University of Pretoria International Students Guide 2014

1University of Pretoria

University of PretoriaInternational Students Division

Newcomers guide20142014

2 International students

1. South AfricaSouth Africa is five times the size of the United Kingdom and about as large as the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, France and former West Germany combined. It stretches from the Limpopo River in the north to blustery Cape Agulhas, nearly 2 000 km (1 240 miles) to the south, from Namaqualand along the barren western seaboard 1 500 km (932 miles) to subtropical KwaZulu-Natal and the humid Indian Ocean coast – encompassing a total land area of 1.3 million km2 (500 000 square miles).

It is a land with remarkable diversity: variety and contrast are vividly evident in the bewildering mix of race, language, creed, colour and culture. The diversity is there, too, in the nature of the land; in its geological formations and regional climates; its mountains, plains and coasts; its rich farmlands; its bushveld, scrub and arid deserts. Each of the many different parts supports its own distinctive plant and animal life.

CurrencyThe South African currency unit is the Rand, denoted by the symbol R (R1.00 = 100 cents). There is no restriction on the amount of foreign currency you may bring into the country, but it must be declared at Customs & Excise when you arrive.

For more information on South Africa

Public Holidays1 January: New Year’s Day21 March: Human Rights Day18 April: Good Friday21 April: Family Day27 April: Freedom Day1 May: Workers’ Day

17 June: Youth Day9 August: National Women’s Day24 September: Heritage Day16 December: Day of Reconciliation25 December: Christmas Day26 December: Day of Goodwill

2. The University of PretoriaVisionThe vision of the University of Pretoria is to be a leading research-intensive university in Africa, recognised internationally for its quality, relevance and impact, and also for developing people, creating knowledge and making a difference locally and globally.

UP is one of the largest and most diverse contact universities in Southern Africa with a total of 61 500 students in 2012. As over 220 000 alumni can attest, the University of Pretoria is a place to set a firm foundation for career success. The different university campuses are well equipped, modern yet steeped in history.

The University of Pretoria has seven academic campuses

• The Hatfield Campus houses the majority of the faculties and student services.• The Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) houses academic programmes, as well as a wide

www.southafrica.info www.southafrica.net

www.lonelyplanet.com www.southafrica-travel.net


range of executive courses that can be custom designed to suit specific company needs. It is located in Sandton, Johannesburg.

• The Groenkloof Campus houses the Faculty of Education.• The LC de Villiers Sports Grounds houses TuksSport and the high performance centre (hpc).• The Mamelodi Campus hosts the BSc (four-year programme), the BCom (four-year programme),

the post-school mathematics and science programmes, as well as a variety of community engagement programmes.

• The Onderstepoort Campus houses the Faculty of Veterinary Science.• The Prinshof Campus houses the Faculty of Health Sciences.

The Hatfield Campus has more than 60 historical buildings that are spread over 24 hectares. It is one of the most picturesque campuses in South Africa, located close to a commercial district offering both business and recreational services – including banks, bookshops, pharmacies, sports facilities, supermarkets, clothing stores, restaurants and coffee shops.

GPS coordinates to campusesHatfield: S25º 45’ 21”E28º 13’ 51” LC de Villiers: S25º 45’ 10”E28º 14’ 46” (1,2 km from Hatfield Campus)Groenkloof: S25º 46’ 10”E28º 12’ 34” (3,5 km from Hatfield Campus)Onderstepoort: S28º 10’ 54”E25º 38’ 52” (22 km from Hatfield Campus)Mamelodi: S25º 43’ 22”E28º 23’ 56” (12 km from Hatfield Campus)Prinshof: S25º 43’ 57”E28º 12’10” (6 km from Hatfield Campus)GIBS: S26º 07’ 46”E28º 02’ 46” (56 km from Hatfield Campus)

UP Academic offerings and programmes

The University has nine faculties, including the Veterinary Sciency Faculty on the Onderstepoort Campus, the only one of its kind in South Africa that is responsible for ground-breaking research and clinical work. The University also has a business school, the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS). The University of Pretoria offers 1 234 programmes, which lead to 230 different qualifications. Furthermore, the University has established institutes, centres and units to enhance the research output. It offers academic service learning programmes that benefit students, staff and a number of communities. In 2012 a total of 13614 degrees, diplomas and certificates were awarded at UP, including 5388 postgraduate degrees (honours, master’s, doctoral).

GIBS was ranked best business school in Africa and one of the best globally by the prestigious UK Financial Times in 2012. It is still the only African business school to be placed in the top 50 business schools worldwide for executive education programmes. This is the eighth year running that GIBS has achieved this accolade.

