Understanding the cost of studying at the University of Pretoria (UP) is essential before you register. Fees vary significantly by faculty, qualification level, and nationality. This guide breaks down tuition costs, the initial registration payment, NSFAS funding, and other financial support available to UP students.
At registration, students must settle an initial payment of R11,000 for undergraduates and R13,500 for postgraduates. Annual tuition on top of that figure depends on faculty, and residence fees, meals included, run from roughly R70,700 to R93,500 depending on the hall. Students funded through NSFAS or another external sponsor skip the initial payment entirely.
Breaking Down Your 2026 Costs
Initial Fee
Unfunded undergraduates pay R11,000 up front; postgraduates pay R13,500. This amount is required before registration can be finalised, and it counts toward your total annual account rather than sitting on top of it.
International students from outside the SADC region face a separate initial payment: R40,000 for undergraduate study, or 50% of total annual fees for postgraduate study.
Tuition
Costs differ sharply by degree. A Humanities programme and a Veterinary Science programme sit at opposite ends of the scale. Because of that spread, check the UP Undergraduate Fees Guide for the figure tied to your specific faculty rather than relying on a university-wide average.
Accommodation
Room rates vary by campus, residence, and room type.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tirisano (men’s residence, Groenkloof campus), single room | ~R77,600/year |
| Standard single rooms elsewhere on campus | from ~R70,700/year |
| Ensuite or self-catering options (high-demand residences) | R90,000+/year |
| Meal plan, minimum | R14,400 (billed upfront) |
| Meal plan, full three-meals-a-day | up to ~R65,000 |
| Room reservation fee | R5,700 (due within 30 days of room allocation; counts as first instalment) |
Meal charges are billed at a minimum upfront, and unused credit is refunded at year-end. Full breakdowns by residence are listed on the UP Residence Fees page.
What Is NSFAS, and Does UP Accept It?
Yes. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) provides government funding to qualifying South African undergraduate students from lower-income households, helping cover the cost of tertiary education.
How NSFAS Funding Works at UP
NSFAS covers tuition, prescribed textbooks, and living allowances for students whose household income falls below R350,000 a year. For students it approves, the scheme changes the fee process in a few important ways:
- No initial payment. Once NSFAS confirms your funding, UP waives the upfront R11,000 (or R13,500) fee.
- Registration still required. You must complete registration through the UP Portal yourself, and separately apply for your allowance payouts under the “Fin Aid / Funding Opportunities” tile.
- Coverage has limits. NSFAS does not pay for repeated modules, summer or winter school fees, or any charges for damage to university property. These remain the student’s responsibility even with approved funding.
Because NSFAS confirmation needs to reach the university before registration closes, submitting your funding application early is worth prioritising over other steps in the process.