The University of Pretoria reflects the changes of over a century of social, cultural, political and historical changes. This is true for all major universities across the world. As innovation and scientific endeavour have grown, so too has the University of Pretoria. We’ve expanded tremendously to accommodate students and staff from all walks of life and all across the world to increase access and to have a transformative effect on society by producing a high quality of socially conscious, creative graduates who are ready to make an impact in the world beyond university with their exceptional work ethic.
As social, cultural and political times have changed, one thing has remained constant - the University of Pretoria’s commitment to excellence.
The University of Pretoria’s history is not devoid from the political and historic contexts that it has found itself in. This is especially true of a time in history when government and political conditions forced the University of Pretoria to cater for only a small segment of society. Today, our doors of learning are open to everyone and we enjoy a vibrant, diverse and happy cohort of excellent students who are reflective of global and local societies.
Foundation Years: 1889 – 1929
The foundational years of the University of Pretoria were characterised by great turmoil. In 1889, the Zuid Afrikaansche Republiek (ZAR) proposed that a university be established. But by 1899, the South African War had broken out between the ZAR and Britain. In 1902, after the Peace of Vereeniging was signed, there was a time period...
Establishment Years: 1929 – 1948
The world was coming off the back of a global economic meltdown and unwittingly sitting between one world war which had just ended and another which was waiting to happen. However, in South Africa, anti-British sentiment was starting to peak and the rise of Afrikaner nationalism was set to shape the agenda of the country...
Expansion Years: 1948 – 1982
This time period in the University of Pretoria’s history was characterised by state support and a long term growth trajectory. Given the context of apartheid and the unequal allocation of resources, the University of Pretoria was in the position to rapidly expand its physical environment and infrastructure to accommodate the growth...
Transformation Years: 1982 – 2008
During this period, the University of Pretoria began a process of social and cultural redress in which the university reverted to its original dual medium mandate and then to English only as a sustainable means for which the majority of students are able to understand, learn and excel in...
Looking to the future: 2008 – 2017
During this period, significant historic and social changes took place. Professor Cheryl de la Rey became the first black woman Vice-Chancellor and Principal, and UP took significant strides in laying the foundation for being known locally and globally as a leading research-intensive university. Its medium- long-term strategic vision...
An African university: 2018 and beyond
The higher education landscape in South Africa underwent drastic changes following on from the lessons learnt during the preceding two years and the political changes in the country. These changes were reflected in an overhaul of institutional culture towards being more reflective of the concerns raised by students...
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The UP Archives
The University of Pretoria Archives serves as the custodian of the institution’s rich history, preserving over a century of records from all sectors of the University and associated communities. As the memory bank of the University, we support its teaching, research, and community service mission while reflecting the spirit of UP.