Faculties

• Economic and Management Sciences• Education• Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology• Health Sciences• Humanities• Law• Natural and Agricultural Sciences• Theology• Veterinary Science (the only faculty of its kind in South Africa)


Closing dates for full degree students

FacultyNon-South African citizens

Selection programmes

Other study programmes

Economic and Management Sciences 31 August

Education 31 August

Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology

30 June 31 August

Health Sciences 31 May 30 November

Humanities 30 June 31 August

Law 31 August

Natural and Agricultural Sciences 31 August

Theology 31 August

Veterinary Science 31 May

Contact informationTel: +27 (0)12 420 3111Email: [email protected] Website: www.up.ac.za Parents’ page: www.up.ac.za/parents

LocationUniversity of PretoriaCnr Lynnwood Road and Roper StreetHatfield 0083South Africa

Postal addressUniversity of PretoriaPrivate Bag X20Hatfield 0028South Africa

Accommodation for full degree seeking studentsPlease visit the website: http://web.up.ac.za/default.asp?ipkCategoryID=20

Institutional Research ThemesThe University of Pretoria recently initiated a process designed to identify the unique research strengths of this institution and to support the development of strong multidisciplinary research groups clustered around the identified strengths.

This process of clustering has two tiers• Institutional research themes (IRTs), which are major initiatives involving a set of participating

faculties • Faculty research themes (FRTs), which involve participation on a more limited scale by a lesser

number of faculties.

Both the IRTs and the FRTs are designed to recognise and foster excellence in research and to be led by acknowledged international leaders in their specific disciplines.

It is anticipated that these themes will add to the University’s research reputation as they develop, and at the same time will engender a climate that promotes scholarship among academic staff and postdoctoral fellows, and will also produce more doctorates.


The Institutional Research Theme (IRT) “Animal and Zoonotic Diseases” (AZD) was established at the University of Pretoria to build and expand on our current strength and research capacity in animal diseases in order to establish this focus area as an internationally highly regarded centre of excellence based on its standing and leading role in South Africa and the African continent. The focus on animal diseases includes diseases that spread from animals to humans (zoonoses) and

involves research carried out in the Faculties of Veterinary Science, Natural and Agricultural Sciences and Health Sciences.

As the only University in South Africa with a Faculty of Veterinary Science, the University of Pretoria is uniquely placed to provide research capacity across the whole of the animal disease research chain from disease identification to diagnostics and the development of new tools for disease prevention and epidemiological control. This capacity is strengthened and supported by a strong focus on basic research, vaccine development and diagnostic other tools required for epidemiological control and surveillance. It is further supported by specialized expertise and infrastructure spread across three faculties with the Faculty of Health Sciences housing the only Biosafety Level 3 laboratory at the university that can investigate some of the most dangerous zoonotic diseases. The AZD-IRT involves principal investigators that direct more than 15 different research programmes with a focus on a range of animal and zoonotic diseases such as rabies, African horse sickness, Theileria and a range of bacterial as well as tick-transmitted diseases. The research covers aspects related to epidemiology, pathogen characterization, diagnostics, ecology and the development of recombinant vaccines and therapeutic agents. The AZD-IRT is currently directed by Prof Henk Huismans and the AZD-IRT provides bridging financial support for new research projects, post graduate bursaries and post doctoral fellows. It also supports infrastructure development and bridging financial supports for the appointment of research fellows and other appointments within its research domain.

Contact informationProf Henk HuismansTel: +27 (0)12 420 3812Email: [email protected]

The modern Genomics Revolution offers a very real opportunity to the University of Pretoria. With its strategic investments in structures, hardware, software and people, the University can become the leading centre of genomics research in Africa. The core technology that links all genomics, and the heart of the revolution, is DNA sequencing. In 2004, after a decade of work by thousands of researchers around the world, and at a cost of tens of millions of dollars, the

complete sequence of the 3 billion base pair human genome was completed.

With the new sequencing technology, available to us for less than 5 years, we can sequence the human genome over a weekend and at a cost of not much more than $10,000. Within a few years, the technology is likely to be ten times faster and a tenth of the cost.

The challenge to genomic scientists is to take advantage of the enormous power and scope of this new technology. It is no small challenge, because it involves changes in mindset, learning new skills, embracing new approaches, defining new questions and much more. One of the new skills is Bioinformatics, the computational manipulation of DNA sequence data. This is a vital resource for genomics, and filling the growing need for bioinformatics support and training is one of the many challenges of genomics.

