Mathematics, which originated from arithmetic and geometry, is based on patterns and structures and is the fundamental language of science and technology. Applied mathematics is concerned with the modelling and treatment of real-life problems in a variety of fields, such as engineering, finance, statistics, physics and biology. The power of mathematics and applied mathematics lies in their abstract, analytical and computational nature. Nowadays, mathematics is essential for all technological, financial and managerial industries, which form the backbone of the South African economy.

Mathematics students who enjoy the course and excel in it are those who enjoy solving problems and have a strong background in the basics of the subject.

The Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics is not only one of the largest departments on the Hatfield Campus, but also one of the largest mathematics departments in the country, with approximately 17 500 student enrolments for mathematics modules. The Department prides itself on excelling in teaching and research, as well as in community-based activities.

The diverse and competent staff has expertise in various fields. The Department regularly hosts international visitors and its researchers frequently travel abroad to attend conferences and pay research visits. No fewer than 31 of its researchers have received NRF ratings in fields ranging from more traditional abstract analysis to contemporary epidemiology, where the modelling of biological phenomena leads to exciting options.

A degree in mathematics trains students to apply, evaluate and adapt existing problem-solving techniques, or to develop new mathematical models and techniques to solve problems stemming from natural, technological and financial phenomena.

Graduates in mathematics and applied mathematics are employed by research institutions, in education (universities and schools), the public sector (government and medical institutions) and the private sector (engineering companies, financial institutions and the computer industry).

The training of these graduates in abstract, analytical and computational thinking provides them with the versatile background required to easily adjust to changing circumstances in the professional environment and to construct mathematical models of natural, technological and financial phenomena. Mathematicians and applied mathematicians apply, evaluate and adapt existing problem-solving techniques or develop new techniques to solve those problems.

For more information, please consult the Faculty webpage.

Graduates in applied mathematics are employed by research institutions, educational bodies (universities and schools), the public sector (government and medical institutions) and the private sector (engineering companies, financial institutions and the computer industry). These graduates’ training in abstract, analytical and computational thinking provides them with the background to easily adjust to changing circumstances in the professional environment and to construct mathematical models of natural, technological and financial phenomena. Applied mathematicians apply, evaluate and adapt existing problem-solving techniques or develop new techniques to solve problems.

Important information for all prospective students for 2025

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.

Successful candidates will be notified once admitted or conditionally admitted.

Unsuccessful candidates will be notified after 30 June.

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 2025: Applicants with a school leaving certificate not issued by Umalusi (South Africa), available at click here.

International students: Click here.

Transferring students

A transferring student is a student who, at the time of applying at the University of Pretoria (UP) is/was a registered student at another tertiary institution. A transferring student will be considered for admission based on NSC or equivalent qualification and previous academic performance. Students who have been dismissed from other institutions due to poor academic performance will not be considered for admission to UP.

Closing dates: Same as above.

Returning students

A returning student is a student who, at the time of application for a degree programme is/was a registered student at UP, and wants to transfer to another degree at UP. A returning student will be considered for admission based on NSC or equivalent qualification and previous academic performance.

Note:

• Students who have been excluded/dismissed from a faculty due to poor academic performance may be considered for admission to another programme at UP, as per faculty-specific requirements.
• Only ONE transfer between UP faculties and TWO transfers within a faculty will be allowed.
• Admission of returning students will always depend on the faculty concerned and the availability of space in the programmes for which they apply.

Closing date for applications from returning students

Unless capacity allows for an extension of the closing date, applications from returning students must be submitted before the end of August via your UP Student Centre.

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.