South Africa, Pretoria: University of Pretoria
Application
Students of all disciplines at Bachelor's and Master's level (at least 3rd Bachelor's semester) can apply. The programme is held in English. The subject focus of the exchange is on education, but students of other subjects can also apply for an exchange. Proof of language skills in English is therefore required.
The academic calendar of the University of Pretoria in South Africa generally follows the national university calendar, starting in February and ending in June (semester 1) or July to November (semester 2).
Study
The University of Pretoria, or UP for short, is a prestigious educational institution in South Africa, recognised worldwide for its academic excellence and welcoming campus atmosphere. With a rich history dating back to 1908, UP has become a leading institution for education and research, attracting students from all over the world. A prominent feature of the University of Pretoria is its wide range of degree programmes, ranging from humanities and sciences to medicine and engineering.
This allows students to pursue their interests and passions and develop themselves in a dynamic and challenging academic environment. Whether you are interested in arts and culture, business and management or technology and science: UP offers a wide range of opportunities for personal and academic development. In total, over 50,000 students study at UP, making it one of the largest universities in the country.
Everyday life
South Africa's culture is strongly characterised by its own history and has shaped the country into a multicultural nation. Around 55 million people currently live in the various provinces. The official capital is Pretoria, but Cape Town in the south or Johannesburg (south of Pretoria) are regarded as the secret capitals of South Africa.
Pretoria itself offers a rich cultural offering with museums, art galleries, theatres and concert venues. There is also a vibrant culinary scene with a variety of restaurants offering international and local cuisine. Pretoria offers numerous opportunities for leisure activities. The National Zoological Garden, the Voortrekker Monument and the Union Buildings Garden are popular attractions. There are also many parks, hiking trails and nature reserves in the surrounding area that are suitable for outdoor activities.
The city is also an important business centre in South Africa and is home to numerous government agencies, embassies and companies. Job opportunities are diverse, especially in the public sector, education and research. As in many major cities around the world, there are security concerns in Pretoria. It is advisable to take precautions such as avoiding dangerous neighbourhoods at night and locking doors and windows.
For "normal" requirements, the monthly costs for accommodation, food, books and leisure are around Rand 6,000 (1 Euro = 20 South African Rand, as at September 2023). However, the cost of living depends heavily on whether you need your own car. Due to the lack of reliable public transport (especially in the north of South Africa), this is often the case.
Formalities & interesting facts
All exchange students must have insurance cover in order to enrol at the UP. This is mandatory. It is also strongly recommended that you take out additional international or travel health insurance. It is also advisable to check any other insurance policies you may have (accident and liability insurance).
To study in South Africa, a study permit must be applied for at the South African embassy. Which documents must be submitted when applying for a study permit
The Examinations Office at the University of Oldenburg makes it easy to transfer credits relevant to your studies in Germany.
Information on credit transfer for studying in Oldenburg