Overview:
The University of Pretoria (UP), often referred to as UP, is a renowned South African institution recognized for its academic excellence. Offering a diverse array of educational programs, UP is a leading choice for students seeking quality tertiary education. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the various courses and requirements at UP for the academic year.
Undergraduate Programs:
- Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences:
- BAdmin (Public Management and International Relations)
- BCom (Accounting Sciences)
- BCom (Econometrics)
- BCom (Economics)
- BCom (Financial Sciences)
- BCom (Human Resource Management)
- BCom (Informatics Information Systems)
- BCom (Investment Management)
- BCom (Law)
- BCom (Marketing Management)
- BCom (Statistics)
- BCom (Supply Chain Management)
- Faculty of Education:
- BEd Foundation Phase Teaching
- BEd Intermediate Phase Teaching
- BEd Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching
- Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment & Information Technology:
- BSc Architecture
- BSc – Construction Management
- BSc – Real Estate
- BSc – Quantity Surveying
- B&TRP – Bachelor of Town and Regional Planning
- BEng – Industrial Engineering
- BEng – Chemical Engineering
- BEng – Civil Engineering
- BEng – Electrical Engineering
- BEng – Electronic Engineering
- BEng – Mechanical Engineering
- BEng – Metallurgical Engineering
- BEng – Mining Engineering
- BEng – Computer Engineering
- BSc – Computer Science
- BSc – Information and Knowledge Systems
- BIT – Information Systems
- BIS – Multimedia
- BIS – Information Science
- BIS – Publishing
- Faculty of Health Sciences:
- Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BChD)
- Bachelor of Clinical Medical Practice (BCMP)
- Bachelor of Dietetics (BDietetics)
- Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNurs)
- Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOT)
- Bachelor of Oral Hygiene (BOH)
- Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPhysio)
- Bachelor of Radiography Diagnostics (BRad Diagnostics)
- Bachelor of Sports Science (BSportSci)
- Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBChB)
- Faculty of Humanities:
- Bachelor of Arts
- BA (Speech-Language Pathology)
- BA (Audiology)
- Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
- BA (Law)
- BA (Languages)
- BSocSci (Industrial Sociology and Labour Studies)
- BSocSci (Heritage and Cultural Tourism)
- BSocSci (Philosophy, Politics, and Economics)
- BPolSci (International Studies)
- BPolSci (Political Studies)
- BA (Fine Arts)
- BA (Information Design)
- BA (Visual Studies)
- Bachelor of Music (BMus)
- Bachelor of Drama (BDram)
- Faculty of Law:
- LLB (Bachelor of Laws)
- Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences:
- BConSci Clothing Retail Management
- BConSci Food Retail Management
- BConSci Hospitality Management
- BSc Actuarial and Financial Mathematics
- BSc Applied Mathematics
- BSc Biochemistry
- BSc Biological Sciences
- BSc Biotechnology
- BSc Chemistry
- BSc Culinary Science
- BSc Ecology
- BSc Engineering and Environmental Geology
- BSc Entomology
- BSc Environmental Sciences
- BSc Extended program – Biological and Agricultural Sciences
- BSc Extended program – Mathematical Sciences
- BSc Extended program – Physical Sciences
- BSc Food Science
- BSc Genetics
- BSc Geography
- BSc Geoinformatics
- BSc Geology
- BSc Human Genetics
- BSc Human Physiology
- BSc in Human Physiology, Genetics, and Psychology
- BSc Mathematical Statistics
- BSc Mathematics
- BSc Medical Sciences
- BSc Meteorology
- BSc Microbiology
- BSc Nutrition
- BSc Physics
- BSc Plant Science
- BSc Zoology
- BScAgric Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Management
- BScAgric Animal Science
- BScAgric Applied Plant and Soil Sciences
- BScAgric Plant Pathology
- Faculty of Theology and Religion:
- Bachelor of Divinity
- Bachelor of Theology
- Faculty of Veterinary Science:
- Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing (BVSc)
- Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing (BVetNurs)
Postgraduate Courses:
- UP offers a wide range of postgraduate courses across various disciplines, including Medicine & Health, Business & Management, Social Sciences, Humanities, Engineering & Technology, Natural Sciences & Mathematics, Agriculture & Forestry, Environmental Studies & Earth Sciences, Law, Arts, Design & Architecture, Applied Sciences & Professions, Computer Science & IT, Education & Training, Hospitality, Leisure & Sports, and Journalism & Media.
Short Courses:
- UP provides short courses in diverse fields, including Veterinary Science, Supply Chain Management and Logistics, Sports, Tourism, Arts and Culture, Social and Religious Studies, Public Administration and Management, Properties, Retail, and Facilities Management, Project and Risk Management, Marketing, Communication, and Languages, Law and Human Rights, Information and Communication Technology, Human Capital Management, Health and Health Care, General Management and Leadership Development, Financial Management and Taxation, Environmental Management and Geophysics, Engineering and Technology Management, Education and Teacher Development, Business Management and Entrepreneurship, Built Environment and Construction, Agriculture and Food Security.
Bridging Courses:
- Various bridging courses are available across faculties to assist students in meeting entry requirements for diploma or degree programs. Subjects for bridging courses are determined by faculties, and students typically undertake the National Benchmark Test (NBT) to assess eligibility.
Diploma Courses:
- UP offers diploma courses in fields such as Extension and Rural Development, Sport Sciences, Veterinary Nursing, Diplomatic Studies, Clinical Evidence and Healthcare, Dentistry, Family Medicine, Group Activities, Hand Therapy, Health Systems Management, Investigative and Forensic Accounting, Occupational Health, Occupational Medicine and Health, Public Health Medicine, Handling of Childhood Disability, Tropical Medicine and Health, Vocational Rehabilitation, Business Administration, Church Music, and Theology.
Distance Learning Courses:
- UP provides distance learning courses for students seeking flexible learning options.
Free Online Courses:
- UP offers free online courses through its Professional Online Development (PODs) initiative, covering a wide range of topics and accessible to the public.
Requirements for Admission:
- General entry requirements for undergraduate students include possession of a National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent qualification, with specific subject requirements based on the chosen program. Cambridge A-Level applicants with minimum required grades are also eligible. Postgraduate students typically need a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
This guide provides detailed insights into the University of Pretoria’s courses, admission requirements, and educational offerings for the academic year. For further information and specific inquiries, prospective students are encouraged to visit the university’s official website or contact the admissions office directly.
Related Resources
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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)
-
Visit the NSFAS Website
Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za
-
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.
-
Login and Start the Application
- After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
- Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.
-
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.
-
Upload Required Documents
- Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
- Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.
-
Submit Your Application
- Review your application for accuracy.
- Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.
-
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.
If you need a printable checklist or PDF version of this guide, let me know and I’ll create one for you.
