University of Pretoria

1. University of Pretoria Pretoria, South Africa “With zeal and perseverance I strive towards the goal”

2. University of Pretoria University of Pretoria is one of South Africa’s leading research and teaching universities.

3. 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 well-rounded, create an intellectually stimulating and culturally vibrant environment.

4. 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

5. 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

6. Education • Transforming views and inspiring change • Encouraging reflective thinking • Providing appropriate learning support • Respecting diversity • Creating empowering learning experiences and environments

7. 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.

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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)

11. Campus Eats • Spageti’s: Delicious pasta, pizza, and paninis • OomGert’s Kiosk: Sweets and cold drinks • OomGert’sKuierpiek: 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

12. 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

13. 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.

14. 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 TuksNaledi. • TuksVillage is the most popular choice. • Top academic achievers in each residence receive free accommodations for the following year.

15. 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

16. 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.