UP Online Application 2026 – Undergraduate

UP Online Application 2026 is a simple, step by step guide for first time undergraduates, returning students, and international applicants. Use this page to choose your study programme, meet the dates, complete the online form, prepare the right documents, and track your status on the UP Student Portal.

Last updated: 29 August 2025

UP receives over 75 000 first-year applications each year, but admits around 16 000.

Medicine and Veterinary Science are among the most selective programmes in the country.

Applicants with APS just at the minimum are rarely accepted into high-demand degrees.

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Application dates for 2026

Apply as early as possible. All study programmes are number limited, so space fills quickly.

• Applications open on 1 April 2025.
• Faculty of Veterinary Science closes on 31 May 2025.
• All other faculties close on 30 June 2025.

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Choose a study programme

Before you start UP Online Application 2026, decide on your programmes and make sure you meet the minimum subject and achievement levels. The online form allows two study choices. If you need to request a third choice or a change after submitting, contact the Student Service Centre for advice.

• Select first and second choices that meet the minimum requirements and any selection guidelines.
• Note that some programmes are not considered when listed as a second choice.
• Your application will be considered for all programmes that you select. Updates will show on the UP Student Portal.

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Fees and funding

Plan your budget early and keep proof of all payments. The first payment on your account is the initial payment for tuition. It is not an extra fee.

• Request a fee quotation for an estimate of tuition costs.
• Family discount may apply when two or more dependent children are registered at the same time.
• A 2.5% discount applies if the full student account is paid by 30 April.
• Residence reservation fee is payable within 30 days after a residence placement is made.
• If you have a bursary, submit the sponsor’s proof in writing before registration.
• Preferred payment methods are EFT and credit card. Allow at least 5 working days for payments to reflect.
• Use official UP banking details exactly as provided on your student fees page.

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Apply to study: the online steps

The UP Online Application 2026 process is straightforward if you follow each step in order. Read the quick context, then complete the list underneath it.

Create and submit your application

1. Apply online from 1 April in the year before you plan to study.
2. Use a correct email address. Your temporary password and T-number are sent to this address.
3. Complete every field truthfully. Indicate interest in residence placement in the residence section.
4. Submit your application. You will receive a student number within 10 working days after submission.

Track your status on the UP Student Portal

• Once you have your student number, you can track your application status on the portal.
• You will receive updates for each programme you selected.

Apply Here

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Residence placement

Indicate your interest in residence when you complete UP Online Application 2026. Demand for accommodation is much higher than the number of places.

• Applications for residence also open on 1 April 2025.
• If you are placed, pay the reservation levy within the period stated in your placement letter.
• Room fees and residence rules are published with your placement information.

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Bursaries and loans

Funding applications must be submitted on time. Use the UP Student Portal for UP bursaries and loans. No late submissions are accepted.

• Apply for university bursaries and loans by the stated deadlines.
• Sports bursaries are handled through the relevant office.
• NSFAS and other external funders have their own processes and closing dates.
• Registered credit providers may offer loans for tuition, books, devices, and accommodation.

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How to access the UP Student Portal

You will use the portal to track status, accept offers, and later to register. Set up your access as soon as you receive your student number.

Set your portal access

1. Open the My UP Login page and choose New user.
2. Enter your username u followed by your student number, plus your ID or passport number.
3. Set a new password and confirm it.
4. Choose three challenge questions and save your answers.
5. Sign in again with your username and password to access your dashboard.

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UP Student Contract

You must conclude a student contract before registration. The process happens in two parts: online completion and physical submission.

• Complete the contract online in the UP Student Portal.
• Print and sign the contract.
• Submit the original signed contract at the Student Service Centre, or send it by post or courier to the addresses provided in your contract instructions.
• Faxed, scanned, or emailed contracts are not accepted.

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Orientation and registration

Information for orientation and online registration for new first year students is made available by the end of December 2025. Check the portal for dates, programme sessions, and registration steps.

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General admission rules and APS

The University of Pretoria uses standard rules for admission to a first bachelor’s degree. Grade 11 results are used for conditional admission. Final admission depends on NSC or equivalent results and on meeting the minimum APS and subject requirements for your chosen degree.

• Candidates with an NSC or IEB with bachelor’s degree endorsement may be considered.
• Graduates from other institutions, or graduates of another UP faculty, may also be considered.
• The APS uses the NSC 1 to 7 scale in six recognised 20-credit subjects. Life Orientation is excluded. Maximum APS is 42.

APS conversion table

• 7: Outstanding achievement, 80–100%
• 6: Meritorious achievement, 70–79%
• 5: Substantial achievement, 60–69%
• 4: Adequate achievement, 50–59%
• 3: Moderate achievement, 40–49%
• 2: Elementary achievement, 30–39%
• 1: Not achieved, 0–29%

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International applicants

International applicants must read the same steps above, with extra checks on documents and admission status for degree studies in South Africa.

• Use a valid passport and upload certified copies of all documents.
• Applicants with school leaving certificates not issued by Umalusi must follow the guidance in the international prospectus.
• Proof of English proficiency may be required if you are from a non English speaking country.
• Keep any exemption or evaluation documents ready if instructed to provide them.

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Quick checklist before you submit

Use this short list to catch common errors in your UP Online Application 2026.

• Two study choices meet the minimum requirements.
• Correct email address captured.
• All personal details match your ID or passport.
• Required documents are scanned and clear.
• Residence interest captured if needed.
• Funding plan in place and bursary applications started.
• Portal access set up and password saved.

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FAQs

How many study choices may I select in UP Online Application 2026?

Two study choices are allowed on the online form. If you need an additional choice or need to change a choice after submission, contact the Student Service Centre.

How long does it take to receive a student number?

You will receive your UP student number within 10 working days after submitting your online application.

Which results are used for conditional admission?

Grade 11 results may be used for conditional admission. Final admission depends on NSC or equivalent final results and meeting the APS and subject requirements.

Can I still get residence if I apply later in the year?

Residence demand is much higher than the available spaces. Apply from 1 April and complete all steps early to improve your chances.

What is the initial payment?

It is the first payment towards tuition fees, not an additional fee. Pay on time to avoid delays in registration.

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Conclusion: Follow this page to complete UP Online Application 2026 correctly the first time. Choose two suitable programmes, apply from 1 April, keep to the 31 May and 30 June closing dates, scan clear documents, and use the UP Student Portal to track your status. A complete, early application moves faster and reduces follow up.