of student-related necessities such as books, accessories, laptops, university and private accommodation, as well as study tuition with a fixed monthly installment.

Anyone can apply for a loan (students, parents or guardians), provided that the applicant is in full-time employment or has a registered business. Contact lizettevr@eduloan.co.za or +27 (0)12 420 2161/5175.

Other bursary options

  • Bursaries according to the field of study: www.gostudy.mobi
  • The Bursary Register: Contact rlevin@mweb.co.za or +27 (0)11 672 6559.

National Benchmark Test (NBT)

  • The National Benchmark Test is not compulsory for all programmes.
  • Register to write the NBT at www.nbt.ac.za.
  • The NBT results support but do not replace or duplicate final school examination results.
  • It is indicated at the programmes in the faculty tables from page 5 whether or not the NBT is required.
  • The tests are confidential.
  • There are no previous test papers available.
  • The NBT consists of two components:

(1) AQL: Academic Literacy and Quantitative Literacy (which are combined). Quantitative Literacy is similar to Mathematical Literacy. The AQL test has also been translated into Braille.

(2) MAT: Mathematics.

  • A complete schedule with all the test centres can be found at www.nbt.ac.za.

Value-added Questionnaire

The Value-added Questionnaire is only required for applications in the Faculties of Health Sciences and Veterinary Science.

  • The Online Value-added Questionnaire will be made available on the UP Student Portal, only for prospective students in the above-mentioned faculties who meet the minimum admission requirements. Visit your Student Portal regularly for notices in this regard.
  • Be sure to complete and submit the online Value-added Questionnaire before the due date. The faculty will communicate the due date to applicants on the UP Student Portal under ‘Communications’. Enquiries may be directed to ssc@up.ac.za.

Recommended : UP Application Status: How to check on your University of Pretoria application

UP student contract

Before a student will be able to register, a contract needs to be concluded between the student and the University of Pretoria.

  • Students must access the contract online on the UP Student Portal at www.up.ac.za > MyTUKS Login.
  • The contract should be completed online, and then printed and signed.
  • The completed and signed original contract must be handed in at the Student Service Centre or posted to the Student Service Centre, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, 0028. The University of Pretoria does not accept faxed, scanned or emailed contracts.
  • Watch a video on “How to complete the UP Student Contract” at www.up.ac.za, click on
    “See all YouTube videos”

Orientation for new first-year students

  • The Orientation Programme will be available on www.up.ac.za by the end of December.
  • Registration of first-year students takes place during Orientation Week. Dates will be communicated by the end of December.

Check out : University of Pretoria (UP) Application: Admission Requirements

Special offer to academic achievers

The Special offer to new first-year students is based on the academic average percentage obtained in the final school-year end examination. (See next page for further information).

The special offer includes:

  • Guaranteed achievement awards to students who qualify.
  • Guaranteed admission to first- or second-choice non-selection programmes for prospective students with an academic average percentage of between 75% and 100%, if the application is received no later than 1 May of the year preceding commencement of studies.
  • Guaranteed placement in a UP residence to prospective students with an academic average percentage of between 85% and 100% if:

– your application is received no later than 1 May of the year preceding commencement of studies; and
– you have been provisionally admitted to a programme. More information is available at www.up.ac.za/fees-and-funding.

Need Information or Confused about Something ?

Ask a Question

 

Sponsored Guide

Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)

If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.

📌 What is NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.

NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:

  • Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
  • Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.

✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?

To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:

  • Be a South African citizen.
  • Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
  • Have a valid South African ID.
  • Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
  • Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).

📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS

NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.

If you’re studying:

  • Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
  • Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.

📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application

When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:

  1. Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
  2. Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
  3. Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
  4. Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
  5. Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
  6. Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).

🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online

Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)

  1. Visit the NSFAS Website

    Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za

  2. Create an Account

    • Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
    • You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
    • Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.

  3. Login and Start the Application

    • After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
    • Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.

  4. Fill in Your Personal Details

    • Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
    • Provide household income information and living arrangements.

  5. Upload Required Documents

    • Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
    • Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.

  6. Submit Your Application

    • Review your application for accuracy.
    • Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.

  7. Track Your Application

    • Log in regularly to check your application status.
    • You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.

🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)

  • Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
  • Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
  • Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
  • Disbursement: After registration and approval

Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.

💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?

NSFAS funding typically includes:

  • Tuition fees
  • Registration fees
  • Accommodation (if living away from home)
  • Meals and transport
  • Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)

For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).

🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment

Repayments are:

  • Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
  • Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
  • Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.

You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.

🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application

If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:

  1. Log into your MyNSFAS account.
  2. Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
  3. If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
  4. Upload any missing or corrected documents.
  5. Provide a clear explanation or motivation.

📱 NSFAS Contact Information

📝 Final Tips Before Applying

  • Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
  • Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
  • Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
  • Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.

By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.

 

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