The Institutional Research Themes (IRTs) in Genomics, established in late 2011, is just one of the Universities responses to these challenges. Earlier this year, the IRT in Genomics was formally approved as a University research Institute. The Genomics Research Institute (GRI) spans the three Faculties of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Veterinary Sciences and Health Sciences. Its principal aim is to bring together staff and projects from across these Faculties in order to develop new, cutting-edge inter-disciplinary research projects. To support this objective, the GRI has a research budget for 2013 and 2014 and can support project costs, equipment purchases and some bursaries. Reflecting the breadth of research interests across the University, we divide the research activities of the GRI into 3 major sectors: Environmental GenomicsHuman and Health GenomicsPlant and Animal Genomics

At present the GRI comprises 53 academic staff and nearly 120 associated researches at MSc, PhD and postdoctoral levels. This team includes some of the leading researchers in the University, but with a good number of developing researchers. Researchers interested in becoming part of the GRI are very welcome to contact the Director.

Contact informationProf Don CowanTel: +27 (0)12 420 5873Email: [email protected]

The Institutional Research Theme (IRT) Food, Nutrition and Well-being seeks to address the emerging societal challenges related to food insecurity, nutrition deficiencies and hunger, especially in Africa. It is hosted by the Institute of Food, Nutrition and Well-being to bring together all the University’s postgraduate teaching and research expertise and activities in this field to consolidate and coordinate food security related research across the University.

The vision of this Institute is to be the leading international Centre of Excellence in the area of transdisciplinary research and postgraduate training aimed at finding innovative and comprehensive ways of addressing current constraints to attaining the Millennium Development Goals with regard to food, nutrition and well-being in sub-Saharan Africa by the year 2020. Our mission is to strategically position UP as an internationally recognised Centre of Excellence with a critical mass of researchers to promote the long-term health and wellness of people, support sound policy making with regard to food, nutrition and well-being and, together with strategic national, regional and international partners, significantly scale up capacity in this area through the development of leading professionals and researchers.

This Institutional Research Theme (IRT) brings together over 100 academic staff in over 30 academic disciplines, providing one of the largest pools of expertise globally. Given the diversity of disciplines represented (such as Veterinary Science, which is not widely offered in Africa) and the depth, experience and international recognition of many of UP’s staff, the IRT brings considerable visibility to the University’s contribution to African and global research and opportunities for expanded and strengthened networks, partnerships and community engagement. The investment in postgraduate training makes significant contribution to scaling up research capacity in this area and will direct future research.



The key research themes/programmes to be investigated as part of the IRT are:Theme A: Sustainable animal-and plant-based food production in a resource constrained environmentTheme B: Food safety, biosecurity, public health and regulatory controlTheme C: Functional biomolecules and functional foodsTheme D: Facilitating behaviour change for health and well-beingTheme E: The food security and nutrition impacts of policies and programmesCross-cutting theme: Nutrition

Contact informationProf Sheryl HendriksTel: +27 (0)12 420 3811e-mail: [email protected]

The Institutional Research Theme (IRT) “Energy” strives to provide the best balance between the University’s current research activities and the energy focus areas that are prioritised by Government, with an initial focus on electrical energy. This will set the University on the road towards national relevancy as it will be searching for solutions to South Africa’s energy problems.

Sub-themes• Energy production, with specific emphasis on clean coal, nuclear and renewable energy

technologies such as solar and wind. • Energy distribution, where the IRP2010 is relatively silent. Two notable aspects are addressed,

namely so-called Smart Grids and Energy Storage. Both these areas are growing in importance, as the contribution of renewables with their inherent random availability, will impact on the national grid stability.

• Energy optimisation, an area where the university is particularly well placed in that it hosts the National Hub on Energy Efficiency and Demand Side Management. Specific areas being researched include thermal and process optimization and energy efficiency.

• Advanced materials. In many instances new energy technologies call for unique material attributes, notably in high temperature applications. The university is particularly well positioned for such research thanks to direct spin-offs from research the university did for the defunct pebble bed modular reactor project.

• Policy, economics and society. With an ever-increasing complexity of energy technologies, it has become mandatory to ensure that chosen energy sources not only fulfill their required energy production goals, but also do so in a sustainable and economic manner.

• Environment. No argument for sustainable energy can be made without a serious focus on environmental impacts of chosen energy sources. The university is quite active in this field and has made some unique contributions in, for example, the minimisation and management of nuclear waste.

