UP 2026 Registrations Guide for new students

By Thabo · Jan 5, 2026
UP 2026 Registrations Guide for new students picture

Online registrations for new students on the UP Student Portal open from: 17 January 2026

As a first-year student at the University of Pretoria, you must complete your registration before your programme begins. This step is very important because it gives you access to your course materials, the UP student portal, and other important academic information.

During registration, make sure you also read your faculty yearbook. It explains the rules, requirements, and regulations that apply specifically to your faculty.

You can visit the yearbook page here.

 

How to Register at the University of Pretoria for the 2026 Academic Year

Here are clear, step-by-step instructions for online registration at the University of Pretoria (UP):

Step 1: Go to the UP Website and Log In

  1. Open your browser and go to www.up.ac.za.
  2. Click on the MyUP Login link.
  3. Log in using:
    • Username: u followed by your student number
    • Password: your UP password
  4. Make sure your account has no holds (for example, unpaid fees).
    • If there is a hold, you cannot register until it is cleared.

 

Step 2: Open the Online Registration Page

  1. After logging in, click on Student Centre.
  2. Go to the Academic Information tab.
  3. Click on Registration (SL Module Changes).
  4. Select Online Registration.
  5. Read the instructions and click Next.

 

Step 3: Check for Service Indicators

  • If there are any negative service indicators (such as financial blocks), they will appear.
  • You can only continue once these have been resolved.

 

Step 4: Accept the Disclaimer and Regulations (Step 1)

  1. Read the Disclaimer.
  2. Open and read the General Academic Regulations.
  3. Tick the checkbox to confirm.
  4. Open and read the Contract Addendum.
  5. Click I Agree, then click Next.

 

Step 5: Information Consent (Step 2)

  1. Choose whether UP may share your:
    • Academic progress
    • Fees information
  2. Select Yes or No where applicable.
  3. Click Next.

 

Step 6: Confirm Contact Details (Step 3)

  1. Check or update your:
    • Permanent postal address
    • Residential address
    • Local address
    • Work address (if applicable)
  2. Use the Copy From option if addresses are the same.
  3. Enter details of your fee guarantor (if required).
  4. Make sure all details are correct.
  5. Click Next.

 

Step 7: Add Emergency Contact Details (Step 4)

  1. Add or edit your emergency contact.
  2. Address line 1 and City are compulsory.
  3. Click Done, then Next.

 

Step 8: Set Preferences (Step 5)

  1. Accept responsibility for managing your UP Gmail account.
  2. Complete your Work Information using the dropdown.
  3. First-time entering students must select the First Generation option if applicable.
  4. Click Next.

 

Step 9: Select Courses / Modules (Step 6)

  1. Register for the full academic year (all semesters or quarters).
  2. Select all required core and fundamental modules.
  3. Use the Online Yearbook to confirm correct modules.
  4. Read Special Instructions carefully.
  5. Ensure:
    • Total credits are correct
    • Failed modules (marked with an asterisk *) are re-registered
  6. First-time students can add electives during orientation week.
  7. Remove any incorrect modules before continuing.

 

Step 10: Confirm Your Enrolment

  1. Review your:
    • Modules
    • Sessions
    • Language choices
  2. Go back and fix any errors if needed.
  3. Click Next to continue.

 

Step 11: Final Registration Confirmation

  1. A confirmation message will show that registration is successful.
  2. You are now a registered UP student.
  3. Your Proof of Registration will be emailed to you.

 

Step 12: Print Proof of Registration (If Needed)

  1. Go back to Registration (SL Module Changes).
  2. Click Print Proof of Registration.
  3. Make sure pop-ups are not blocked.
  4. Download and print the PDF.

 

If you are struggling to register

Due to various reasons, such as outstanding tuition fees, a hold may be placed on a student’s account that prevents them from registering successfully.

To review your registration status, follow these steps:

  1. Log in to the UP Student Portal.
  2. Click on the UP Student Centre link.
  3. Check for holds in the right column of the student centre.

 

Important Dates

Online Registration

  • 17 January 2026

Assisted Registration

  • Hillcrest Campus, 19 January 2026 to 6 February 2026

Pre-Orientation

  • 5 January 2026

Welcome Day

  • 31 January 2026

Classes for quarter 1 and semester 1 start on

  • 9 February 2026

First-year Hybrid Orientation

  • 2 February 2026 to 6 February 2026

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find information on the 2026 welcoming and orientation?

The programmes and information regarding orientation and the start of the academic year for new first-year students will be made available on the UP website in due course.

The Welcome Day for new first-year students will take place on 31 January 2026.

The orientation programme for new first-year students will take place from 2 - 6 February 2026. First-year students will have to register for their remaining elective modules (modules that can be selected from a pre-defined list) this week. Students will receive information on modules that will help them make an informed decision. It will be vital for first-year students to attend orientation and to consult their 2026 yearbook at: click here to ensure that they are registered for the correct number of modules and have the correct level of credits for their chosen study programme.Comprehensive information will be made available at: click here.

 

How will I know which modules to register for?

Online registration for first-year students opens on 17 January 2026. During this time, first-year students will only be able to register for fundamental modules – enrichment modules that all students must take – and core modules (compulsory subjects-related modules that all students have to take for their chosen study programme). First-year students with fixed curricula can register for their modules as they appear on the registration page.

First-year students will then have to register for their remaining elective modules (modules that can be selected from a pre-defined list), during the Orientation Week (2 - 6 February 2026). During this period, they will receive module information to help them make an informed decision. It will be vital for first-year students to attend orientation and to consult their 2026 yearbook at: www.up.ac.za/yearbooks/home to ensure that they are registered for the correct number of modules and have the correct level of credits for their chosen study programme.

