Hello, Grade 12 student. On this page, we have written a detailed guide on how to apply online at the University of Pretoria (UP) for the 2026 academic year.
UP online applications open from 1 April 2025 and close on 30 June 2025. Late applications might open towards the beginning of 2026, but relying on this is risky since most courses fill up fast.
The most important thing about the UP online application for 2026 is to apply strategically. Some courses always have space, while others fill up quickly, making it harder to get accepted. We’ve simplified this process for you by looking at all UP faculties and listing how easy it is to get accepted into each course for 2026.
You’ll notice that easier courses with lower APS requirements attract more applicants, so they fill up the fastest. On the other hand, harder courses—especially those requiring higher Maths and Science scores—tend to have more space available.
For example:
- BCom Business Management has low APS requirements, so many students apply, making it very competitive.
- Engineering and Health Sciences degrees have high APS and subject-specific requirements, so fewer students qualify, meaning more space is available.
To make sure you don’t waste your application, check our faculty-specific breakdown to see which courses get full quickly and which always have space. This way, you increase your chances of getting into UP for 2026.
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10 Important Things for UP Online Applications 2026
Here are 10 important facts about University of Pretoria online 2026 applications that you need to know:
- Applications Open on 1 April 2025
The University of Pretoria online 2026 applications open on 1 April 2025. Since all study programmes have limited spaces, you should apply as soon as possible. - Application Deadlines Vary by Faculty
- Veterinary Science applications close on 31 May 2025.
- All other faculties have a closing date of 30 June 2025.
- Required Documents for Online Application
You will need to upload the following documents when submitting your University of Pretoria online 2026 applications:- Final Grade 11 report (promotion mark)
- Certified copy of your ID or birth certificate
- Proof of payment (if applicable)
- Checking Your Application Status
After applying, you can track your University of Pretoria online 2026 applications via the UP Student Portal at www1.up.ac.za. Feedback is typically given by September 2025. - Minimum Requirements Do Not Guarantee Admission
Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not mean automatic acceptance. Final admission is based on your Grade 12 results. - Residence Placement is Competitive
The demand for on-campus accommodation is high. Apply early via the University of Pretoria online 2026 applications platform to improve your chances. If accepted, you must pay a residence reservation levy within the deadline. - Student Number Issued in 10 Days
You will receive your student number within 10 working days after submitting your University of Pretoria online 2026 applications. This student number allows you to track your application status. - Application Changes and Additional Study Choices
You can select two study choices in your application. If you need to change your choices or add a third, email ssc@up.ac.za. - Fee Payment Discounts and Bursary Information
- 2.5% Discount if full tuition fees are paid by 30 April 2026.
- Family discount applies when two or more siblings are enrolled at UP at the same time.
- Bursary students must submit proof of funding before registration.
- Online Application Demonstration Video
Before starting your University of Pretoria online 2026 applications, watch the official UP online application guide at YouTube for step-by-step instructions.
Courses to Apply for in 2026 at UP – From High to Low Acceptance Rate
Now that you’ve explored all the important facts about 2026 applications at UP, the next step is choosing the right course to increase your chances of getting accepted. Below, we have organised a detailed list by faculty, showing:
- Courses that are easy to get into (high demand, lower APS, but fill up quickly).
- Courses that usually have space (higher APS, fewer applicants, better chance of acceptance).
This list covers the main UP faculties, including:
- Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
- Faculty of Education
- Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
- Faculty of Health Sciences
- Faculty of Humanities
We have excluded the Faculty of Law and Faculty of Theology, as their application process and space availability differ from other faculties.
Use this list to apply smartly and increase your chances of getting a place at UP in 2026!
Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
Courses That Get Full Fast
The lower the APS requirement, the faster a course gets full. These programmes fill up first because more students qualify, making space limited.
- BCom Business Management (APS 30, Maths 4) – Easiest BCom to qualify for, broadest career options, fills up the fastest.
- BCom Supply Chain Management (APS 30, Maths 4) – High demand in logistics, also fills up quickly.
- BCom (General) (APS 30, Maths 4) – Flexible choice, many applicants.
- BCom Human Resource Management (APS 30, Maths 4) – Fewer specialisation limits, attracts many students.
- BCom Financial Management Sciences (APS 32, Maths 5) – Popular alternative for those who don’t qualify for Accounting Sciences.
- BCom Economics (APS 32, Maths 5) – High demand, but slightly fewer applicants than Business Management.
Courses That Always Have Space
These programmes either require higher Maths scores or have fewer applicants, meaning they don’t fill up as quickly.
- BCom (4-Year Programme) (APS 26, Maths 3) – Open to more students, first year at Mamelodi Campus.
- BCom Informatics (APS 30, Maths 5) – IT-focused, fewer applicants.
- BCom Statistics (APS 32, Maths 5) – Maths-heavy, less competition.
- BCom Law (APS 32, Maths 5) – Attracts fewer applicants compared to mainstream law degrees.
Faculty of Education
Courses That Get Full Fast
The lower the APS requirement, the faster a course gets full. These programmes fill up quickly because more students qualify, leading to high demand.
- Higher Certificate in Sports Sciences (APS 20, English 4) – Easiest entry, many applicants from sports backgrounds, fills up the fastest.
- Higher Certificate in Sports Sciences [part-time online] (APS 20, English 4) – Same demand as the full-time option, attracts working professionals.
- Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching (APS 28, English 4) – High demand as many students pursue teaching at early education levels.
- Bachelor of Education in Intermediate Phase Teaching (APS 28, English 4) – Similar to Foundation Phase but for older grades, fills up quickly.
