University of Pretoria

As a multi-faculty, research-intensive university, the University of Pretoria (UP) stands among the top universities in South Africa for research output and impact, and produces the highest number of graduates in South Africa annually. With campuses in Pretoria, its surrounds, and in the country’s economic hub, Johannesburg, UP is conveniently situated within close proximity to government departments, foreign missions and major research agencies.

The University has nine faculties and a business school, namely Economic and Management Sciences, Education, Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology, Health Sciences, Humanities, Law, Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Theology and Religion, Veterinary Science (presently the only faculty in this discipline in South Africa) and the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS). The academic programmes are offered in 140 academic departments and 85 research centres, institutes and units.

The University’s vision is to be Africa’s leading research intensive university, recognised internationally for its quality, relevance and impact, and also for developing people, creating knowledge and making a difference locally and globally. Relying on over a century of experience and well-established facilities, UP develops human capital and generates the knowledge and skills required to meet the many challenges of the world at large, within the context of a developing nation. In 105 years, the University of Pretoria has delivered close to 250 000 alumni. The University currently has more than 50 000 contact students. Just over 13 000 of these are postgraduate students and 4 500 are international students, 67% of whom are from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries. 

As one of South Africa’s oldest and most prestigious higher education institutions, the University of Pretoria (UP) produces sought-after graduates who are well-rounded citizens shaped by our holistic approach to education, which is enabled by a wide range of campus activities and student societies including sports, arts and culture. We strive to teach our students to “make today matter” by drawing on the experience of yesterday and using the knowledge of today to improve the outcomes of tomorrow.

Click here to view study programmes offered at the University of Pretoria.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

With the large number of staff and students from beyond South Africa’s borders at the University of Pretoria, students embark on an exciting academic journey. The University prides itself on being the “home away from home” for our international students. Undergraduates, Postgraduate, Postdoctoral Fellows, Exchange Students, Study Abroad Students and Elective Students can be assured of the University’s support at all times.
 

POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS

As a leading university in South Africa and the largest research-intensive university in the country, the University of Pretoria (UP) offers a world of opportunity for postgraduate study. Through our guiding strategic plan, UP 2025, the University is committed to developing its research profile and international stature. Postgraduate education is at the heart of these key objectives. The University hosts and supports postgraduate study and research in a very broad and comprehensive range of fields, and all its postgraduate students have the opportunity to be mentored by researchers /academics who are international leaders in their specific disciplines.   

The University of Pretoria has achieved significant progress in the first 5 years of implementing its long-term strategic plan, UP 2025. The increase in research productivity, the growing number of staff with doctorates and of those who have achieved an NRF rating as an indication of their recognition and standing as scientists, as well as the increase in doctoral enrolments, and in doctoral and master's graduates, all contribute to the University's research-intensive identity. Closely coupled to research performance is the strengthening of our international profile and visibility, the consolidation of research capacity in Research Chairs, Institues and Centres, and through the active collaboration with regional and international partners. 

The University’s research focus areas are positioned according to its strategic goals, existing and developing expertise, and the national and international profiles of its research leaders.
For more information, click here to learn more about the University’s extensive and varied research undertaken by staff and students.

Multidisciplinary collaboration is actively encouraged. Within the University, certain research areas are clustered into areas of unique research strengths designed to foster strong multidisciplinarity. Opportunities for masters and doctoral study exist within, as well as alongside, these research themes in all of the nine faculties and 85 research institutes, centres and units. 

Click here for information on postgraduate scholarship and funding opportunities available at the University of Pretoria.