
University of Pretoria
The University of Pretoria (UP) offers an exciting opportunity to work in one of South Africa’s leading academic institutions. With competitive salaries, diverse roles, and a chance to contribute to impactful projects and student-centric solutions, UP is an attractive employer for young professionals passionate about education, research, IT, and customer service.
For individuals seeking entry-level positions , the University of Pretoria offers diverse opportunities in areas such as administration, IT, HR, finance, marketing, facilities management, student services, research support, and teaching assistance .
These roles provide young professionals with hands-on experience in higher education, exposure to cutting-edge technologies, and opportunities for career growth within a structured and inclusive work environment.
Popular Entry-Level Roles at the University of Pretoria
Entry-level positions at UP are ideal for those seeking stable careers in higher education, offering exposure to a collaborative environment with opportunities for skill development and professional growth. These roles align with UP’s commitment to equality, employment equity, and fostering a multicultural workforce, often prioritizing candidates from historically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Explore visa sponsorship jobs in top countries. Click below to find opportunities:
Common Entry-Level Roles
- Administrative Assistant: Supporting departmental operations with tasks like data entry, scheduling, and managing correspondence.
- Student Assistant: Assisting with tutoring, lab support, or administrative tasks on campus (often part-time for enrolled students).
- Cleaner/General Worker: Maintaining campus facilities, ensuring cleanliness and operational support.
- Library Assistant: Aiding with shelving, cataloging, and assisting students with library resources.
- Technical Assistant (e.g., IT, Labs): Supporting basic technical operations, such as equipment setup or IT helpdesk services.
Salaries for Entry-Level Positions at the University of Pretoria
Salaries for entry-level roles at UP are governed by public sector pay scales, typically starting at Peromnes Levels 11–13 (equivalent to Salary Levels 4–6 in broader government terms), with adjustments for inflation as of March 2025. Below are approximate monthly ranges based on industry trends and available data:
- Administrative Assistant: ZAR 14,000–ZAR 18,000 (ZAR 168,000–ZAR 216,000 annually).
- Student Assistant: ZAR 2,500–ZAR 5,000 (ZAR 30,000–ZAR 60,000 annually, part-time, often hourly at ZAR 20–ZAR 40).
- Cleaner/General Worker: ZAR 9,000–ZAR 12,000 (ZAR 108,000–ZAR 144,000 annually).
- Library Assistant: ZAR 10,000–ZAR 14,000 (ZAR 120,000–ZAR 168,000 annually).
- Technical Assistant: ZAR 12,000–ZAR 16,000 (ZAR 144,000–ZAR 192,000 annually).
Benefits: Permanent staff may receive medical aid (UP subscribes to BESTMED and UMVUZO schemes, contributing 50% of premiums), pension contributions, and study benefits for family members. Part-time or temporary roles (e.g., Student Assistants) typically offer stipends without additional perks. Salaries can vary slightly by campus and funding, with potential increases post-probation or with experience.
Requirements for Entry-Level Jobs at the University of Pretoria
UP sets accessible requirements to attract diverse candidates, aligning with its Employment Equity goals and commitment to professional development. General criteria include:
- Education:
- Matric/Grade 12 (NQF Level 4) with basic literacy and numeracy for all roles (e.g., Cleaner, Library Assistant).
- For Administrative or Technical Assistants: Matric minimum; a certificate in Office Administration, IT, or related fields is a plus but not always required.
- Experience: None typically required; 0–1 year of related experience (e.g., customer service, manual labor) is advantageous.
How to Apply for Entry-Level Jobs at the University of Pretoria
Applying for UP entry-level jobs is an online process via the official Careers@UP portal, with updates as of 2025. Here’s how to proceed:
- Find Vacancies:
- Visit www.up.ac.za and navigate to the “Careers@UP” section under “Human Resources.”
- Alternatively, go directly to up.simplify.hr (UP’s recruitment portal) to browse listings.
Never pay anyone for job applications, interview tests, or job interviews. A genuine employer will never ask you for the payment under any circumstances.