UP Registrations for 2026: Dates, Requirements, and Step-by-Step Guide to register

The University of Pretoria (UP) registration period for the 2026 academic year is around the corner. Whether you’re a first-year or returning student, here’s everything you need to know to secure your spot and start the year smoothly.

UP Registration Dates for 2026

 Registrations are expected to open as follows for South African and International Students:

For New Students:

• Online Registration - 19 January 2026
• Assisted(Walk-In Registration) - Hillcrest Campus, 21 January 2026 to 7 February 2026
• Pre-Orientation - 21 January 2026
• Welcome Day - 1 February 2026
• Classes for quarter 1 and semester 1 start on - 10 February 2026
• First-year Hybrid Orientation - 3 February 2026 to 7 February 2026

For Current Students:

• Online Registration - 3 January 2026
• Assisted Registration - 21 January 2026 (Hillcrest Campus)
• Classes start - 10 February 2026

For Postgradute Students:

• Online registration for honour’s students - 3 January 2026
• Online registration for master’s and doctorate - From 19 December 2025
• Assisted registration for honour’s students - 21 January 2026 (Hillcrest Campus)
• Assisted registration for master’s and doctorate - From 3 January 2026

3 Important things to know when you register

1. Always quote your student number when making payments, such as your registration fee.
2. Protect your student card, as this will give you access to all the UP campuses.
3. If you want to avoid long queues, complete the registration process online before your classes start.

How to Register at the University of Pretoria (UP) — Step-by-Step Guide for 2026

The University of Pretoria (UP) has made it easy for students to complete their registration process online through the UP Student Portal. Whether you’re a first-year, returning, or postgraduate student, this guide will walk you through every step from logging in to printing your proof of registration.

Step 1: Visit the UP Student Portal

Start by going to www.up.ac.za and click on the “My UP Login” link.

• Log in using your UP username (usually starts with a “u” followed by your student number, e.g. u12345678).
• Enter your password to access your profile.

Tip: Before starting, make sure there are no holds on your account. Holds can be caused by unpaid fees or missing documents — and they’ll prevent you from registering.

Step 2: Open the Student Center

Once you’re logged in:

1. Click on the Student Center portlet.
2. You’ll land on the UP Student Services homepage.
3. Go to the Academic Information tab.
4. Click Registration SL Module Changes → then click Online Registration.

You’ll now be on the UP Registration Status page — the starting point for your official registration.

Step 3: Read and Accept the Disclaimer

• Read the general academic regulations carefully.
• Once done, check the box next to “I confirm”.
• Then, click on the Contract Addendum, read it, and select “I agree.”

This step ensures that you understand and accept UP’s academic terms and conditions.

Step 4: Manage Information Consent

Here, you’ll be asked whether you allow the university to share your personal or academic information.

For example:

• You can choose “No” if you don’t want your academic progress shared with the person responsible for paying your fees.

Make your selections, then click Next to continue.

Step 5: Update Contact Details

Your contact details will appear automatically based on your application. Review and update them if needed:

• Permanent postal address
• Residential address
• Local (current) address
• Work address (if applicable)
• Fee guarantor’s information — make sure this section is complete!

Once everything looks correct, click Next.

Step 6: Add Emergency Contact Details

Add or edit your emergency contact details.

• Fields like Address Line 1 and City are compulsory.
• After completing, click Done and then Next to continue.

Step 7: Confirm Preferences

In this section:

• Acknowledge your UP Gmail account by swiping “Yes.”
• Select an option under the “First Generation” dropdown if you’re a first-time entering student.

Then move on to the next step.

Step 8: Select Your Courses / Modules

This is the core of your registration process.

• Read the instructions carefully.
• You must register for the full academic year, including second semester or additional quarter modules.
• Register for all core and fundamental modules.
• Use the Online Yearbook link to check which modules you should take.

Important:

• Ensure your total credits are correct — if not, remove or add modules until the system allows you to continue.
• Modules with an asterisk (*) indicate subjects you failed previously and need to re-register.
• First-year students: Electives will only be available during orientation week.

Once satisfied, click Next to continue.

Step 9: Confirm Your Enrollment

Before finalizing registration:

• Double-check that your selected modules, sessions, and languages are correct.
• If something’s wrong, go back and make corrections.
• Once confirmed, proceed to finalize your registration.

Step 10: Complete and Print Proof of Registration

Congratulations! You’re now officially a registered student at the University of Pretoria.

• A proof of registration will be sent to your registered email.
• If you don’t receive it, go back to the Registration SL Module Changes link and select “Print Proof of Registration.”
• Ensure your browser pop-ups are enabled — the proof will open as a PDF.

You can also print your proof directly from your Student Center.

REGISTRATION financial requirements for the academic year 2026

For the 2026 academic year, the first payment of tuition fees (initial fee) needed at registration for
undergraduate students will be R10 000 and for post-graduate students R12 500.

International students (Citizens from countries other than South Africa):

Students/Applicants who are admitted for undergraduate studies, who are not citizens from the Southern African Development Community (SADC), will be required to pay R40 000 as a first payment before registration is possible.

Students/Applicants who are admitted for postgraduate studies, who are not citizens from the Southern African Development Community (SADC), will be required to pay 50% of the total 2025 fee before registration is possible.  

Please note that the above is not applicable to:

1. Students from SADC countries.
2. Postdoctoral students
3. Students registering with the following VISA status: Asylum seeker, diplomatic, refugee,   permanent resident or work permit.

Important note: Students who are funded by an external sponsor or NSFAS are exempt for paying the first payment.

Common Registration Issues and Solutions

Important Contacts and Support

Operational Hours:

• Monday – Friday 08:00 – 16:00

Contact number: 012 420 5347

Email address: [email protected]

Final Tips for a Smooth Registration

• Register early to avoid system delays.
• Double-check personal details before submitting.
• Keep all confirmations and receipts safely.
• Attend orientation sessions for academic and campus guidance.

Conclusion

Registration doesn’t have to be stressful. Follow these steps carefully, stay updated on official UP announcements, and you’ll be ready to start your 2026 academic year without any hiccups.