Courses That Always Have Space
These programmes either require specific subject achievements or have fewer applicants, making them easier to get into.
- Bachelor of Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training (APS 28, English 4) – Less demand compared to Foundation and Intermediate Phase, especially for specialisations requiring Physical or Life Sciences.
- BEd with Human Movement Studies & Sports Management (via Higher Certificate) (APS 20) – Requires completion of Higher Certificate first, limiting direct applications.
Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Courses That Get Full Fast
These programmes fill up quickly because they have lower APS requirements or are in high demand across industries.
- Bachelor of Science Architecture (APS 27, Maths 4, Physical Science 4) – Popular first-choice programme, requires an interview, limited space.
- Bachelor of Town and Regional Planning (APS 27, Maths 4) – Fills quickly due to demand in urban development careers.
- Bachelor of Science Construction Management (APS 30, Maths 5) – High demand in the construction industry, often full early.
- Bachelor of Science Real Estate (APS 30, Maths 5) – Property and finance-related careers attract many applicants.
- Bachelor of Science Quantity Surveying (APS 30, Maths 5) – Competitive programme, limited spaces.
- Bachelor of Information Science Multimedia (APS 30, Maths 5) – High demand for digital media and programming skills.
- Bachelor of Information Science (APS 28, No Maths Required) – Flexible career options in information management, attracts many students.
- Bachelor of Information Science Publishing (APS 28, No Maths Required) – Few publishing-focused degrees in SA, making it highly subscribed.
Courses That Always Have Space
These programmes require higher APS, stricter Maths and Science requirements, or attract fewer applicants, leaving available spots.
- Bachelor of Engineering in Any Discipline (APS 35, Maths 6, Physical Science 6) – Higher entry requirements reduce the number of qualifying applicants.
- Bachelor of Engineering (5-Year Programme) (APS 33, Maths 65%, Physical Science 65%) – Longer duration discourages applicants, keeping space open.
- Bachelor of Science Computer Science (APS 30, Maths 6) – Strong Maths requirement limits the applicant pool.
- Bachelor of Science Information and Knowledge Systems (APS 30, Maths 6) – Fewer applicants due to specialised IT focus.
- Bachelor of Information Technology in Information Systems (APS 30, Maths 5) – Less competition than mainstream IT and CS degrees.
Faculty of Health Sciences
The lower the APS requirement, the faster a course fills up. These programmes attract many applicants because they have less strict entry requirements compared to MBChB and BChD.
- Bachelor of Nursing Science (APS 28, English 4, Life Sciences 4) – One of the easiest entry points into Health Sciences, making it highly competitive.
- Bachelor of Dietetics (APS 28, English 4, Maths 4, Physical Science 4) – Many students apply due to career stability and strong job demand.
- Bachelor of Clinical Medical Practice (BCMP) (APS 28, English 4, Maths 4, Physical/Life Science 4) – Fills quickly as an alternative to MBChB with fewer years of study.
- Bachelor of Radiography in Diagnostics (APS 30, English 4, Maths 4, Physical Science 4) – Popular because of its high employment rate.
- Bachelor of Sports Science (APS 30, English 4, Maths 4, Physical/Life Science 4) – High demand due to increasing interest in health, fitness, and sports performance.
Courses That Always Have Space
These programmes usually have fewer applicants due to higher entry requirements or specialised career paths.
- Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBChB) (APS 35, English 5, Maths 6, Physical Science 5) – Extremely high entry requirements mean fewer students qualify.
- Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BChD) (APS 35, English 5, Maths 6, Physical Science 5) – Limited places, but not all applicants meet the cut-off.
- Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (APS 30, English 4, Maths 4, Physical Science 4) – Requires specialised interest, reducing applications.
- Bachelor of Physiotherapy (APS 30, English 4, Maths 4, Physical Science 4) – Similar to Occupational Therapy, more challenging coursework discourages applicants.
- Bachelor of Oral Hygiene (APS 25, English 4, Maths 4, Physical Science 4) – Fewer students apply, as it has a narrower career focus.
Faculty of Humanities
Courses That Get Full Fast
These programmes fill up quickly because they have lower APS requirements or are in high demand.
- Bachelor of Drama (APS 30, English 5) – Requires an audition, many applicants, limited space.
- Bachelor of Arts (APS 30, English 5) – Flexible degree with broad career options, attracts many students.
- Bachelor of Social Work (APS 30, English 5) – High demand in government and social service sectors, limited spaces.
- Bachelor of Political Science – International Studies (APS 30, English 5) – Popular for students interested in diplomacy and global affairs.
- Bachelor of Political Science – Political Studies (APS 30, English 5) – High demand in governance and policy careers.
- Bachelor of Social Science – Industrial Sociology & Labour Studies (APS 30, English 5) – Fills quickly due to relevance in labour law and human resources.
Courses That Always Have Space
These programmes have stricter entry requirements or fewer applicants, keeping space available longer.
- Bachelor of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology (APS 32, English 5, Maths 4) – Requires strong academic performance, fewer applicants.
- Bachelor of Arts in Audiology (APS 32, English 5, Maths 4) – Similar to Speech-Language Pathology, but fewer students apply.
- Bachelor of Arts Philosophy, Politics and Economics (APS 32, English 5, Maths 5) – Maths requirement reduces applicants.
- Bachelor of Arts Law (APS 34, English 5) – Higher APS requirement limits the number of qualifying applicants.
- Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts (APS 30, English 5) – Requires an art portfolio and UP competency test, reducing applications.
- Bachelor of Music (APS 30, English 5) – Requires audition and music theory test, discouraging general applicants.