Overview
The University of Pretoria (UP), established in 1908, is one of South Africa’s leading public research universities. Based in Pretoria (the administrative capital), UP has grown from its early start with four professors and 32 students into a research-focused institution known for academic excellence, innovation, and measurable societal impact.
2. General Information
| Founded | March 4, 1908 |
| Type | Public Research University |
| Motto | “With zeal and perseverance, strive towards the goal” |
| Location | Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa |
| Campuses | Seven, including Hatfield (main), Groenkloof, Onderstepoort, Prinshof, Mamelodi, Hillcrest, and GIBS (Johannesburg) |
| Student Population | Over 56,000 students (undergraduate, postgraduate, distance learning) |
| Academic Staff | Approximately 13,800 full-time staff members |
| Chancellor | Sisi Khampepe |
| Vice-Chancellor and Principal | Francis Petersen |
3. Fee Structure
| Program | 1st Year | 2nd Year | 3rd Year | 4th Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LLB | R52,000 – R65,000 | R60,000 – R66,000 | R67,000 – R74,000 | R67,000 – R74,000 |
| BCom (Law) | R59,000 – R77,000 | R54,000 – R58,000 | R58,000 – R66,000 | N/A |
| BA (Law) | R52,000 – R62,000 | R55,000 – R66,000 | R51,000 – R61,000 | N/A |
4. Faculties
- Economic and Management Sciences
- Education
- Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
- Health Sciences
- Humanities
- Law
- Natural and Agricultural Sciences
- Theology and Religion
- Veterinary Science (the only faculty of its kind in South Africa)
- Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS)
5. International Recognition and Rankings
- UP is recognized internationally for the quality of its teaching and research output.
- It is ranked within the 601–800 band in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025.
- The university’s research standing and academic reputation have helped place it among the top 1.9% of universities worldwide.
If you are comparing South African options with a strong research focus, you may also want to review University of Cape Town, University of the Witwatersrand, and university of johannesburg for different campus cultures and academic strengths.
6. Campus Life and Facilities
- The main campus in Hatfield is known for its tree-lined environment, including jacaranda areas, and UP offers modern teaching spaces, extensive library resources, and advanced research laboratories.
- Student life is supported through cultural groups, sports, and social activities, with opportunities to get involved in societies, academic support programs, and campus events.
For learners interested in business and industry-linked study within South Africa, UP’s connection to GIBS (Johannesburg) is one of the reasons many students consider the university’s broader campus network when planning their academic path.
7. Contact Information
- Address: University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, 0028, South Africa
- Phone: +27 12 420 3111
- Email: ssc@up.ac.za
- Website: www.up.ac.za
More Universities in South Africa
- University of Cape Town
- Stellenbosch University
- University of the Witwatersrand
- University of Johannesburg
- Rhodes University
– If you are interested in writing, write for us education articles now.
