Registration at the University of Pretoria (UP) happens through the UP Student Portal, and it’s a separate process from applying. Admission gets you an offer, but you still need to register each year before classes start.
The process runs through six stages: activating your portal account, clearing any holds on your record, confirming the academic regulations, checking your enrolment details, settling your financial obligations, and receiving confirmation.
Difference Between Application, Admission & Registration
| Step | What It Is |
|---|---|
| Application | Submitting your request to study at UP, with two programme choices. |
| Admission | UP confirms (conditionally, then finally) that you have a place. |
| Registration | Confirming your modules, paying your initial fee, and officially enrolling. |
Step-by-Step Registration Process
Step 1: Check Your Admission Status
Log in to the Student Portal from 16 January 2026 to see whether you’ve been admitted to your chosen study plan.
Step 2: Confirm or Reject Your Offer
Click CONFIRM for the plan you want to register for. You must do this within two days. If you’ve chosen another institution instead, click REJECT so the space can be offered to someone else.
Step 3: Secure Your Study Space
Register as soon as possible, and no later than 31 January 2026, to secure your place.
Step 4: Pay Your Initial Fee
Pay the R11,000 (undergraduate) or R13,500 (postgraduate) initial fee, unless you are NSFAS-funded (exempt) or have submitted proof of alternative funding to the SSC by email at least two weeks beforehand.
Step 5: Pay Your Residence Fee (If Applicable)
If you’ve been placed in an official UP residence, pay the additional R5,700 residence fee as soon as possible.
Step 6: Register Online or In Person
- Online: Registration opened 17 January 2026 via the Student Portal.
- In person (with assistance): Available at Hillcrest Campus from 19 January to 6 February 2026 for students who need help.
Step 7: Complete Pre-Orientation and Orientation
- Online pre-orientation begins 5 January 2026.
- Welcome Day for first-years and parents/guardians: 31 January 2026.
- First-year orientation: 2–6 February 2026.
Step 8: Collect Your UP Access Card
Once registered, collect your student access card in person at Hillcrest Campus.
Step 9: Attend Classes
Classes for the 2026 academic year begin on 9 February 2026.
Key Dates at a Glance
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 5 January 2026 | Online pre-orientation begins |
| 16 January 2026 | Admission status visible on Student Portal |
| 17 January 2026 | Online registration opens |
| 19 January – 6 February 2026 | In-person registration assistance (Hillcrest Campus) |
| 31 January 2026 | Registration deadline / Welcome Day |
| 2–6 February 2026 | First-year orientation |
| 9 February 2026 | Classes begin |
Registration for Returning & Transferring Students
- Returning students (changing programmes within UP) must apply before the standard closing date, unless capacity allows an extension.
- Only one transfer between UP faculties and two transfers within a faculty are permitted.
- Transferring students from other institutions are assessed on their NSC or equivalent qualification plus previous academic performance. Students dismissed for poor academic performance elsewhere will not be considered.