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.
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Related Resources
Student Loans in South Africa: How to Apply and What to Expect
For many young South Africans, accessing higher education is a dream that often comes with a financial challenge. Fortunately, several student loan optionsstrong> are available in South Africa to help fund university, college, or TVET studies. Whether you’re looking for a government loan like NSFAS or a private student loan from a bank, understanding the process is essential for success.
What Are Student Loans?
Student loans are a form of financial aid provided to eligible students to help cover tuition fees, books, accommodation, and other study-related expenses. In South Africa, these loans can come from government institutions like NSFAS or private banks such as Nedbank, Standard Bank, FNB, and Absa. Most loans offer repayment flexibility and low-interest options until you graduate.
Types of Student Loans in South Africa
- NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme): A government-funded loan/grant program for students from low-income households. Covers tuition, housing, transport, and meals.
- Bank Student Loans: Offered by most major banks. These are credit-based and require a guardian or parent as a co-signer.
- Private Loan Providers: Companies like Fundi offer educational loans covering various costs such as school fees, gadgets, and textbooks.
Requirements to Qualify for a Student Loan
Each provider has its own criteria, but most South African student loans require the following:
- Proof of South African citizenship or permanent residency
- Proof of registration or acceptance at a recognised tertiary institution
- Parent or guardian with a stable income to co-sign (for private loans)
- Completed application form with supporting documents (ID, proof of income, academic records)
How to Apply for a Student Loan
To apply for a student loan in South Africa, follow these steps:
- Identify your loan provider: Choose between NSFAS, a bank, or a private lender.
- Gather necessary documents: ID copies, academic transcripts, acceptance letters, and income statements.
- Complete the application form online or at a branch.
- Await approval: Some banks offer instant decisions, while NSFAS can take a few weeks.
- Receive disbursement: Funds are typically paid directly to the institution or your account, depending on the lender.
Loan Amounts and Repayment
The loan amount you can receive depends on your chosen lender and financial need:
- NSFAS: Covers full tuition, residence, books, and a personal allowance. The loan becomes a bursary if you pass all your courses.
- Banks: Can provide up to R120,000 or more annually, depending on tuition costs and credit history.
Repayment usually starts after graduation or once you start earning an income. Bank loans may require interest-only payments during your studies. NSFAS repayment only begins when you earn above a specific income threshold.
FAQs on Student Loans in South Africa
1. Can I apply for a student loan without a parent or guardian?
For government loans like NSFAS, yes. But most banks require a financially responsible co-signer, especially for students without an income.
2. Is NSFAS a loan or a bursary?
NSFAS starts as a loan, but it converts to a bursary if you meet academic performance requirements. This means you may not have to pay it back.
3. What is the interest rate on student loans?
Private banks offer competitive rates between 5% and 12%, depending on the applicant's credit profile. NSFAS charges a much lower interest rate, usually linked to inflation.
4. What happens if I fail my courses?
If you’re funded by NSFAS and fail, your loan won’t convert into a bursary, and you’ll need to repay the full amount. Banks may continue charging interest, and your co-signer may be held liable.
5. Can I use a student loan to pay for accommodation and laptops?
Yes. Both NSFAS and many bank student loans cover costs beyond tuition, including housing, meals, textbooks, and electronic devices like laptops or tablets.
Final Thoughts
Student loans in South Africa offer a much-needed financial lifeline to thousands of students every year. Whether you're applying through **NSFAS** or a private bank, ensure you understand the **terms, interest rates, and repayment conditions** before signing any agreement. Make informed decisions today to secure your academic and financial future tomorrow.