All of the selected research areas also enjoy international interest. By achieving research excellence in these areas the University would enhance the international recognition it enjoys in the field of energy research.

An important benefit of the proposed Energy IRT is its multidisciplinary nature. This is in stark contrast with traditional university research models that tend to be focused on a single discipline. Apart from the obvious benefit, which is that it will enhance the value of the University’s research, it will also allow the Energy IRT to become relevant to the wider industrial energy sector from the outset. Contact with the energy sector and the multidisciplinary nature of the research projects within the realm of the Energy IRT will facilitate efforts to obtain funding from outside sources.


Contact informationProf Tinus PretoriusTel: +27 (0)12 420 4606 Email: [email protected]

3. Client Service Centre (CSC)The Client Service Centre (CSC) is a one-stop service for all the University’s clients (including current and prospective students, international students, parents and alumni) that assists with student-related enquiries and services. These services can be accessed via walk-in visits, web, email, fax, telephone and post.

Services provided by the CSC include:• undergraduate student recruitment• general enquiries (voice, walk-in, email)• residence placement• applications for study• payments and student accounts• study financing• access cards and parking• graduate career placement of students• international student enquiries• course consultation

4. The International Students Division (ISD)All non-South African citizens must report to the International Students Division (ISD) in the CSC on the Hatfield Campus prior to registration. The CSC is open from 5 January 2015. Non-South African citizens need to submit proof of legal status in South Africa, as well as proof of adequate medical aid cover at the ISD in the CSC before they will be able to register.

Contact informationTel: +27 (0)12 420 3111Email: [email protected] Website: www.up.ac.za/ISD Location: CSC, Hatfield Campus

The ISD is responsible for the pre-care, in-care and post-care of all non-RSA citizens. For enquiries, send an email to: [email protected]

Category Responsibility Special notes

Non-South African citizens seeking a full degree:• Undergraduate• Postgraduate

Pre-care/in-care/post-care For all immigration-related enquiries contact [email protected]


Category Responsibility Special notes

Exchange students:• Incoming• Outgoing• Study abroad students• Elective students

• Application• Admission• Unblocking• Registration• Orientation• Accommodation For enquiries contact

[email protected] fellows • Application

• Admission• Unblocking• Registration• Accommodation

Supporting documentsPlease note that students must have photocopies ready before reporting to the ISD in the CSC. Copies can be made at the Xerox Copy Centre in the Student Centre on the Hatfield Campus. All non-South African citizens need to show their original documents and submit two photocopies of the documents listed below:• a completed and signed International Students Information form;• a valid passport or an ID (in the case of students with permanent residence in South Africa);• a valid study permit endorsed for study at the University of Pretoria, or one of the following: – an asylum seekers permit – a certificate of refugee status and – a diplomatic passport (not a diplomatic card)• proof of medical cover (medical cover must be paid a year in advance, January to

December).

The above-mentioned documents must be submitted to an international consultant and the

information must be captured before a student can register.

Mr Wallace Isaacs

Deputy Director, Client Service Centre

Dr Karen Lazenby

Director, Client Service Centre

Ms Goitsemang Mathekga

International Specialist Consultant

Ms Wiida le Roux

Manager, International Students Division

Mr Itumeleng Njoro


Ms Misiwe Moloi


Ms Jenny Lambinon

International Specialist ConsultantImmigration control

Ms Mahlogonolo Mphahlele


International Students Division team

Mrs OnaleronaMatlawe


5. Temporary residence permitsEvery non-South African citizen is required to hold a valid passport and a temporary residence permit, such as a study permit, endorsed for study at the University of Pretoria. Non-South African citizens wishing to enter South Africa should only apply for study permits once an official letter of admission has been received.

Temporary Residence Visas must be obtained before travelling to South Africa.

Study permitFirst applications for study permits will no longer be accepted within the borders of South Africa. Non-South African students are required to apply for a study permit at the South African High Commission, embassy, consulate or trade mission in their country of residence or the nearest available South African High Commission, embassy, consulate or trade mission.

The following documents should be submitted to the South African embassy or consulate in order to obtain a study permit:• a passport valid for not less than 30 days after the intended study period;• payment of an administrative fee (as required at the time by the Department of Home Affairs of

South Africa);• confirmation of South African medical cover valid for the duration of one academic year (January

to December) and proof of payment of membership fee to a medical aid scheme registered with the Council for Medical Schemes in South Africa;

• an admission letter from the University stating the following – the duration of the study programme – confirmation that the admitted student is not taking the place of a local student and – undertaking to inform the Department of Home Affairs if the student deregisters;• a medical report (less than six months old) by a registered medical practitioner;• a radiological report (less than six months old); • proof of the availability of funds to cover tuition fees and self maintenance for the duration of

studies in South Africa;• a police clearance certificate for the past six months or longer if the applicant is older than

18 years of age; and• details regarding arranged accommodation while in South Africa.

