Applying to the University of Pretoria is an important step for learners who want to study at one of South Africa’s top universities.
Before you submit your application, you must make sure that your documents are ready. Missing, unclear or incorrect documents can delay your application or make it difficult for the university to assess you.
This guide explains the documents needed to apply at UP, including what current Grade 12 learners, matriculants, transfer students and international applicants should prepare.
University of Pretoria Applications for 2027
University of Pretoria applications for the 2027 academic year opened on 1 April 2026. UP confirms that applications for Veterinary Science close on 31 May 2026, while applications for all other undergraduate programmes close on 30 June 2026.
Applicants are encouraged to apply early because UP programmes have limited spaces.
Documents Needed to Apply at UP
The documents you need may depend on your applicant type and chosen programme.
In general, applicants should prepare:
- Copy of South African ID or passport
- Final Grade 11 report
- Grade 12 results, if available
- Matric certificate, if already completed Grade 12
- Academic record, if previously studied at another institution
- Proof of income, if applying for an application fee waiver
- Additional documents required by the chosen programme
UP advises applicants to prepare documents in advance, including their ID or passport and Grade 11 final report.
Documents for Current Grade 12 Learners
If you are currently in Grade 12, you should prepare your final Grade 11 results before applying.
Current Grade 12 learners may need:
- Copy of South African ID
- Final Grade 11 report
- Latest Grade 12 results, if available
- Proof of income, if applying for an application fee waiver
- Programme-specific documents, where required
Your Grade 11 report must be clear and readable. It should show your name, school name, subjects and marks.
Documents for Applicants Who Already Matriculated
If you have already completed Grade 12, you should apply using your final matric results.
Applicants who already matriculated may need:
- Copy of South African ID
- National Senior Certificate
- Matric statement of results, if the certificate is not yet available
- Final matric certificate, where available
- Proof of income, if applying for a fee waiver
- Additional documents required by the faculty
Make sure your matric document is not blurry or cropped. Your name, ID number, subjects and results should be visible.
Documents for Transfer Students
If you previously studied at another university, university of technology, TVET college or other higher education institution, UP may require proof of your previous academic record.
Transfer applicants may need:
- Copy of ID or passport
- Matric certificate
- Full academic record
- Proof of previous registration
- Certificate of conduct, if requested
- Module information, where required
- Programme-specific documents
These documents help UP assess your previous studies and determine whether you meet the requirements for your chosen qualification.
Documents for International Applicants
International applicants may need additional documents because their identity and school qualifications must be verified.
International applicants may need:
- Copy of passport
- Final school results
- School-leaving certificate
- Academic transcript, if previously studied
- Proof of English proficiency, where required
- Study visa or immigration documents, where applicable
- SAQA or Universities South Africa-related documents, where required
International applicants should always check the latest UP admission requirements for their qualification before submitting an application.
Proof of Income for Application Fee Waiver
The University of Pretoria application fee for 2027 is R300. UP says the fee is required when submitting a study application and is non-refundable.
However, some applicants may qualify for a fee waiver. UP says applicants whose household income is R150 000 or less per year may have the application fee waived, but they must upload proof of income documents for verification.
Proof of income documents may include:
- Parent or guardian payslip
- Affidavit, where applicable
- Proof of SASSA grant, where applicable
- Other documents requested by UP
Applicants should upload the correct proof under the relevant payment or fee waiver section during the online application process.
How to Upload Documents at UP
The University of Pretoria uses an online application system. UP states that applicants must complete the application process online and should first ensure that they meet the minimum requirements for their chosen programme.
To upload your documents:
- Go to the official UP online application system.
- Start or continue your application.
- Enter your personal and academic details.
- Choose your study programme.
- Upload the required supporting documents.
- Pay the application fee or upload proof for a fee waiver.
- Submit your application.
- Save your application reference details.
Before submitting, open each uploaded file to check that it is clear and readable.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many applicants experience delays because of simple document mistakes.
Avoid these errors:
- Uploading blurry documents
- Uploading screenshots with missing information
- Forgetting your final Grade 11 report
- Uploading the wrong document under the wrong section
- Not uploading proof of income when requesting a fee waiver
- Waiting until the closing date to apply
- Using incorrect personal details
- Forgetting to submit the final application
A complete application gives UP the information needed to assess your application properly.
Programme-Specific Documents
Some UP programmes may require extra documents or selection processes.
Depending on your chosen course, you may be asked for:
- Additional forms
- Selection information
- Portfolio
- Interview information
- Health-related requirements
- Faculty-specific documents
Applicants should check the faculty brochure and programme page before applying. UP advises applicants to choose a study programme and make sure they meet the minimum application requirements before submitting an application.
Final Reminder
The documents needed to apply at the University of Pretoria depend on your applicant type and chosen programme.
Most applicants should prepare a copy of their ID or passport, final Grade 11 report, Grade 12 or matric results, academic records if they studied before, and proof of income if applying for an application fee waiver.
UP applications for 2027 opened on 1 April 2026. Veterinary Science applications closed on 31 May 2026, while all other undergraduate applications close on 30 June 2026.
Apply early, upload clear documents and track your application after submission.