The Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in Plant Pathology programme entails the study and control of plant diseases.

The ideal candidate is a creative thinker who wants to explore and understand problems, why and how they arose, and to find solutions. Finding the culprit (ie the pathogen) that caused disease or even death (of plants) is very much like being a detective working at a crime scene to figure out what happened. Like veterinary scientists and medical doctors, plant pathologists also work with patients but with the difference that they cannot communicate with the plant. They therefore have to rely on observation, experience and intuitive knowledge to figure out what is wrong and to find a solution.

A student who does well in this programme is often one who is curious, creative, passionate, driven and ambitious, wanting to explore new challenges.

Agricultural scientists often work in the field or in plant nurseries, farms, pack houses, processing plants, markets or retail. They may also be involved in the local or international food trade. They are multifaceted thinkers who enjoy solving problems, are curious about nature and want to provide food for the table by ensuring healthy plants, crop protection, high yields and reduced waste and losses.

The programme covers both basic and applied research and ensures safe food and food security for all.

For more information, please consult the Faculty webpage.

Graduates could be employed in:

• Education and training: Graduates can work at universities, colleges and schools.
• Plant pathologists: Graduates are in demand in various industries. Careers range from researchers to practitioners who work in laboratories, on commercial farms (which includes fieldwork) or in the food trade industry.
• Research and management: Graduates are also hired at research institutes, government departments, seed, fertiliser and agrochemical companies, municipalities and in the mining industry.
• Extension services for technology transfer: Employers of graduates include grower associations, national and provincial Departments of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD), Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF), Tourism (DT), Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) and Water and Sanitation (DWS).
• Entrepreneurial: Graduates can work as consultants or in production.

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.