The University of Pretoria’s (UP) first Postgraduate Virtual Information Session to showcase UP globally as a destination for postgraduate studies with world-class facilities, research excellence and expertise has been dubbed an instant hit.

This comes after UP successfully hosted close to 3 500 prospective students from various parts of the world on the sophisticated and interactive virtual platform on Saturday, 14 October 2023. In line with #ChooseUP day, which targets undergraduate students, the Postgraduate Virtual Information Session attracted prospective postgraduate studies students from around the world.

“Some of the top ten viewing countries included South Africa, followed by India, Botswana, Tanzania, Eswatini, Nigeria, Lesotho, the USA, Zimbabwe and Ghana,” Wallace Isaacs, the Deputy Director for Department Enrolment and Student Administration, said. “I am very happy with the reach and interest of those in South Africa and further afield, who are interested in possible Postgraduate Studies at the University of Pretoria.

“The event was a success, especially now that it’s fully available online. Even those who might not have been able to attend the event can still access it online. We showcased UP, one of South Africa’s top universities, as a research-intensive institution and a postgraduate destination to a bigger audience. This is also the first time such a unique postgraduate event has been held, and looking at the initial feedback, we are very proud of all who made it possible.”

The session presented an opportunity for prospective postgraduate students to gain valuable insight into furthering their studies by pursuing a postgraduate qualification at UP. Not only were the prospective students engaged but they utilised a live-chat option, where they engaged faculties about programmes on offer and postgraduate support services. They also explored scores of testimonies of international students who already live THE UP WAY and Make Today Matter at UP.   

Professor Themba Mosia, the Interim Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Sunil Maharaj, Deputy Vice-Principal of Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies, and various faculty Deans highlighted academic offerings and research focus areas as well as future-orientated programmes and state-of-the-art facilities, and the innovative, world-class education opportunities available at UP.

Sizakele Muyedzwa, an international student from Zimbabwe, said: “I chose UP for my postgraduate studies because the support I received when I was choosing what I wanted to study gave me exposure to possible careers and assured me that the programmes that they had were highly credited and would be accepted in any career path I followed. UP also gave me immigration support from how I could apply for a study permit to programmes like the Fly@UP – which gives students support with academic writing to ensure that they can better express themselves professionally.”

Nurulhudah Okwayo, an international student from Kenya, said: “UP certainly cares about our well-being. Counselling services are available to support us with mental and emotional healthcare, and these services are provided by trained professionals. Their health services, including medical facilities, are easily accessible and their international students’ office is also a great source of orientation, cultural adjustment and general well-being support.” 

Buisiwe Pokothoane, an international student from Lesotho, said: “I chose UP as the destination to study medicine because I was offered an option to do a major transfer into Medicine. I chose UP also because of its access to multiple hospitals in the Gauteng province; which I think is quite beneficial if you are trying to make the connections and gain experience in the medical field. I would recommend UP to other people because I found a home at UP. Coming from Lesotho, I did not know a single person in South Africa but UP, through its multiple opportunities to socialise and engage international students with the people around them, I found a lot of friends and a sense of belonging.”