Chemistry is the study, understanding and analysis of substances and materials and how they interact.  This is achieved through carefully designed laboratory experiments using sophisticated instrumentation, mathematical calculations, data processing and modelling.

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry graduates have the ability to combine concepts across different fields. They develop excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, which can also be applied in less traditional fields, for example the financial sector and information technology. Chemistry is a central science and links with many other subjects, including physics, mathematics, biochemistry, computer science, geology, etc.

The ideal candidate will have the following characteristics:

• Ability to work with high precision and accountability
• Good time management
• Proficiency in scientific writing
• Ability to work in a team
• Good management skills
• Environmental consciousness in work ethic

Career opportunities include research, journalism, industrial chemistry, information technology, education, law, environmental studies, chemical manufacturing and health.

For more information, please consult the Faculty webpage.

Graduates are employed in most technology-based institutions and work in laboratory environments that form part of industrial, research or academic institutions. A chemist must be able to participate in teamwork in a multidisciplinary environment and a wide variety of enterprises in both the private and public sectors. It is important to note that the type of work available to a graduate in chemistry depends on the level of the qualification obtained. Advanced qualifications will eventually lead to positions in research and/or production management and require management and financial planning skills. Many career opportunities exist in the fields of education, research, journalism, environmental protection, food and beverages, energy, water, health, sports, pharmaceutics and cosmetics, geology, mining and law enforcement. These include the well-known professions of synthetic chemist, materials scientist, chemical pathologist, forensic chemist, analytical chemist, drug analyst, patent lawyer, environmental chemist, geochemist, food chemist, polymer chemist and soil chemist.

Important information for all prospective students for 2026

The admission requirements below apply to all who apply for admission to the University of Pretoria with a National Senior Certificate (NSC) and Independent Examination Board (IEB) qualifications. Click here for this Faculty Brochure.

Life Orientation is excluded when calculating the APS. 

Applicants currently in Grade 12 must apply with their final Grade 11 (or equivalent) results.

Applicants who have completed Grade 12 must apply with their final NSC or equivalent qualification results.

Please note that meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee admission.

Only students that have completed school in the last two years and have not studied at a tertiary institution will be considered for this programme. 

Successful candidates will be notified once admitted or conditionally admitted.

Unsuccessful candidates will also be notified.

Applicants should check their application status regularly on the UP Student Portal at click here.

Applicants with qualifications other than the abovementioned should refer to the International undergraduate prospectus 2026: Applicants with a school leaving certificate not issued by Umalusi (South Africa), available at click here.

International students: Click here.

All modules will only be presented in English, which is the University's official language of tuition, communication and correspondence.

The Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences is home to more than 6 500 undergraduate and postgraduate students. The Faculty presents degrees in fields ranging from the proverbial A to Z – from actuaries to zoologists, and consists of 13 departments.

All degree programmes are designed to develop problem-solving individuals who can easily adapt to changing circumstances and take the lead in their chosen fields of specialisation. The qualifications awarded are of world-class and provide access to a multitude of career opportunities for dynamic and creative people. According to the latest Times Higher Education World University Rankings the University has achieved new world rankings in Physical Sciences, a discipline which features strongly in NAS and also maintains excellent positions on the ISI Web of Science (WOS) field rankings in Plant and Animal Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, and Environment and Ecology Sciences.

In the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, we strive to continuously improve our high impact research and significantly address the national shortage of PhD graduates that respond to global and local challenges.

• Disclaimer: This publication contains information about regulations and programmes of the University of Pretoria. Amendments to or updating of the information may be effected from time to time without prior notification. The accuracy, correctness or validity of the information contained here is therefore not guaranteed by the University at any given time and is always subject to verification. The user is kindly requested to verify the correctness of the information with the University at all times. Failure to do so will not give rise to any claim or action of any nature against the University by any party whatsoever.