The University of Pretoria was established in 1908 as the Pretoria branch of the Transvaal University College. The College became a fully-fledged university in 1930. The University’s colloquial name Tuks, or Tukkies, was derived from the acronym TUC for the Transvaal University College. UP's current facilities portfolio consists of more than 790 buildings and structures spread over 33 sites located on six campuses that cover 1 100 hectares of land. In the 106 years of existence the University has produced more than 270 000 alumni.     

The University is a value-based, research-intensive university that equips its students to succeed in a rapidly changing world by providing students with inquiry-led training and learning opportunities. The University of Pretoria's long-term Strategic Plan, UP 2025, captures the essence of the shared vision, aiming to sustain UP's quality and relevance as a university that is firmly rooted in Africa, and to harness its existing and future potential for diversity. UP strives to ensure that it is recognised in the global market place of knowledge production. Great emphasis is placed on student life and support as well as the advancement of sport, art, culture and music.