Elon Musk’s early academic journey included a short period at the University of Pretoria, where he demonstrated exceptional talent in computing and programming.
Understanding what did Elon Musk study at University of Pretoria provides insight into his early foundations before he became one of the world’s most influential entrepreneurs.
What Did Elon Musk Study At University Of Pretoria?: Early Interest in Computing
Born in Pretoria in 1971, Elon Musk showed strong aptitude in computing from a very young age. At 11, he attended a specialized computer course organized by Hyperama in collaboration with Wits University and British computer experts.
Despite being underage, Musk convinced the organizers to allow him to participate. His performance impressed the lecturers, leading his father to purchase his first computer, which Elon used to teach himself programming.
By age 12, Musk had developed and sold his first video game, Blastar, for $500. This self-taught expertise in programming became the basis of his future academic and entrepreneurial pursuits.
Studies at the University of Pretoria
In 1989, before leaving South Africa for North America, Elon Musk briefly attended the University of Pretoria. At the age of 17, he took a computer aptitude test at the university, where his scores were so exceptional that administrators had to retest him to confirm the results.
Musk received an A+ in both computer programming and computer operations, showcasing his advanced technical skills at a young age. JLM Wiechers, then Director of Information Management at the university, described his results as “outstanding.”
Although Musk’s time at the University of Pretoria was short, it marked a crucial step in his academic path, bridging his early computing achievements with his move to study further abroad.
Transition to International Studies
After his brief stay at the University of Pretoria, Musk moved to Canada and later studied at Queen’s University before transferring to the University of Pennsylvania.
There, he pursued degrees in both economics and physics, which became the academic foundation for his entrepreneurial ventures in technology, energy, and space exploration.
How Musk’s Studies Shaped His Career
Musk’s early exposure to programming and his academic start at the University of Pretoria prepared him for building world-changing companies. His ventures include:
- Zip2 – Sold to Compaq for $307 million in 1999.
- PayPal (X.com) – Sold to eBay for $1.5 billion in 2002.
- SpaceX – Founded with $100 million investment.
- Tesla – Expanded into the electric vehicle industry with $70 million.
- SolarCity – Backed with $10 million to drive solar energy innovation.
These companies have since shaped global industries and helped make Musk one of the richest and most influential individuals in the world.
FAQ: What Did Elon Musk Study At University Of Pretoria
1. Did Elon Musk complete a degree at the University of Pretoria?
No, Elon Musk did not complete a degree there. He attended briefly before moving to Canada.
2. What did Elon Musk study at University of Pretoria?
He focused on computing and took a computer aptitude test, where he achieved top scores in programming and computer operations.
3. Why did Elon Musk attend the University of Pretoria?
He attended while waiting to secure documentation to study abroad and to avoid mandatory military service in South Africa.
4. How old was Elon Musk when he studied at University of Pretoria?
He was 17 years old at the time.
5. Did Elon Musk’s studies at the University of Pretoria influence his career?
Yes, his exceptional performance in computing reinforced his passion for technology, which later shaped his ventures in software, space, and electric vehicles.
6. Where did Elon Musk continue his studies after the University of Pretoria?
He attended Queen’s University in Canada and later transferred to the University of Pennsylvania in the United States.
7. What was Elon Musk’s first major achievement in computing?
At age 12, he programmed and sold a video game called Blastar for $500.