Admission to studies

Undergraduate

A Matriculation Exemption Certificate is required if you wish to be considered for admission to any South African university. This certificate is issued by Higher Education South Africa (HESA). Application is to be done directly at HESA.

Contact details are:
Telephone number : +27 (0) 12 481 2842
Fax number: +27 (0) 12 481 2843/2850
Email address: admin@hesa.org.za
Web: www.hesa.org.za

Postgraduate

Students wishing to pursue post graduate studies at the University of Pretoria need to have their qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). Applications must also be submitted directly to SAQA.

Contact details are:
Telephone number: + 27 (0)12 431-5070
Fax number: +27 (0)12 431 5039
Email address: saqainfo@saqa.org.za
Web: www.saqa.org.za

Registration process

The first port of call on arrival at the University of Pretoria will be the International Students Division, located at the Client Service Centre. Students (newcomers and senior students) will be subject to an “unblocking” process. This entails providing proof that one has entered the country with a valid permit as well as having adequate medical cover, as required by South African legislation. Once this verification is finalised and payment of the initial fees has been done, students will be able register. More detailed information concerning registration will be communicated during the orientation of newcomers and via correspondence to senior students.

Study Permits

Non RSA-citizens intending to study in South Africa - whether at a primary, secondary or tertiary educational institution - must apply for, and be granted, a study permit before embarking for South Africa. A South African educational institution cannot register an international student until a valid study permit has been produced. For more information on how to obtain a study permit, you can visit the Department of Home Affairs website: www.dha.gov.za

Medical Aid

Section 13 of the South African Immigration Act, requires that all international students entering South Africa on study permits, must subscribe to a Medical Scheme registered with the Council for Medical Schemes in South Africa. This medical cover must be valid for each academic year from January to December. Students will not be able to register without proof of the necessary medical cover. The University of Pretoria offers BESTmed Healthcare (Blueprint Student Option) non-RSA citizens. Students can apply and pay online at www.bestmed.co.za. BESTmed membership premiums need to be paid in advance and must be paid directly to BESTmed.

Contact details are:
Telephone number: +27 (0)12 339 9800 or 086 000 2378
Fax number: +27 (0)12 323 4106 or +27 (0)12 339 9900
Email address: service@bestmed.co.za
Web : www.bestmed.co.za

Special orientation for international students

The University of Pretoria’s, Division: International Students offers a special orientation programme for international students. This programme will take place on click here, before the annual Welcoming day for all new students. Non-South African citizens who are newcomers to the University of Pretoria, are obliged to join this programme.

Orientation week – Non-RSA citizens and South Africans

During the Orientation week students receive relevant information and tips that will simplify their transition to University life. This includes information on registration, timetables, books, examinations, library use and information technology support provided to students but several other issues are also discussed discussed. It is also an opportunity to learn more about student life and residence activities, safety and security on campus as well as information on the various student societies.

Residences

International students must ensure that they have accommodation before arrival in South Africa. The demand for formal university accommodation far exceeds the availability and there can be no assurance that students will be placed in formal residences. The University has private accommodation offices on campus. For more information, visit the website www.up.ac.za.

Sport

Sport represents a significant part of student life. The University of Pretoria provides students with opportunities to participate at club, national and international levels in a variety of sporting events. The University also boasts excellent sport facilities, located at the LC De Villiers campus, which is highly regarded both nationally and internationally. The sport campus has a central location and is easily accessible to students.

Arts & Culture

If you have the necessary talent or interest, you can become involved in a large number of diverse cultural organisations and activities. The University’s own symphony orchestra, various choirs, film festivals, the serenade competition, literature competitions, the annual lenk Melodienk Concert and many more events cater for a diversity of cultural needs.

International Day

The International Students Division also hosts the annual International Day at the University of Pretoria. It is a very special annual event. This vibrant celebration bears relevance to the international student body on campus as well as the diplomatic community in Pretoria. Click here to view the photo gallery.