Postgraduate Studies

Honours An honours degree serves as a pathway to pursue postgraduate studies. To continue, you will need a bachelor's degree and one year of full-time study. ➜

Master's Master’s degrees are advanced research-based programmes that require a relevant honours degree or postgraduate diploma as a basic entry requirement. They typically involve two to three years of full-time study.➜

Doctorates The PhD/doctorate is the highest level of research degree, requiring a master's degree as an entry requirement. It can be completed within three to four years of full-time study.➜

Diplomas / Certificates To enrol in a postgraduate diploma programme you need a bachelor's degree. The degree does not necessarily have to be in the same discipline. The duration of the programme is one year of full-time study.➜

#ChooseUP

Postgraduate Studies

If you have completed your studies and are seeking a suitable postgraduate programme, look no further than the University of Pretoria – one of the top universities in Africa. With our strategic vision of being a leading research-intensive university on the continent, we offer a wide range of exciting, relevant and highly beneficial postgraduate degrees.

16994

Students

80+

Research, Institutes and Centres

149

International Patents filed

Step-by-step Guidelines While specific requirements may vary across departments and faculties, here is a general guide to help you begin your postgraduate journey.

FAQs Find answers to all your questions about research options, funding and campus life. If you have any queries or need advice, you can find it all here.

International Matters With approximately 4 000 students worldwide, we offer numerous exchange programmes for students and collaborate on research projects with international academics.

Student Accommodation UP provides four dedicated postgraduate residences and can accommodate around 1 200 postgraduates on campus.

HOW TO APPLY

We are here to guide you through the straightforward application process.

APPLY ONLINE NOW

FUNDING YOUR STUDIES

In order to build a knowledge economy through higher education, the University of Pretoria (UP) offers various types of bursaries to academically deserving students who are in financial need.

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES POSTDOCTORAL FUNDING

FOCUS ON RESEARCH

At the University of Pretoria (UP) we believe in developing our students to the highest standards to enable them to successfully complete their studies in the shortest time possible, and also prepare them for the world beyond UP.

Research Focus Areas

The University of Pretoria has an established reputation for research quality and excellence, with its research strategy focused on societal challenges, in particular the challenges faced by Africa and developing regions in the global south.

Research Support

Our research strategy spans a broad spectrum of knowledge fields, with a deliberate emphasis on inter- and transdisciplinary, and collaborative work across knowledge and geographic boundaries.

Research Innovation

We ensure the knowledge and solutions we discover are both relevant today, and robust enough to have a lasting, positive impact on our world.

Research Matters

Research Matters shows how the University of Pretoria creates a world of answers by highlighting some of our most impactful and innovative research, all of which addresses society’s most pressing concerns in order to transform lives and communities.

INNOVATION PLATFORMS

The University of Pretoria is ranked as a highly innovative university with forward-looking teaching and learning and research initiatives. Our innovation platforms, which range across a wide array of disciplines, are dedicated to finding transdisciplinary solutions to some of Africa’s, and the world’s, most pressing challenges.

Javett UP

Innovation Africa

Future Africa

Engineering UP

Albert Luthuli Leadership Institue

UP ISMC

STUDENT SUPPORT

The University of Pretoria has several support programmes in place to assist and enhance student success, leadership, welfare and wellness. Students who are in need of support can contact the various support services.

FlyHigher@UP The FlyHigher@UP programme provides holistic assistance to postgraduate students from the point of recruitment to graduation, including providing administrative, academic, financial and social support.

Library The Department of Library Services has nine faculty libraries spread over all the University of Pretoria (UP) campuses. These provide access to a range of print and digital publications, and specialised services.

Student Wellness Your mental health matters at UP. Our Student Counselling Unit offers a variety of services to support your mental well-being.