Other documents that may be required• a yellow fever vaccination certificate• a certificate or other documentary proof of marital status (eg married, widowed, divorced or

separated)

Cash depositA cash deposit equal to a return ticket to the country of origin (repatriation guarantee) may be required.

Change of institution (study permit holders)The University may only register a student for academic studies once the prospective applicant has produced a valid study permit. It usually takes at least six weeks for an application to be processed. It is also important to note that a study permit is issued to study at one institution; a student would therefore have to apply for a change of conditions should they wish to change institutions. This can be done in South Africa in the municipal area applicable to the new institution of study.



Before applying for this permit, a student must obtain a release letter from the current institution, stating that this institution has no objections to the transfer.

Change of conditions (study permit holders)A change to the conditions of a study permit refers to a situation where a student holds a valid study permit with a condition to study at another institution in South Africa (other than the one the student is applying to). This is usually the case with learners and students studying at South African high schools, colleges and other academic institutions.

Their permits would therefore need to be endorsed with a condition to study at the institutions mentioned above. In order to register at the University of Pretoria, the permit will need to be endorsed for the applicant to study at the University of Pretoria. An application for a change to the conditions of a study permit constitutes a new application for a study permit. Although the applicant will need to complete a separate form, the requirements are the same as those for the initial application for a study permit.

Please note the following• The forms pertaining to study permit holders above are available on the internet: www.dha.gov.za. • They can also be collected at any South African visa issuing authority (Home Affairs offices,

consulates or embassies).• This information is meant to serve as a guide only. Requirements for studying in South Africa are

subject to change and each application is treated as an individual case. Always make enquiries before travelling to South Africa.

• The holder of a study permit for studies at a higher education institution may conduct part-time work.• The holder of a study permit for studies at a higher education institution may conduct part-time

work. However, the valid working period for undergraduate students may not exceed 20 hours per week. For postgraduate students the period may not exceed 20 hours per week.

Registration procedures

Please carefully follow the steps set out below when you arrive on campus to register. You need to report to the International Students Division (ISD) in the Client Service Centre (CSC) FIRST for clearance before continuing to register.

We identify our non-RSA students according to the following categories:• Holder of a Study Permit; • Relatives Permit with an endorsement to study;• Visitors Permit; • Diplomatic Permit; • Refugees and Asylum Seekers Permits; • Work/Business Permit with an endorsement to study part-time at the University of Pretoria.

Please note: If you do not follow the steps below in the correct order, you may experience some difficulties in registering.

Step 1When reporting to the International Students Division (ISD), please ensure that you bring the following documents:

Study permit holder• Valid passport• 2 x copies of Passport (Page with photo and page with passport number)


• 2 x copies of Study Permit (endorsed for studies at the University of Pretoria)• 1 x completed International Students Information Forms• 1 x Medical Indemnity• 1 x Proof of South African medical cover as stated below

Two copies of a valid asylum seeker permit, refugee permit (or document), diplomatic passport (card not acceptable) or a work permit endorsed for part-time studies at the University of Pretoria.

Permanent Residents of South AfricaCopy of South African Identity Document

Step 2Medical Aid cover at the University of PretoriaAn applicant for study permit is required to provide proof of medical aid cover with a medical scheme registered in terms of the Medical Schemes Act, Act 131 of 1998, recognised in the Republic.

All non-South African citizens, including students who are citizens from SADC countries, need to comply with the visa regulation as determined by the Immigration Act, Act 19 of 2004. Regulation 10(1) (i) determines the following:

Although you may, with some other international insurance or medical product, secure a study permit from a South African visa issuing authority, the University of Pretoria, in accordance with the Immigration Act, does not recognise such medical cover for registration purposes.

The South African Consular Office where students apply for temporary permits (study permit or a visitor’s visa) may accept international medical insurance submitted by the student when applying for a study permit. However, the University of Pretoria requires international students to join Momentum Health (Ingwe option). International insurance is not accepted.

Month-to-month medical aid cover will only be acceptable from dependents on submission of the confirmation letter from the main member’s medical aid service provider.

