University of Pretoria Pretoria, South Africa

“With zeal and perseverance I strive towards the goal”

University of Pretoria

University of Pretoria is one of South Africa’s leading research and teaching universities.

Mission Statement

The University of Pretoria strives to be an internationally recognized South African university and provide excellent education, promote scholarship, create flexible, life-long learning opportunities, enable students to become well-rounded, create an intellectually stimulating and culturally vibrant environment.

Getting there

Most practical way is to fly

South Africa has 10 principal airports, including three international airports.

OR Tambo International Airport is the busiest airport in Africa and the major gateway, offering both domestic, African regional, and international connections.

Cape Town International Airport

Durban International Airport

Education

University of Pretoria prides itself on its upstanding education principles:

Encouraging contact between students and lecturers

Inviting engagement

Extending knowledge

Nurturing complexity and critical thinking

Building connections

Education

Transforming views and inspiring change

Encouraging reflective thinking

Providing appropriate learning support

Respecting diversity

Creating empowering learning experiences and environments

Location, location, location

University of Pretoria is a public university located in Pretoria, the administrative capital of South Africa.

The university is divided in to nine faculties and one business school.

The main campus is in Hatfield, a suburb of Pretoria. Six of the nine faculties are located here as well.

Pretoria

Northern part of Gauteng Province, South Africa

Moderately dry subtropical climate. Average temperature: 66 ‘F

Rain fall in summer months and drought conditions in the winter

Snowfall occurs once or twice a century

The main languages are Pedi, Afrikaans, Tswana, Tsonga, Zulu, and English

Main transportation is by railway or buses

Fast Facts

Currency is the Rand

South Africa uses the metric system

Tap water is bacteria free and safe for international tourists to drink

Major credit cards are accepted in South Africa

Student Affairs is available to provide various services for any student at the university-emotional support, study methods, career guidance, students with special needs

School year commences in January until December. Recesses are held in April, July, and September

On campus…

The Aula is the main hall and site of ceremonies on campus and was the first opera house and major venue until the State Theatre was completed in the early 1980’s.

The State Theatre seats 1012 audience members and has hosted foreign dignitaries, presidents, and various artists.

The University Chapel, or the Church of Saint Alfons Maria de Ligouri, was bought from the Catholic Church in 1980. (Saint Alfons was the founder of the Redemptorists)

Campus Eats

Spageti’s: Delicious pasta, pizza, and paninis

Oom Gert’s Kiosk: Sweets and cold drinks

Oom Gert’s Kuierpiek: A pub-style restaurant and bar

Steer’s Tukkies: A taste of America. Beef hamburgers, fries, hot dogs, chips, ice cream, pie, and milkshakes

Torpedo’s: Spuds, salads, and wraps

Groenkloof Cafeteria: Lunch and dinner, cold drinks, sweets, coffee, tea

Student Life

More than 100 student clubs and organizations on campus

Student government, service providers, and service organizations

Most prominent are the Student Parliament, Student Representative Council, and Student Court.

University RAG society (charitable fundraising organization, run by students)

The Perdeby is the university newspaper

Student Life

The University has thirty registered sports clubs and ten academies.

9,000 students compete annually

Rugby, soccer, and cricket are popular sports

Most popular rugby team: Blue Bulls. Soccer team: Mamelodi Sundowns

Students have the chance to participate in the FNB Varsity Cup Rugby Union tournament, involving the top 8 rugby players in South Africa.

UP Residence Options

There are numerous men’s residences, Boekenhout, Kiaat, Kollege, Maroela, Mopanie, Olienhout, Sonop, Taiibos.

Women’s residences are Asterhof, Curlitzia, Erika, Jasmyn, Katjiepiering, Klaradyn, Madlief, Magrietjie, Nerina, Zinnia

Mixed residences are Hippokrates, Jackaranda, Olympus, Onderstepoort, Protea, Tuksdor, TuksVillage, and Tuks Naledi.

TuksVillage is the most popular choice.

Top academic achievers in each residence receive free accommodations for the following year.

What to do in Pretoria?

Pretoria has an impressive array of museums and zoos.

Pretoria Forts, Kruger House, Melrose House, Voortrekker Monument, Freedom Park, Transvaal Museum, African Window

The Pretoria Zoo is one of the best in the world.

There are natural reserves open to the public; Groenkloof Natural Reserve, Rietvlei Nature Reserve, Moreletaspruit Natue Reserve

Watch a rugby or soccer game at the Loftus Versfeld stadium.

Shopping

How to apply

Minimum period for study abroad students is six months, maximum is 1 year.

Student must send in a certified copy of their passport, copies of official academic transcripts, a letter from the home institution granting permission for study abroad, a list of proposed courses to be taken at the University of Pretoria, proof of financial support, and a fee of $30.

In order to obtain a study permit, the student must contact the nearest South African consular office in their country.

Students must use the letter of admission from the University of Pretoria to apply for study permits.

Find a place to stay! Admission into the University doesn’t ensure placement in a residence.