If you’re a new first-year student at the University of Pretoria (UP) in 2024, WELCOME to UP!

Also, congratulations on your decision to #ChooseUP. Rest assured that you’ve made a wise decision, and no matter the speed bumps ahead, UP has resources in place to help you along and ensure your academic journey is rewarding, enriching – and fun!

We know the start of such a big new chapter can be intimidating, but we have plenty of information available to help you make sense of campus life, and get to know the people, departments and offices you can call upon to assist you if you feel overwhelmed at any stage.

To get you started, here is a handy graphic summary of the most important next steps, which all conditionally admitted students should have received via email.

The PDF at the link above lays out all the important dates and information, but here’s another summary of the most important steps you need to be aware of:

• Please check the UP Student Portal at www1.up.ac.za and accept the programme offer. Check the “Communication” tab in the Student Portal regularly so you don’t miss any important updates.

• Pay your initial tuition (and residence, if applicable) fee. More information is available here.

• Complete your student contract on the Student Portal. You must print and either post (check the PDF linked above for the postal address) or deliver the contract (to the Student Service Centre on Hatfield Campus), or you will not be able to register. Check the PDF linked above for detailed information about completing the student contract, or watch this video.

• Check your final admission status (based on your final school-leaving certificate) from 23 January 2024 on the Student Portal. If you have met the minimum requirements for your programme, have delivered your student contract to UP, and paid your initial tuition/ residence fees, you can proceed with registration via the Student Portal from 25 January 2024. Watch our registration video for more information. If you need any assistance with registration, phone the help desk at 012-420-5347 or send an email to [email protected]..

• For more information regarding registration, you may visit our Online registration site

• Complete UP’s online pre-orientation from 25 January 2024.

• First-year students and students new to the University of Pretoria can obtain their student cards at the Hillcrest Campus 24 hours after registration. Read more about UP student access cards here

• Attend Welcome Day for first-year students and parents/guardians on 10 February 2024.

• All new first-years must attend First-Year Orientation from 12 to 16 February 2024. This will help you get to know the university, and also help you be sure you’ve signed up for the correct modules to meet your programme requirements.

• Lectures for most programmes will start on Monday 19 February 2024.

• UP follows a blended teaching and learning approach, with includes online components. So you must have access to an internet-enabled device, preferably a laptop. Please check your faculty website for more information about specific laptop requirements.

• Please bookmark or download the handy InfoGuide 2024, which summarises even more useful information and dates you need to diarise. InfoGuide 2024 will be uploaded on your studies portal (ClickUP) as part of the Orientation Week package. 

That’s it for now! You’ve worked so hard to get to this point, and we’re excited to be part of all the great things you’ll achieve in your higher education journey – and beyond.

Well done again on your decision to #ChooseUP, and we look forward to an exciting year of growth and working together as we Make today matter!

• If you are a returning student, here's a summary of the steps you need to take before you start the next chapter of your UP academic journey.

• Read more about how the University of Pretoria supports students throughout their journey with us