Shaping the future with your support

At UP, we strive for excellence, and we embrace change as we look forward to the University’s next century.
Every positive difference we make helps us attain ever-increasing levels of impact, industriousness, and influence; we invite you to join us to be part of UP’s next chapter.

Support the university of pretoria

UP is a stable, efficient and carefully managed institution where any philanthropic support will be used to greatest effect: you can depend on the University to make the very most of your generosity. The attached table describes the ways in which you can support the University and we invite you to consider the key areas of activity outlined above, while at the same time directing your attention to the University’s undertakings in:

  • World class teaching and research infrastructure for the Sciences, Engineering, and Technology disciplines;
  • Endowing Research Chairs in disciplines key to Africa’s development; 
  • Prestigious scholarship programmes to support students from across Africa
  • A fund to foster trans-disciplinary research collaboration among African universities and international partners at the Future Africa Institute and campus; and
  • Sports infrastructure, coaches, and bursaries to create a sporting powerhouse in Africa.

Explore the UP Virtual Campus

Experience the University of Pretoria any time, any place, anywhere. UP’s Virtual Campus allows you to explore UP’s facilities and campus life through a combination of 360-degree panoramas and videos.

Explore Now

When the story of Africa’s transformation to a prosperous, democratic, just and sustainable continent is told, the University of Pretoria’s contribution through education and the co-creation of life changing knowledge will be a central part of the narrative.

Prior to this appointment he held several senior positions at the University of Witwatersrand, including his role as the Vice-Principal responsible for running the University. Prior to that role he was the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Advancement, Human Resources and Transformation. He also served as Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Finance and Operations, and was Executive Dean of the Wits Faculty of Humanities.

Professor Kupe was the founding Head of the Media Studies Department at Wits University. He also lectured at Rhodes University, where he briefly acted as Head of the Department of Journalism and Media Studies.

Before Rhodes, he worked in various academic capacities at the University of Zimbabwe, including Chairperson of the Department of English, Media and Communication Studies.

Professor Kupe holds a BA Honours degree and Masters in English from the University of Zimbabwe, as well as a DPhil in Media Studies from the University of Oslo in Norway.

Vice-Chancellor and Principal

Professor Tawana Kupe

Professor Tawana Kupe was appointed Vice-Chancellor and Principal at the University of Pretoria in January 2019.

Professor Kupe was awarded an honorary doctorate degree in Humanities by Michigan State University (MSU) in December 2019.

Professor Kupe has been appointed International Council member of the International Association for Media and Communication Research (IAMCR) from 2020-2024. The IAMCR aims to support and develop media and communication research throughout the world. It particularly encourages the participation of emerging scholars, women and those from economically disadvantaged regions.

Professor Kupe is also a Council Member and Trustee of the Association of Commonwealth universities (ACU). The ACU is an international organisation dedicated to building a better world through higher education, by bringing universities together from around the world by helping to advance knowledge, promote understanding, broaden minds, and improve lives.