The University of Pretoria (UP) will confer 169 doctoral degrees during its spring graduation ceremonies, taking place from Monday to Friday, 1–5 September 2025, at the Hillcrest campus. In total, more than 2 100 students will be capped and robed as they celebrate this significant milestone.

Friends, families and guardians are expected to gather on campus in large numbers, bringing vibrant attire, cameras, gifts and flowers to mark the occasion and celebrate the graduates’ hard work and dedication. Alongside the doctoral graduates, UP will also award 494 master’s degrees, 460 honours degrees, 392 postgraduate diplomas, 355 bachelor’s degrees, and 237 advanced diplomas and certificates. Some graduates will receive their qualifications from the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS), UP’s business school.

UP has provided financial assistance to more than 15% of the graduates, underscoring the University’s commitment to ensuring that financial barriers do not impede student success. This support extends beyond tuition to include essential needs such as nutrition and psychosocial services, which are often overlooked but play a crucial role in enabling students to succeed academically and personally.

“At UP, we take pride in producing graduates who are socially conscious and active citizens who positively impact our communities,” said UP Chancellor Emeritus Justice Sisi Khampepe. “We know that even beyond the boundaries of knowledge production comes the wisdom and responsibility to apply our knowledge and skills to the benefit of all. These are the characteristics that we need to propel our society forward, both locally and globally, towards the sustainable, equitable future we all desire and need.”

UP's spring graduations are a testament to the institution's long-standing tradition of academic excellence. The ceremonies serve as a culmination of years of rigorous study and research, celebrating the perseverance and achievements of its students. As the university continues to uphold its reputation for producing leaders and innovators, these graduations mark a significant milestone in the academic calendar.

For many graduates, the spring ceremonies are not just an end but a beginning. They mark the start of professional journeys, further studies, or contributions to communities and industries both locally and globally. UP encourages its graduates to carry forward the knowledge, values, and skills gained here to make a meaningful impact wherever they go.