UP welcomes almost 10 000 first-year students as they answer the call to education

Thousands of first-year students, accompanied by their parents and guardians, gathered at the University of Pretoria’s (UP) Hillcrest Campus on Saturday, 31 January 2026, as the institution formally welcomed at least 9 700 undergraduate students who have chosen UP as their academic home for the next few years.

The crowd was divided into morning and afternoon sessions for UP’s Welcome Day, held at the Rembrandt Hall. The event marked the beginning of the students’ academic journey and reflected UP’s response to South Africa’s growing demand for first-year placements in higher education, which has surged in recent years. In the previous admissions cycle, UP received about 340 000 applications for first-year study. After assessing applications against the minimum requirements, 16 000 were offered admission. Demand was particularly high for education and medical programmes, with 670 new students admitted to the Bachelor of Education in Senior Phase and FET Teaching, 220 to the Bachelor of Education in Intermediate Phase Teaching, and 240 to the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB).

“A huge congratulations to you for all your remarkable matric achievements, as well as the dedication, perseverance and resilience shown throughout your high school years, which have now brought you to this exciting new chapter,” said Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Francis Petersen. “You will get to know the University’s hybrid teaching and learning model, which equips students not only for academic success but also for the modern workforce.”

“The model, called TEACH The UP Way, offers students the best of both worlds, online and contact learning. It also encourages students to take control of their learning while developing digital fluency. We believe this is one of the reasons for our improved pass rates. In 2024, the overall module pass rate at UP increased to 90%, compared to 88% the previous year.”

Prof Petersen highlighted that more than 1 300 students with averages above 85% have chosen to begin their academic journeys at UP, reflecting the talent and ambition of this year’s cohort. Among the top achievers are Jenhara Rooplall, who earned 11 distinctions with a 97% aggregate and will study Medicine; Matthew de Jager, with 10 distinctions including 99% in Mathematics, now pursuing a BSc in Applied Mathematics; and Johann Opperman, who achieved nine distinctions and a top-three national ranking in Alpha Mathematics, preparing for a degree in Actuarial Science. Eastern Cape learner Sesona Masingili, who achieved a perfect 100% in Accounting, aims to become a chartered accountant, while Sameeyah Ismael, top of her region with seven distinctions, will also begin her medical studies.

This year’s cohort also includes students who excel beyond academics. Sofia French, with seven distinctions, will study Mechanical Engineering while continuing her career as a national-level swimmer. Andru van Zyl, with six distinctions and an 85% average, begins his medical studies after cycling from Polokwane to Cape Town to raise more than R500 000 for children with cancer. Their stories highlight not only academic excellence, but also determination, resilience and a commitment to making a difference.

“Not everyone gets this chance. This moment is yours. Own it proudly,” said Khutso Manyaka, the 2026 SRC President. “Here is where your future begins to respond to your actions and decisions. The university will test you academically, financially and emotionally. There will be days when the weight of assignments feels crushing and when independence feels too heavy. In those moments, be gentle with yourself. Learn hard. Play responsibly. Connect deeply.”

Manyaka also offered a reality check, cautioning students that the streets of Hatfield are not the University of Pretoria. Instead of building students, they may consume them. “Strata se palatse maspala (even the municipality cannot tame the streets),” he added.

Van Zyl, who is preparing to pursue a career in Medicine, said he is excited to begin his studies at UP and follow his passion for human anatomy and physiology. “I have always been fascinated by how the human body works,” he said.

“I am a very proud uncle today because UP is a strong and reputable university. These children have worked extremely hard, and seeing them collect their student cards and prepare for this life-changing journey is truly humbling,” said Mike Makhura, whose niece will study towards a Bachelor of Education in Senior Phase and FET Teaching.