UP Admission Requirements

University of Pretoria (UP) Admission Requirements – Undergraduate, Masters & Doctorate Programmes Entry Requirements.

The following are the requirements for admission into the programmes offered at The University of Pretoria (UP);

  • National Senior Certificate (NSC)
  • Mathematics: 5 (C Symbol: 60%-69%) (Note that Mathematical Literacy will not be accepted)
  • Physical Science: 5 (C Symbol: 60%-69%)
  • English or Afrikaans: 4 (D Symbol: 50%-59%)
  • Life Orientation: 4 (D Symbol: 50%-59%) (Excluded when calculating the APS)
  • Two other subjects: 4 (D Symbol: 50%-59%)
  • An Admission Points Score (APS) of 32
  • Admission test

Candidates who do not comply with these entrance requirements may write the admissions test to be considered for possible admission to the BSc Four-year Programme by the Admissions Committee.

(4 YEARS FULL-TIME STUDY)

The new BSc Four-year  Programme provides access to science and science-based degree programmes by setting lower entrance requirements compared to the entrance requirements for BSc Three Year programmes. It offers intensive training in order to prepare students for further studies in normal science and science-based degree programmes. This will mean that students who enrol in this programme, have exactly the same outcomes as the existing BSc/degree programmes. The Programme is accessible to all grade 12 candidates. Only a limited number of students are admitted to the Extended Programme.

The programme is offered in English on both the Hatfield campus and Mamelodi campus. Successful candidates will be placed on either the Hatfield Campus or the Mamelodi Campus, depending on the availability of facilities.

The duration of the first phase of the programme is 18 months (3 semesters). After successfully completing the programme, students will have obtained credits equivalent to Year 1 Semester 1 of the Three Year Programme and the student may register for the modules Year 1 Semester 2 offered in the Three Year Programme. In the extended courses additional enrichment components, such as lab work, computer-aided learning, seminars and small-group tutorials are provided to help the students.

The Programme has the following streams: Mathematical Sciences, Biological and Agricultural Sciences, Veterinary Biology, and Physical Sciences. Students who wish to study engineering should apply for the Physical Science stream, students who want to study in one of the health sciences degrees should apply for the Biological Sciences stream. Transfer from one stream in the BSc Four Year Programme to another is possible at the end of the first semester.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS:

  • National Senior Certificate (NSC)
  • Mathematical Literacy will not be accepted
  • Mathematics 4 (50%-59%) or 3 (40%-49%) only if a 4 was obtained for Physical Sciences.
  • Physical Science 4 (50%-59%) or 3 (40%-49%) only if a 4 was obtained for Mathematics.
  • English or Afrikaans: 4 (50%-59%)
  • Life Orientation: 4 (50%-59%) (Excluded when calculating the APS)
  • Two other subjects: 4 (50%-59%)
  • An Admission Points Score (APS) of at least 22
  • Admissions test

Please note that these results do not automatically admit students to the Extended Programme instead of the normal BSc programmes for which the candidates do not meet the requirements. A further selection is based on the results of the admission test, which applicants are required to take.

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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:

  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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