The University of Pretoria (UP) reached a significant milestone when a record 400 graduates at its recent Spring Graduation ceremonies completed their studies through UPOnline, which offers fully online learning.

UPOnline programmes are offered by UP’s Comprehensive Online Education Services (COES) and are aimed at making it convenient for individuals to pursue online education from anywhere in the world.

The 2024 Spring Graduation ceremonies took place from 2 to 6 September. Celebrating the achievement of the new graduates, COES Director Professor Linda van Ryneveld said the University is proud to have its biggest UPOnline graduating class yet, a clear sign of the increasing demand for online learning.

The UPOnline graduating class included students who successfully completed their Postgraduate Diplomas in Public Health and Public Management, hosted in the Faculty of Health Sciences and Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences.

“This year’s cohort of 87 graduates in the Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management and 317 graduates in the Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health programme not only represents the largest group to date, but also underscores the University’s commitment to expanding access to education through fully online learning platforms,” Prof Van Ryneveld said.

UPOnline also offers the undergraduate Higher Certificate in Sports Sciences (HCSS), hosted in the Faculty of Education. Launched in September 2023, the HCSS will produce its first group of graduates in September 2025.

Accessible learning

The fully online programmes offered at UP have seen remarkable growth since the establishment of COES. Starting with less than 100 students enrolled in its programmes, COES now provides flexible learning opportunities to thousands of students. 

In addition to its current three programmes, and pending final legislative approval, COES intends to introduce five new fully online programmes in 2025: Postgraduate Diplomas in Labour Dispute Resolution, Craniofacial Orthodontics, Project Management, and Engineering & Technology Management; as well as a Master of Philosophy in Interreligious Relations.

With more students than ever graduating from UPOnline, Prof Van Ryneveld said the University of Pretoria is taking significant steps forward in fully online education. “The increase in the number of students enrolling for UPOnline programmes is a testament to the impact UP makes in providing flexible and accessible education.”

For more information on UPOnline programmes, visit www.up.ac.za/uponline