University of Pretoria
Pretoria, South Africa
“With zeal and perseverance I strive towards the goal”
University of Pretoria
University of Pretoria is one of South Africa’s leading research and teaching universities.
Mission Statement
 The University of Pretoria strives to be an
internationally recognized South African university
and provide excellent education, promote
scholarship, create flexible, life-long learning
opportunities, enable students to become wellrounded, create an intellectually stimulating and
culturally vibrant environment.
Getting there
 Most practical way is to fly
 South Africa has 10 principal airports, including
three international airports.
 OR Tambo International Airport is the busiest
airport in Africa and the major gateway, offering
both domestic, African regional, and international
connections.
 Cape Town International Airport
 Durban International Airport
Education
 University of Pretoria prides itself on its upstanding
education principles:
 Encouraging contact between students and lecturers
 Inviting engagement
 Extending knowledge
 Nurturing complexity and critical thinking
 Building connections
Education
 Transforming views and inspiring change
 Encouraging reflective thinking
 Providing appropriate learning support
 Respecting diversity
 Creating empowering learning experiences and
environments
Location, location, location
 University of Pretoria is a public university located
in Pretoria, the administrative capital of South
Africa.
 The university is divided in to nine faculties and
one business school.
 The main campus is in Hatfield, a suburb of
Pretoria. Six of the nine faculties are located here as
well.
Pretoria
 Northern part of Gauteng Province, South Africa
 Moderately dry subtropical climate. Average
temperature: 66 ‘F
 Rain fall in summer months and drought conditions in
the winter
 Snowfall occurs once or twice a century
 The main languages are Pedi, Afrikaans, Tswana,
Tsonga, Zulu, and English
 Main transportation is by railway or buses
Fast Facts
 Currency is the Rand
 South Africa uses the metric system
 Tap water is bacteria free and safe for international tourists to
drink
 Major credit cards are accepted in South Africa
 Student Affairs is available to provide various services for any
student at the university-emotional support, study methods,
career guidance, students with special needs
 School year commences in January until December. Recesses
are held in April, July, and September
On campus…
 The Aula is the main hall and site of ceremonies on
campus and was the first opera house and major venue
until the State Theatre was completed in the early 1980’s.
 The State Theatre seats 1012 audience members and has
hosted foreign dignitaries, presidents, and various
artists.
 The University Chapel, or the Church of Saint Alfons
Maria de Ligouri, was bought from the Catholic Church
in 1980. (Saint Alfons was the founder of the
Redemptorists)
Campus Eats
 Spageti’s: Delicious pasta, pizza, and paninis
 Oom Gert’s Kiosk: Sweets and cold drinks
 Oom Gert’s Kuierpiek: A pub-style restaurant and bar
 Steer’s Tukkies: A taste of America. Beef hamburgers,
fries, hot dogs, chips, ice cream, pie, and milkshakes
 Torpedo’s: Spuds, salads, and wraps
 Groenkloof Cafeteria: Lunch and dinner, cold drinks,
sweets, coffee, tea
Student Life
 More than 100 student clubs and organizations on
campus
 Student government, service providers, and service
organizations
 Most prominent are the Student Parliament, Student
Representative Council, and Student Court.
 University RAG society (charitable fundraising
organization, run by students)
 The Perdeby is the university newspaper
Student Life
 The University has thirty registered sports clubs
and ten academies.
 9,000 students compete annually
 Rugby, soccer, and cricket are popular sports
 Most popular rugby team: Blue Bulls. Soccer team:
Mamelodi Sundowns
 Students have the chance to participate in the FNB
Varsity Cup Rugby Union tournament, involving
the top 8 rugby players in South Africa.
UP Residence Options
 There are numerous men’s residences, Boekenhout, Kiaat,
Kollege, Maroela, Mopanie, Olienhout, Sonop, Taiibos.
 Women’s residences are Asterhof, Curlitzia, Erika, Jasmyn,
Katjiepiering, Klaradyn, Madlief, Magrietjie, Nerina, Zinnia
 Mixed residences are Hippokrates, Jackaranda, Olympus,
Onderstepoort, Protea, Tuksdor, TuksVillage, and Tuks
Naledi.
 TuksVillage is the most popular choice.
 Top academic achievers in each residence receive free
accommodations for the following year.
What to do in Pretoria?
 Pretoria has an impressive array of museums and zoos.
 Pretoria Forts, Kruger House, Melrose House, Voortrekker
Monument, Freedom Park, Transvaal Museum, African
Window
 The Pretoria Zoo is one of the best in the world.
 There are natural reserves open to the public; Groenkloof
Natural Reserve, Rietvlei Nature Reserve, Moreletaspruit
Natue Reserve
 Watch a rugby or soccer game at the Loftus Versfeld stadium.
 Shopping
How to apply
 Minimum period for study abroad students is six months,
maximum is 1 year.
 Student must send in a certified copy of their passport, copies of
official academic transcripts, a letter from the home institution
granting permission for study abroad, a list of proposed courses
to be taken at the University of Pretoria, proof of financial
support, and a fee of $30.
 In order to obtain a study permit, the student must contact the
nearest South African consular office in their country.
 Students must use the letter of admission from the University of
Pretoria to apply for study permits.
 Find a place to stay! Admission into the University doesn’t ensure
placement in a residence.