The University requires that the medical aid cover be valid for the full academic year that you seek registration until 31 December.

Study Abroad and Exchange Students must secure medical cover for the duration of their stay. A minimum of six (6) months cover is provided by medical companies. This provision is for Study Abroad and Exchange students only.

Should students rely on sponsorships, they should ensure that the sponsor is advised of the requirement at the onset of the sponsorship of the admission offer from the University. UP does not accept sponsorship letters in lieu of payment. Payment of the required medical aid cover fee is made directly to the medical service provider, prior to clearance for registration.

The medical service providers stated below are medical aid companies with developed student-focused products that are registered in terms of the Medical Schemes Act. These companies offer the minimum benefits that a student may need while in South Africa. Both are accepted by UP.


Momentum Health offers weekly consultation sessions on the Hatfield campus, International Students Division (ISD) offices, Client Service Centre (CSC). Students can join both schemes online.

Contact information

Momentum Health (Ingwe option)

Tel: +27 (0)12 673 1800Email: [email protected] Website: www.ingwehealth.co.za

Premium for 2014: ZAR 4 186,00Payable in advance January - December

BestMed Medical Scheme(Pulse1 student option)

Tel: +27 (0)86 000 2378Email: [email protected]: www.bestmed.co.za

Should any non-South African student on a study permit, fail to comply with the medical cover stipulations set out above, they will not be permitted to register.

Step 3Special Orientation Programme for International Students (Newcomers)The Client Service Centre (CSC), International Students Division (ISD) offers a special orientation programme for international students. All newcomers are obliged to attend this programme and attending this programme is compulsory for all exchange, elective and study abroad students as well. Details are communicated to students in the admission letter.

Please note that the Welcoming Day and Programme for Registration and start of the academic year mostly caters for first-year and undergraduate students. The idea behind our special orientation programme is to facilitate the integration of new international students into the UP community, as well as informing them about the support services available on campus.

This orientation programme is in no way meant to replace the information provided at the Programme for Registration and Start of the Academic Year and Welcoming day, but to add value to it by adding information applicable only to international students.

Step 4Evaluation of Foreign Qualifications (Undergraduates) Higher Education South Africa (HESA)A full or foreign conditional exemption certificate is a prerequisite and applicable to non-RSA students and to students who do not have a South African National Senior Certificate (NSC) qualification or independent Examination (EB) qualification and who want to register for undergraduate studies at the University of Pretoria. This certificate can only be obtained from HESA.

Contact informationMatriculation Board and Exemption CertificatesTel: +27 (0)10 591 4401/2Fax: +27 (0)12 481 2922/2718Email: [email protected]: www.hesa.org.za


LocationUNISA Sunnyside CampusBuilding 3, Level 1, Cnr. Rissik & Mears StreetSunnyside, Pretoria

Postal AddressPO Box 27392Sunnyside 0132

Evaluation of Foreign Qualifications – (Postgraduates)South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA)Postgraduate applicants must have all previous post-school qualifications evaluated by SAQA when applying for postgraduate studies at the University of Pretoria.

Contact informationCall centre: +27 (0)12 431 5000/70Helpdesk: +27 (0) 86 010 3188Fax: +27(0)12 431 5039Website: www.saqa.org.za

LocationSAQA House (formerly known as Hatfield Forum West)1067 Arcadia StreetHatfield, Pretoria

Postal AddressPostnet Suite 248Private Bag X06Waterkloof, 0145

6. Study abroad, exchange and elective students

Closing datesEvery year the closing date for applications for the first semester (January to June) is 30 September of the year preceding a student’s studies at UP. For the second semester (July to December) the closing date is 31 March in the current year for exchange and study abroad programmes.

Application, academic year and examinationsThe application form is sent to the student via mail or email, and should be returned to the International Specialist Consultant at UP responsible for the region of the student’s home institution. The academic year commences in January every year. Lectures commence in February. Examinations are always in June and rewrites for examinations are before the beginning of the second semester. Students are allowed to register for only one semester (six months), unless special arrangements are made between the home and host institution.

Application proceduresStudy abroad students (Students outside the auspices of an Agreement) – Full fee paying studentsDuly completed and signed application form must be included.• A copy of the student’s passport (page with passport number and photo) must be included.• Study Abroad students must apply for Study Permits.• Official academic transcripts and results.• A letter from the student’s home institution:


– stating that the candidate has permission to spend a semester (six months) at UP; – confirming that the student is currently registered at the home institution; – confirming the student has been selected to be a study abroad student at UP; and – including a brief explanation of proposed modules/courses to be taken at UP. • No application fee is required.

