University of Pretoria is one of the top Public universities in Pretoria, South Africa. It is ranked #561-570 in QS Global World University Rankings 2026.
The University of Pretoria (UP) is ranked number one in South Africa and Africa in uniRank’s list of the top universities on the continent. uniRank is the leading international higher education directory and search engine featuring reviews and rankings of over 13 000 universities and colleges in 200 countries. UP is also ranked at 183 on the list of the top universities globally.
UP also featured in the Shanghai Ranking Consultancy’s recently released 2026 Global Ranking of Academic Subjects (GRAS), coming in first in South Africa in three subject areas and joint first in five others. UP is also ranked in the top 500 universities globally in the GRAS, which assesses over 4 000 universities globally in 54 subject areas. According to these rankings, UP is tops in South Africa in the subjects Computer Science & Engineering, Veterinary Science, and Finance. UP is tied for first place in South Africa in the subject areas Energy Science & Engineering, Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Biotechnology, Economics and Law.
The GRAS subject rankings methodology is based on five research-related rankings indicators: the number of papers published in Q1 (first quartile) journals by Journal Impact Factor (JIF) during the five-year period 2014-2018, citation impact, papers in top journals and conferences, international collaboration, and academic recognitions and awards.
Over the past year, UP has been recognised on several international rankings. The University was ranked among the top 100 universities in the world in three categories of the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2026, based on the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The institution featured in the top 100 for Quality Education (SDG 4); Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9); and Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (SDG 16).
In the QS World University Rankings by Subject, the University improved its overall ranking in three of the four broad subject areas the institution was ranked in, with UP noted as the domestic leader in the fields of Theology, Divinity & Religious Studies, Electrical & Electronic Engineering, and Veterinary Science.
The University of Pretoria’s Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) was also ranked as the most gender-balanced business school in the world by the UK’s Financial Times, and once again ranked as the top South African and African business school for executive education by the Financial Times in their Executive Education 2026 Ranking.
UP Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Tawana Kupe said, “These rankings are a result of the high-quality programmes UP offers, as well as a validation of the expertise of our academics. I thank our staff for their hard work in constantly improving our educational offering. We are grateful for the recognition, and will continue to work on improving in all subject areas. Excellence is a continuum. The impact of our research matters to transforming society.”
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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:
- Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
- Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
- Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
- Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
- Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
- Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).
🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online
Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)
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Visit the NSFAS Website
Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za
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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.
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Login and Start the Application
- After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
- Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.
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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.
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Upload Required Documents
- Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
- Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.
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Submit Your Application
- Review your application for accuracy.
- Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.
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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:
- Log into your MyNSFAS account.
- Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
- If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
- Upload any missing or corrected documents.
- Provide a clear explanation or motivation.
📱 NSFAS Contact Information
- Website: https://www.nsfas.org.za
- Email: info@nsfas.org.za
- Toll-Free Number: 08000 67327 (Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM)
- Twitter: @myNSFAS
- Facebook: NSFAS
📝 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.