The three-year Bachelor of Commerce Statistics degree programme trains students in the science of extracting information from data. This qualification equips statisticians for employment in data science environments and increases the scope of possible jobs they could consider in practically any industry. It lays the foundation for scientifically accountable conclusions, planning and estimation.

This programme also enhances students’ understating of statistics which is a vital part of modern life and business and is used daily to make sense of the world around us. For example, it helps them to understand how social media platforms personalise content and suggestions for different people. This programme is presented jointly with UP Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences.

Characteristics of students who excel in this programme are:

• Strong numerical skills
• Interest in computers and computer programming
• Logical reasoning ability
• Interest in planning and in analysing problems
• Good language and communication skills
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Inquisitive 
• Innovative
• Team player
• Critical thinking skills
• Agile mind
• Adaptability

Accreditations/Certifications:

UP Statistics and Mathematical Statistics students can obtain Statistical Analysis Software (SAS) certification from SAS, an international statistical software developer (www.sas.com), for:

• Introduction to statistical learning
• Statistical learning
• Introduction to big data analytics
• Big data analytics

For more information visit www.up.ac.za/statistics

Data scientists, statistical analysts in several industries, researchers, consultants and lecturers

Important information for all prospective students for 2025

The admission requirements below apply to all who apply for admission to the University of Pretoria with a National Senior Certificate (NSC) and Independent Examination Board (IEB) qualifications. Click here for this Faculty Brochure.

Life Orientation is excluded when calculating the APS. 

Applicants currently in Grade 12 must apply with their final Grade 11 (or equivalent) results.

Applicants who have completed Grade 12 must apply with their final NSC or equivalent qualification results.

Please note that meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee admission.

Successful candidates will be notified once admitted or conditionally admitted.

Unsuccessful candidates will be notified after 30 June.

Applicants should check their application status regularly on the UP Student Portal at click here.

Applicants with qualifications other than the abovementioned should refer to the International undergraduate prospectus 2025: Applicants with a school leaving certificate not issued by Umalusi (South Africa), available at click here.

International students: Click here.

Transferring students

A transferring student is a student who, at the time of applying at the University of Pretoria (UP) is/was a registered student at another tertiary institution. A transferring student will be considered for admission based on NSC or equivalent qualification and previous academic performance. Students who have been dismissed from other institutions due to poor academic performance will not be considered for admission to UP.

Closing dates: Same as above.

Returning students

A returning student is a student who, at the time of application for a degree programme is/was a registered student at UP, and wants to transfer to another degree at UP. A returning student will be considered for admission based on NSC or equivalent qualification and previous academic performance.

Note:

• Students who have been excluded/dismissed from a faculty due to poor academic performance may be considered for admission to another programme at UP, as per faculty-specific requirements.
• Only ONE transfer between UP faculties and TWO transfers within a faculty will be allowed.
• Admission of returning students will always depend on the faculty concerned and the availability of space in the programmes for which they apply.

Closing date for applications from returning students

Unless capacity allows for an extension of the closing date, applications from returning students must be submitted before the end of August via your UP Student Centre.

All modules will only be presented in English, which is the University's official language of tuition, communication and correspondence.

The Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences aspires to be at the cutting edge of economic, financial and management education, as well as research and community engagement within the national, African and global context. Our mission is to advance relevant knowledge and develop employable, innovative and diverse graduates to co-create value for society.

• Disclaimer: This publication contains information about regulations and programmes of the University of Pretoria. Amendments to or updating of the information may be effected from time to time without prior notification. The accuracy, correctness or validity of the information contained here is therefore not guaranteed by the University at any given time and is always subject to verification. The user is kindly requested to verify the correctness of the information with the University at all times. Failure to do so will not give rise to any claim or action of any nature against the University by any party whatsoever.