University of Pretoria
university
University of Pretoria

University of Pretoria

To provide a learning environment that fosters critical and independent thinking, encourages ecosystemic accountability, and inspires responsive and responsible

Building 8, Lynnwood Rd,, Elandspoort 357-Jr, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa

About University of Pretoria

The School of Architecture at the University of Pretoria is a vibrant community committed to ethically grounded design practice, emphasizing thoughtful and responsible action across diverse social and environmental conditions. At its core, the school believes architecture is a human practice shaping lives, cities, and futures, demanding intellectual rigor, empathy, curiosity, and responsibility. The department integrates architecture, landscape architecture, and interior architecture, fostering a research-led, ecosystemic approach to design. Its programs and research focus on creating resource-efficient, resilient, and regenerative built environments that respect both landscape and cultural context, enhancing ecological integrity, meaningful place, and social-ecological well-being in rapidly changing global contexts. The curriculum promotes ecologically responsible design, community co-design projects, circular construction, and digital communication skills, preparing graduates for 21st-century challenges and professional registration. The school's ethos promotes co-creating a better future by honoring diverse legacies and embracing human-centered design, practical community engagement, and environmentally responsible solutions.
Program NameDetails
Bachelor of Science Architecture
Bachelor

The BSc Architecture degree explores the design of meaningful environments across varying scales, from intimate interior spaces to more significant interventions in landscapes. It prepares graduates for advanced and specialized professional employment and is accredited by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) as a professional degree.

3 Years
English
Estimated tuition fees per year for South African citizens: 1st year: 49,000 - 65,000 ZAR.
Deadline: Apply before 2026-06-30
Master of Architecture (Coursework)
Master

The master's programme entails a personal yet critical, design-led, research-based investigation. It is a full-time, studio-based coursework program focusing on designs that respond to research findings and consider the inhabitants of the design and surrounding communities.

1 Year
English
Estimated tuition fees per year for South African citizens: 32,000 ZAR. Estimated tuition fees per year for International students: 64,000 ZAR.
Deadline: Apply before 2026-09-30
Bachelor of Interior Architecture
Bachelor

The Interior Architecture degree programme empowers students to design sustainable, meaningful, and beautiful places within the context of architectural space. Graduates possess the theoretical and technical knowledge to engage critically with proposed or existing structures.

3 years
English
Not available.
Deadline: Not available.
PhD in Architecture
PhD

A PhD student must submit a thesis which deals with a topic from the discipline of architecture and provides proof of advanced original research and/or creative work which makes a real and substantial contribution to the knowledge and/or practice of architecture. A student must submit at least one draft article to a recognized journal for publication, before or concurrent with the submission of the thesis.

2 years
English
25240 ZAR/year
Deadline: Not available.
Bachelor of Landscape Architecture Honours
Bachelor Honours

Not available

Not available
English
Not available.
Deadline: South Africa - 30/09/2025; International - 30/09/2025
Master of Landscape Architecture
Master

The Master of Landscape Architecture (Professional) is a taught master's degree for the purpose of registration as a candidate professional landscape architect. This program is completed by coursework, projects and a design investigation mini-dissertation and design project.

1 year
English
Not available.
Deadline: Not available.
PhD in Interior Architecture
PhD

The PhD in Interior Architecture offers a unique opportunity for students to engage in advanced research within the field of interior design. This program encourages the exploration of design innovation, the relationship between space and human experience, and sustainability in interior environments.

2 years
English
25240 ZAR/year
Deadline: Not available.
Coursework Masters in Town and Regional Planning
Master

The purpose of the Coursework Masters in Town and Regional Planning qualification is to deepen qualified learners' knowledge in specialised aspects of Town and Regional Planning. It provides learners with the competencies to plan, execute, and write up scientific research in the urban and regional planning field.

2 years
English
Not available.
Deadline: Not available.
Bachelor of Town and Regional Planning
Bachelor

Town and Regional Planning equips planners with the necessary knowledge and skills to present interventions to deal with many problems on properties and in settlements and regions. It introduces you to a profession that promotes and manages societal transformation and progressive change through the planning, design, implementation and management of interventions in the development and use of land.

4 years
English
Estimated tuition fees per year for South African citizens: 56,000 ZAR. Estimated tuition fees per year for International students: 112,000 ZAR.
Deadline: Not available.

Performance & Metrics

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Alumni
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Programs
Accreditations & Affiliations
Accredited by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) as a professional degree, and locally and internationally accredited. Graduates can register with the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP), the South African Institute of the Interior Design Professions (IID), and the South African Council for the Landscape Architectural Profession (SACLAP).
Admissions
Deadlines
Applications open: March 1. Last day to submit all undergraduate applications (including transfer applications): June 30 for the following academic year. Departmental selection tests are written on scheduled Saturdays during June/July/August/September.
Requirements
A National Senior Certificate (NSC) or Independent Examination Board (IEB) qualification with a minimum Admission Point Score (APS) of 30. Minimum achievement levels: English Home Language or English First Additional Language (Level 5), Mathematics (Level 4), Physical Sciences (Level 4). Life Orientation is excluded from APS calculation. The admission process involves a four-part selection process: Academic Merit, Homework Assignments, Selection Tests, and Interviews. Meeting minimum academic requirements does not guarantee admission.
Recent Rankings
QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023 for Architecture & Built Environment: Ranked in the top 240 institutions globally.
Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2023 (measuring work towards UN Sustainable Development Goals): Ranked 69th globally.
QS World University Rankings 2026 (Overall University): #=362.

University of Pretoria Academic FAQ

University of Pretoria is To provide a learning environment that fosters critical and independent thinking, encourages ecosystemic accountability, and inspires responsive and responsible

Applicants are typically required to submit: A National Senior Certificate (NSC) or Independent Examination Board (IEB) qualification with a minimum Admission Point Score (APS) of 30. Minimum achievement levels: English Home Language or English ....

University of Pretoria provides a comprehensive curriculum including: Bachelor of Science Architecture, Master of Architecture (Coursework), Bachelor of Interior Architecture, PhD in Architecture, Bachelor of Landscape Architecture Honours.

University of Pretoria is situated in Pretoria, South Africa, offering a vibrant context for architectural study.

Yes, University of Pretoria holds accreditations from: Accredited by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) as a professional degree, and locally and internationally accredited. Graduates can register with the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP), the South African Institute of the Interior Design Professions (IID), and the South African Council for the Landscape Architectural Profession (SACLAP)..