Please note: Students must take care to enrol for semester modules only and not register for year modules/courses.

Exchange Students (Students inside the auspices of an Agreement) – Non-fee paying studentsDuly completed and signed application form must be included.• A copy of the student’s passport (page with passport number and photo) must be included.• Exchange students must apply for Study Permits.• Official academic transcripts and results need to be attached.• A letter from the student’s home institution: – stating that the candidate has permission to spend a semester at UP; – confirming that the student is currently registered at the home institution; – confirming the student has been selected to be an exchange student at UP; and – including a brief explanation of proposed modules/courses to be taken at UP. • No application fee is required.

Elective students (Students visiting UP for short periods) – Must pay Elective Administration Levy• A copy of the student’s passport (page with passport number and photo) must be included.• Elective students normally apply for Visitor’s Visas.• Official academic transcripts and results need to be attached.• A letter from the student’s home institution:

– stating that the candidate has permission to spend an elective period (no more than three months) at UP; If an elective student spends more than 90 days at UP, a Study Permit must be obtained.

– confirming that the student is currently registered at the home institution; – confirming the student has been selected to be an elective student at UP; and– including a brief explanation of proposed programme to be followed.

• No application fee is required.

Selection of modules/courses: Exchange/Study abroad studentsPlease visit the UP website www.up.ac.za and consult the yearbooks for modules/courses offered. Website: www.up.ac.za (click on New Students then Yearbooks and then Faculty).

Students must submit a list of modules/courses that they wish to take during their exchange programme/study abroad semester (compulsory and optional modules/courses). If students experience difficulties in this regard they may contact the ISD office via email, which will refer the student to the relevant academic(s) for advice and/or academic alternatives. It is important that the student first determine the availability of a course before travelling to South Africa to avoid disappointment and other consequences. Furthermore, please note that some modules/courses may not be chosen, as these may be selection modules/courses or year modules/courses (both under- and postgraduate modules/courses). Students are welcome to apply for studies in all faculties, except the Faculty of Health Sciences.

Students who are required to rewrite examinations are advised to postpone their departure dates. UP will not allow rewrites outside South Africa. It is the responsibility of the student to check with the relevant faculty upon arrival to find out when examinations for registered modules/courses will be held.


Please note: Students must ensure that modules/courses registered for are semester modules/courses and not year modules/courses.

AccommodationThe ISD is responsible for arranging accommodation for exchange, study abroad and elective students. However, accommodation is subject to availability and is allocated on a first-come first-serve basis.

7. Postdoctoral fellowsThe ISD is responsible for the in-care of postdoctoral fellows appointed by the Department of Research and Innovation Support (DRIS) at the University of Pretoria. The ISD has certain responsibilities after notification by the Department of Research and Innovation Support that a postdoctoral fellow has been appointed.

Responsibilities of the international specialist consultant

Administration processThe international specialist consultant communicates directly with the postdoctoral fellow to confirm the following:• postal address• date of arrival• pick-up at the airport

After confirmation of the above-mentioned details:• An appointment letter is sent to the postdoctoral fellow. • A UP postdoctoral application form is completed.• An acceptance form is completed.• A letter to the embassy for visa application purposes (in the case of non-South Africa citizens) is

written.

Visa applicationA postdoctoral fellow who is a non-South African citizen must:• Apply for a visitor’s visa with endorsement to conduct postdoctoral research at the University of

Pretoria in his/her home country.• Book a flight ticket – either through the international specialist consultant (in conjunction with the

campus travel agency) or by their own arrangements.

Air travelIn the event that an international specialist consultant organises the air ticket:• The travel agent issues the air ticket to the postdoctoral fellow at his/her nearest airport for collection.• The ISD consultant follows due processes to ensure payment of the air ticket to the relevant travel

agent.• Once the payment is confirmed to the travel agent, the agent issues the air ticket and notifies the

postdoctoral fellow of the collection details.

In the event that the post doctoral fellow prefers to arrange his/her own air ticket:• The postdoctoral fellow will pay for the ticket and claim the money back from UP upon arrival.• Air ticket funds will be credited to the postdoctoral fellow’s account, after proof that the ticket has

been used and the relevant claim form is completed and submitted to the ISD consultant.


The ISD consultant is also responsible for assisting postdoctoral fellows with:• accommodation arrangements• attending conferences• grant renewals

8. Fees: International studentsInformation regarding fees payable is published in various brochures that are available at the CSC, as well as on the University’s website at www.up.ac.za/feesfunding.

