UP's Spring Graduation ceremonies celebrate the culmination of years of hard work, resilience and academic excellence as graduates reach this significant milestone.
Just weeks after launching its first-of-its-kind Degrees Delivered campaign to help graduates clear historic student debt and receive their degree certificates, the University of Pretoria (UP) has confirmed that it has provided financial support to 58% of the 2,154 students graduating during its Spring Graduation ceremonies, taking place between Monday, 31 August, and Friday, 4 September 2026.
The milestone reflects UP’s continued commitment to ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent students from completing their university journey. It also builds on the strong public response to the Degrees Delivered campaign, which has rallied support for graduates whose qualifications remain withheld because of outstanding fees. This represents an increase from the 48.4% of graduates who received financial support from UP during the Autumn Graduation season earlier this year, when 6,405 of the 13,221 graduates received support.
“This is truly an exciting time for us,” said vice-chancellor and principal Professor Francis Petersen. “Just a few weeks ago, we were overwhelmed by the positive response from young people and the media across South Africa to our Degrees Delivered campaign. We have already raised R11m, and a first cohort of 101 graduates has been identified within the moderate debt band, with outstanding debt of between R20,000 and R50,000, most of them from the Faculty of Education,” he said.
Prof Petersen added, “When we launched the campaign, we were mindful of concerns that it could create the impression that paying fees is optional at UP. This is not the case. Our students are still expected to honour their financial obligations to the University. What the campaign reflects is our belief in the power of collective generosity and the role that our community can play in supporting students who are facing financial challenges. This includes the generosity of our donors and our staff, many of whom contribute every month through payroll deductions because they want to make a difference in the lives of our students. As a university community, we understand that we all have a responsibility to support one another and help our students succeed.”
He said UP’s recent ranking as number one in South Africa according to Employer Reputation in the 2027 QS World University Rankings, reflecting the confidence employers have in the calibre and workplace readiness of UP graduates, “reminds us why these efforts matter. Our graduates deserve every opportunity to realise their potential, and I am incredibly proud of the staff and donors who have come together to help make that possible.”
UP has been providing financial support to its students for many years through its UP Own Funds, which include UP-managed and UP-administered bursaries. While the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) remains the largest source of student funding, UP’s own bursaries and externally funded awards also play an important role in helping students overcome financial hardship.
The University recognises that financial support goes beyond paying for tuition, books and accommodation. Its support also includes nutrition assistance, psychosocial services, academic support and other interventions that help students stay on track, succeed academically and complete their studies.
“To the Spring 2026 graduating cohort, I extend my heartfelt congratulations on reaching this important milestone,” Prof Petersen added. “You have worked hard to get here, and I hope you graduate from UP with confidence in what you have achieved and in what lies ahead. Take the knowledge, skills and experiences you have gained with you, use them to create opportunities for yourselves and others, and never underestimate the difference you can make in your communities and in society. We are proud of you, and we wish you every success as you begin this next chapter.”
A total of 173 PhDs will be conferred across UP’s nine faculties and its Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) during the Spring Graduation season.
