Applying to the University of Pretoria (UP) can be exciting, but waiting for an update on your application is stressful for many students. To make the process easier, this guide explains how to check your UP application status, what each status message means, and what steps to take depending on the result.
How to Check Your UP Application Status Online
UP provides an online portal where applicants can track the progress of their applications in real time. Here’s how to access it:
Step-by-Step Process
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Visit the UP Online Application or Student Portal.
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Log in using:
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Your UP student number
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Your password or the credentials you created during application
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Once logged in, navigate to Student Centre.
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Click on “Admission Status” to see updates on your application.
Make sure the details you enter match the information you used during your application, otherwise the system may not show your status correctly.
UP Application Status Codes Explained
When you check your status, you may see one of several results. Understanding each status helps you know what to do next.
1. Application Received
UP has successfully received your application, but it has not yet been reviewed.
What to do:
Nothing for now. Just wait for evaluation.
2. Under Review / Pending
Your application is being assessed. This is the most common status during the early stage.
What it means:
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Faculty is evaluating your marks
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Documents are being verified
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Space availability is being assessed
What to do:
Be patient and ensure your contact details are updated.
3. Awaiting Documents
UP needs additional documents or something you uploaded was unclear.
Common missing items:
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ID copy
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Grade 11/12 results
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Transfer certificates
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Proof of payment (if required)
What to do:
Log in to the portal → Upload the requested documents immediately.
Delays can slow down your application or lead to rejection.
4. Conditional Admission
You meet the minimum requirements for the programme, but UP still needs:
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Final matric results
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Outstanding documentation
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Confirmation of space
What to do:
Wait for your final results and continue checking the portal.
5. Offer Issued / Accepted
Great news! UP has offered you a place.
Your next steps:
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Accept the offer on the portal.
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Prepare for registration when dates open.
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Upload any final documents if required.
6. Waiting List
Your application meets requirements, but the programme might be full.
What to do:
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Keep checking your status
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Consider applying for a backup qualification
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Respond quickly if a space becomes available
7. Application Declined
UP could not offer you a place.
Possible reasons:
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Programme capacity reached
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Minimum requirements not met
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Missing documents
What you can do:
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Apply for a different programme
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Improve your results and reapply next cycle
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Consider a Higher Certificate or bridging option elsewhere
How Long Does UP Take to Respond?
Response times vary based on:
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Programme demand
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Faculty processing time
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Volume of applications
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Whether your documents were complete
Generally:
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Early applicants get feedback sooner
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Competitive programmes take longer
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Missing documents delay evaluation
It is common for students to wait a few weeks to a few months for final confirmation.
Common Problems Students Face When Checking Status
1. “Status not appearing”
This usually happens when UP has not yet linked your documents or your application is still being captured.
2. Incorrect login details
Double-check your student number and password.
3. Portal errors
Try checking late at night or early morning when the system is less busy.
4. Lost student number
Use the “Retrieve Student Number” option on the UP website.
Final Advice for UP Applicants
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Keep all your documents scanned and ready
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Check your email regularly, including spam
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Respond to UP notices as soon as possible
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Apply early to avoid programme capacity closures
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Keep track of deadlines for registration and acceptance
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