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:

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.

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:

  1. 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.
  2. Application Deadlines Vary by Faculty
    • Veterinary Science applications close on 31 May 2025.
    • All other faculties have a closing date of 30 June 2025.
  3. 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)
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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

Comparison of Easy vs Hard Courses for Acceptance at University of Pretoria Online Application for 2026
Comparison of Easy vs Hard Courses for Acceptance at University of Pretoria Online Application for 2026

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:

This list covers the main UP faculties, including:

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.

Courses That Always Have Space

These programmes either require higher Maths scores or have fewer applicants, meaning they don’t fill up as quickly.

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.

Courses That Always Have Space

These programmes either require specific subject achievements or have fewer applicants, making them easier to get into.

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.

Courses That Always Have Space

These programmes require higher APS, stricter Maths and Science requirements, or attract fewer applicants, leaving available spots.

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.

Courses That Always Have Space

These programmes usually have fewer applicants due to higher entry requirements or specialised career paths.

Faculty of Humanities

Courses That Get Full Fast

These programmes fill up quickly because they have lower APS requirements or are in high demand.

Courses That Always Have Space

These programmes have stricter entry requirements or fewer applicants, keeping space available longer.

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