Every year, thousands of students plan to study at the University of Pretoria (UP), one of South Africa’s largest and most prestigious contact universities. Because UP is highly competitive, with admission based on a ranking system rather than first-come-first-served, applying correctly and on time matters more here than almost anywhere else.
Applying to UP is a straightforward online process that allows prospective students to submit their applications from anywhere in South Africa or abroad. This guide brings together all the information you need to successfully apply online at UP.
Follow the steps below to apply correctly and give yourself the best possible chance of securing a place.
Start Your UP Application (Recommended Path)
Step 1: π Check the Current UP Application Status & Deadlines β
Step 2: π See Exactly Which Documents You Need β
Step 3: π Open the UP Application Portal & Apply Now β
Step 4: π Browse All Available UP Courses & APS Requirements β
Most Important Pages for 2026 Applicants
These are the pages most applicants need first. Start with the one that matches where you are in the process.
- π UP 2026 Application Guide + Deadlines β
- π UP Admission Requirements: Exact Docs Needed β
- π UP Fees 2026 + Full NSFAS Funding Guide β
- π UP Student Portal: Login & Setup β
- π UP Registration 2026: Step-by-Step β
- π UP Qualifications: Browse 1,200+ Programmes β
- π UP Available Courses 2026: Full List & APS Requirements β
Tip: UP uses a competitive ranking system, not first-come-first-served. Meeting the minimum APS does not guarantee admission. Apply as early as possible to maximise your chances.
Applying to the University of Pretoria for the 2026 academic year is a significant step towards a world-class education. Because UP does not generally accommodate late or walk-in applications, gather your documents early, confirm your APS, and apply the moment the portal opens. Visit the official UP website at www.up.ac.za for the most current information, and apply today.
You May Also Want to Explore
If you are still deciding, or want to compare your options before applying, these pages are worth checking:
- UP vs Other Top South African Universities β
- NSFAS Application 2026 β How to Apply for Funding β
- UP Postgraduate Applications 2026 (Honours, Master’s, PhD) β
- UPOnline β Fully Online Programmes at UP β
- Other Universities With Applications Still Open β
Top 10 Scholarships for International Students in the USA
1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program
Description: The Fulbright Program is the U.S. government’s flagship international educational exchange program, designed to increase mutual understanding between Americans and people from other countries.
Coverage typically includes:
- Tuition and fees
- Living stipend
- Health insurance
- Travel expenses
2. Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
Description: A Fulbright exchange program that brings accomplished mid-career professionals from designated countries to the United States for one year of non-degree graduate study and professional development.
Coverage typically includes:
- Tuition and fees
- Living allowance
- Professional development activities
- Health insurance
3. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
Description: A comprehensive scholarship program aimed at educating and empowering academically talented young people from economically disadvantaged communities, particularly in Africa.
Coverage typically includes:
- Full tuition
- Housing and meals
- Travel expenses
- Stipend
- Mentoring and internship opportunities
4. AAUW International Fellowships
Description: The American Association of University Women (AAUW) offers fellowships for women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents pursuing graduate or postgraduate studies in the United States.
Award Amount: $18,000 for Master’s, $20,000 for Doctoral, $30,000 for Postdoctoral
5. Rotary Foundation Global Grants Scholarships
Description: Rotary Clubs worldwide sponsor scholarships for international students whose field of study aligns with Rotary’s areas of focus.
Award Amount: Minimum $30,000
6. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
Description: Funded by the Japanese government, this program provides opportunities for graduate studies in development-related fields for citizens from World Bank member countries.
Coverage typically includes:
- Tuition
- Monthly living stipend
- Travel expenses
- Health insurance
7. PEO International Peace Scholarship
Description: The PEO International Peace Scholarship Fund provides scholarships for international women students to pursue graduate study in the United States and Canada.
Award Amount: Maximum $12,500 per year
8. Onsi Sawiris Scholarship Program
Description: This program supports Egyptian students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees in specific fields at prestigious U.S. universities.
Coverage typically includes:
- Full tuition
- Living expenses
- Health insurance
- Travel costs
9. Amelia Earhart Fellowship
Description: Established by Zonta International, this fellowship is awarded annually to women pursuing PhD or doctoral degrees in aerospace-related sciences or aerospace-related engineering.
Award Amount: $10,000
10. Foreign Fulbright Student Program
Description: This program enables graduate students, young professionals, and artists from abroad to conduct research and study in the United States.
Coverage typically includes:
- Tuition
- Textbooks
- Airfare
- Living stipend
- Health insurance