How do I apply to UP?

Apply online through the official UP application portal. Create a profile, choose your programme, upload certified copies of your ID and latest results, pay the application fee if there is one, and submit before the closing date. Keep the reference number you get at the end.

When do UP applications open and close?

Most South African universities open applications between March and May and close between June and September for the next year. Selection programmes like medicine and actuarial science close earliest. Confirm the exact UP dates on the official site before you apply.

Can I apply to UP with my Grade 11 results?

Yes. UP, like most South African universities, lets you apply using your Grade 11 final or Grade 12 mid-year results. Any offer is conditional until your final matric (NSC) results meet the requirements.

How much is the UP application fee?

Application fees differ by university and change each year. Many universities waive the fee for South African citizens who apply online, while others charge about R100 to R250. Check the current fee on the UP admissions page before you pay.

Do I apply for residence and funding separately at UP?

Yes. Residence and NSFAS funding are separate applications from your academic application at UP. Apply for all three at the same time, because residence places and funding deadlines fill up early.

How do I check my UP application status?

Log in to the official UP application or student portal with your reference number and ID number, and open the application status page. Many universities also let you check by SMS, WhatsApp or their call centre. Your status shows whether you are still in process, provisionally admitted, or not admitted.

How long does UP take to respond?

UP usually sends a conditional offer within a few weeks if you applied with Grade 11 marks. The firm offer comes after the final matric (NSC) results are released in mid-January, once the university can confirm you met the requirements.

What must I do if UP makes me an offer?

Accept the offer in the portal as your firm choice, pay the registration deposit by the deadline to hold your place, and decline offers from other universities so someone on the waiting list can take them. Then confirm your registration and residence dates.

What if UP does not accept me?

You still have options. Apply to another university that is still open, choose a TVET college, start with a Higher Certificate or a foundation programme that builds up to a degree, or upgrade your matric marks and apply again next year.

Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa

University of PretoriaAPS Calculator

In South Africa

#501-600

In the world

UP is known for strong academics and big campus life in Gauteng. You generally need at least 28 APS to get in, but some courses want more.

Calculate my APS See full university guide

Closed01 Apr - 30 Jun 2026

UP closes most applications on 30 June 2026, while Veterinary Science closes on 31 May 2026.

How to apply to UP

1
Start your UP online application
Begin at up.ac.za/apply.
2
Complete your biographical and academic details
Select the degrees you want before you upload anything.
3
Upload your certified documents
You need your ID and final Grade 11 marks ready.
4
Pay the fee and submit before the cutoff
Budget R300 and finish early if your faculty closes sooner.

Fees & funding

UP charges a R300 application fee. Keep your funding plan moving too, because registration costs show up quickly once your place is confirmed.

How to apply for NSFAS

Key dates

Applications open

1 April 2026

Applications close

30 June 2026

Veterinary Science closes

31 May 2026

Go to UP application portal

Similar to UP: WITS, UJ, TUT

UP usually responds in stages, so keep checking both your email and your student portal.

Check your application status

Track your UP portal updates.

Understanding your response

Your application may move from received to conditionally admitted before your final Matric results confirm your place. Extra faculty steps can slow that timeline down.

Got an offer?

Accept your conditional offer on the portal, submit your signed student contract, and be ready to pay the initial registration fee once your final results are out.

Didn't get in?

If UP is not available, use your APS and subject results to target the next best fit quickly.

Rewrite matric

Improve your marks and reapply.

Try other unis

See where your current APS still fits.

Gap year

Work, volunteer, and plan your next cycle.

Similar to UP: WITS, UJ, TUT

Applying to UP: common questions

More on how to apply to university, and what happens next.

Full applying guide

Apply

University of PretoriaAPS Calculator

How to apply to UP

Fees & funding

Key dates

Understanding your response

Got an offer?

Didn't get in?

Applying to UP: common questions

Related

Apply to university hub

How to apply to university

What happens after you apply

Check your application status

APS Calculator

Browse courses by university

University of PretoriaAPS Calculator

How to apply to UP

Fees & funding

Key dates

Understanding your response

Got an offer?

Didn't get in?

Applying to UP: common questions

How do I apply to UP?+

When do UP applications open and close?+

Can I apply to UP with my Grade 11 results?+

How much is the UP application fee?+

Do I apply for residence and funding separately at UP?+

How do I check my UP application status?+

How long does UP take to respond?+

What must I do if UP makes me an offer?+

What if UP does not accept me?+

Related

Apply to university hub

How to apply to university

What happens after you apply

Check your application status

APS Calculator

Browse courses by university