The Bachelor of Administration Public Management and International Relations programme is directed towards the study of Public Administration to equip students for a career in the public sector.

The degree provides in-depth knowledge of certain administrative and management practices in the South African and international public sectors. It focuses on the three spheres of government, namely the local, provincial and national levels.

Some of the key aspects studied are public financial and human resources management, international administration and management, policy and organisation studies, ethics, project management, intergovernmental relations and administrative justice.

The Bachelor of Administration degree is the only programme in the Faculty of EMS that combines public sector management with specialisations such as politics and international relations.

The programme exposes students to the management environment in both the public and private sectors. It enhances students’ understanding of what it means to be good and responsible citizens.

The ideal candidates should:

• Have the desire, commitment and dedication to serve their community, their city and/or their country
• Believe in and want to be part of the moral and legal obligation that the state has towards creating a better life for all

Our graduates are employed by:

Government departments, embassies, consulates, High Commissions, parastatals, non-governmental organisations, private sector companies that work extensively with government contracts.

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

Diplomats, political analysts, managers in the public sector, local government and the private sector, non-governmental organisations, international organisations and embassies. Graduates are often employed in human resourcse sections and planning and general administrative divisions.

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.