Please note the following:• No student will be able to register for an academic year unless all outstanding fees have been

paid.• Should a student have been awarded a non-UP bursary, a document confirming the bursary must

be submitted at the CSC.• If students’ accounts are in arrears, they will not receive their examination results or an academic

record. Furthermore, these students will not qualify for placement in a UP residence for the next academic year. Interest will be charged on overdue accounts.

UP banking details

ABSA BANK STANDARD BANK

Branch: HatfieldBranch code: 632005Account number: 214 000 0054SWIFT code: ABSAZAJJ

Branch: HatfieldBranch code: 011545Account number: 012 602 604SWIFT code: SBZAZAJJ

International levy• The international levy for 2014 is R2 500. • This international levy is payable annually by all non-South African citizens as well as students who

are citizens of SADC countries. (See SADC country list below). This amount is payable in addition to the registration fee.

• Asylum seekers, refugees, diplomats and their dependents stationed in South Africa are exempted from paying the international levy.

Tuition fees• Non-South African citizens (excluding students who are citizens of SADC countries), will be charged

double the tuition fee for South African students. • Students who are citizens of SADC countries will pay the same tuition fee as charged for South

African citizens. • Asylum seekers, refugees and diplomats stationed in South Africa, as well as permanent residents

of South Africa only, are exempted from paying double tuition fees and are exempted from the international levy.

SADC countries:Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe


International undergraduate students tuition fee factors

Student type(Used for fee calculation)

International levy

Fee factor

Elective None R1600 Exchange None No tuition fees charged, but accommodation

chargedStudy abroad Yes SADC citizens - Local fees

Non - SADC citizens - Double local feesAsylum seeker None Local feesDiplomat None Local fees. Dependents of diplomats pay local

fees only if the dependents have diplomatic permits in their own passports.

Refugee None Local feeOn Study permit - SADC Yes Local feeOn Study permit - Non-SADC Yes Double local feeOn Permanent residency status in South Africa

None Local fee

9. Language policy and medium of instruction

In conducting its business, the University uses two official languages, namely English and Afrikaans. In formal education, the medium of instruction is either English or Afrikaans, or both of these languages; provided that there is a demand and that it is academically and economically justifiable. However, it remains the student’s responsibility to ascertain on an annual basis in which language a module and any further level of that module is presented. In respect of administrative and other services, a student has the right to choose whether the University should communicate with him or her in English or Afrikaans.

10. PartnershipsThe University of Pretoria has many partnerships. Some of the institutions are listed below:

GermanyClausthal University of TechnologyHumboldt UniversityKonstanz UniversityNetherlandsErasmus UniversityGroningen UniversityHAN University of Applied SciecesRadboud University NijmegenTechnische University EindhovenThe Hague University of Applied SciencesUniversity van UtrechtVrije University Amsterdam


London School of Economics and Political ScienceScandinaviaJönköping International Business School (JIBS)Jyväskylä University of Applied SciencesUniversity of KarlstadtAustralasiaQueensland University of TechnologyAsiaSingapore Management University (SMU)National University of Singapore (NUS)United States of AmericaAmerican University, Washington DCColumbia UniversityUniversity of DelawareFordham University, The Bronx, New YorkLoras College, DubuqueLouisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College

11. International Students DayInternational Students Day is an annual event for international students. It normally takes place during the most beautiful month in South Africa, October.

Please come prepared with your traditional attire and take part in this very special International Students Day. Big prizes are to be won and you can either exhibit, partake in the Mr or Miss UP International pageant or sing and dance with your own cultural group.


Contact information

Tel: +27 (0)12 420 3111Email: [email protected] Website: www.up.ac.za Parents’ page: www.up.ac.za/parents

LocationUniversity of Pretoria cnr Lynnwood Road and Roper Street Hatfield 0083 South Africa

Postal addressUniversity of Pretoria Private bag X20 Hatfield 0028South Africa

Produced by the Client Service Centre in December 2013

Comments and queries can be directed to the Client Service Centre

Disclaimer: This publication contains information about regulations, policies, tuition fees, curricula and programmes of the University of Pretoria applicable at the time of printing. Amendments to or updating of the information in this publication may be effected from time to time without prior notification. The accuracy, correctness or validity of the information contained in this publication 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 published 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.

University of Pretoria International Students Guide 2014

Education

onderstepoort campus

mamelodi campus

prinshof campus

groenkloof campus

campuses hatfield

university of pretoria1

different university

science programmes