In-person registration assistance will be available from 19 January 2026 to 6 February 2026 at the Hillcrest Campus, Monday to Friday, 08:00 - 16:00.

 

May I register for two programmes concurrently?

With the permission of the Dean/Deans concerned, a student may register for a degree, diploma or certificate and another degree, diploma or certificate, whether undergraduate or postgraduate, simultaneously, subject to the regulations applicable to the programmes in question and to any other stipulations the Dean/Deans may prescribe on the condition that there shall be no overlap in the course content of the first degree, diploma or certificate and the second degree, diploma or certificate. Such a concession may be withdrawn by the Dean/Deans concerned if the student does not perform satisfactorily.

 

Should registered students complete an application form?

You will register online for next year. If you are a registered student at the University of Pretoria you do not complete a new application form for each year.

 

What do I need to do before I register online?

The University of Pretoria enrolment contract is only available to students if you have been admitted or conditionally admitted. Students need to complete the contract details online, print it, have it signed and then delivered to UP.  It is advisable to deliver the contract to UP as soon as possible in order to prevent delays with registration. You will not be able to register at UP unless we have received and checked that your submitted contract is valid. The contract becomes legally binding once you register with us.

Please follow this link for guidelines on where to access and how to complete your contract, as well as our more detailed video:

Students must access the contract online on the UP Portal, Student Centre, at click here. Students are requested to complete the contract online, and then to print and sign the contract.

If you want to ensure that you have completed the contract correctly and signed at the correct places before sending us the original document, you can upload it to your UP Student Centre. Instructions on how to upload your contract are available at click here. Wait for your contract to be marked as Valid.

The original hard copy contract needs to be delivered to UP. All signatures on the contract must be original (ink to paper). Digital and scanned signatures are not accepted. You cannot email your contract. Contract drop-off bins are also available at the University Road, Lynnwood Road and Prospect Sreet entrances at the Hatfield Campus. You will receive an email communication once your contract has been processed, and the contract hold will be removed once a valid contract has been processed.  You may also post or courier the contract to UP.

The postal address is: 

University of Pretoria 

Private Bag X20 

Hatfield                                                                                   

0028 

The physical address is:

University of Pretoria

Hatfield Campus

University Road

Hatfield

0083

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Please visit: click here for information on the required initial payments in respect of tuition fees and/or residence fees payable before registration.

In order to facilitate registration, you are requested to make all initial payments (internet transfers or direct payment into the University's bank account) at least FIVE days before the scheduled registration date to allow for processing time.

If you are a bursary holder, you are required to provide the Student Accounts Division in the Student Service Centre with a confirmation letter from your sponsor/bursar at least FIVE days prior to registration. If this is not done, you will have to pay the initial fee before registration.

 

When should first-year students register?

Register online from 17 January; we would recommend that you register as soon as possible. Admission and registration spaces are limited and if we have reached capacity your space may be forfeited. All the information you need is available at: https://www.up.ac.za/registration. Assisted registration is available at the Hillcrest campus from 19 January 2026.

  • Registration is dependent on the availability of spaces. Register as soon as possible to avoid forfeiting your space.
  • Consult your faculty’s Yearbook for information on which modules to choose and your programme curriculum. Visit: https://www.up.ac.za/yearbooks/home.
  • Please register online as soon as possible before 31 January. During this time first-year students will only be able to register for fundamental modules – enrichment modules that all students are required to take – and core modules (compulsory subjects related modules that all students have to take for their chosen study programme). First years with fixed curricula can register for their modules as they appear on the registration page. First-year students with elective modules will then have to register for their remaining elective modules (modules that can be selected from a pre-defined list), during the Orientation Week (2-6 February 2026).

 

Where can I find information on 2026 registration?

UP encourages you to register online for the 2026 academic year. Registration information is available at: click here.

Online registration for first-year students commences on 17 January 2026. During this time first-year students will only be able to register for fundamental modules – enrichment modules that all students are required to take – and core modules (compulsory subjects related modules that all students have to take for their chosen study programme). First years with fixed curricula can register for their modules as they appear on the registration page. First-year students will then have to register for their remaining elective modules (modules that can be selected from a pre-defined list), during the Orientation Week (2 - 6 February 2026). During this period, they will receive information on modules that will help them make an informed decision. It will be vital for first-year students to attend orientation and to consult their 2026 yearbook at: www.up.ac.za/yearbooks/home to ensure that they are registered for the correct number of modules and have the correct level of credits for their chosen study programme. Assisted registration will be available at the Hillcrest Campus from 19 January 2026 to 6 February 2026.

First-year students will then have to register for their remaining elective modules (modules that can be selected from a pre-defined list), during the Orientation Week (3 - 7 February 2025). During this period, they will receive module information to help them make an informed decision. It will be vital for first-year students to attend orientation and to consult their 2025 yearbook at: click here to ensure that they are registered for the correct number of modules and have the proper level of credits for their chosen study programme.

Online registration for Masters and Doctoral students commences on 16 December 2025. Assisted registration will be available at the Student Service Centre on 5 January 2026.

Online registration for returning, Honours and Postgraduate Diploma students commences on 5 January 2026. Assisted registration will be available at the Hillcrest Campus from 19 January 2026 to 6 February 2026.

 

Where can I obtain a proof of registration?

Once you have registered, the Proof of Registration will be emailed to your Tuks email address, eg [email protected], or you can download and print/reprint it on the UP Portal from the Student Centre.

 

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