University of Johannesburg
Universiteit van Johannesburg
A large, English-taught public university on four Johannesburg campuses, with free applications and APS-based entry.
- Tuition
- ZAR 38,810
- From · 2026 (latest fee booklet; 2027 fees are published in December 2026)
- Founded
- 2005
- QS World Ranking
- #292
- 2027 edition
- Campus
- Urban
About UJ
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) was created on 1 January 2005 by merging the Rand Afrikaans University, the Technikon Witwatersrand and the Soweto and East Rand campuses of Vista University. The new university was spread over four Johannesburg campuses: Auckland Park Kingsway (the main campus), Auckland Park Bunting Road, Doornfontein and Soweto.
UJ is a comprehensive university, which means it offers both traditional degrees and more vocational diplomas, more than 178 undergraduate programmes in all. They sit in eight faculties including a college: Art, Design and Architecture; the College of Business and Economics; Education; Engineering and the Built Environment; Health Sciences; Humanities; Law; and Science. All programmes are taught in English. The university has positioned itself around the Fourth Industrial Revolution and pan-African engagement, and is strong in business and economics, engineering and hospitality in subject rankings.
Admission is based on the Admission Point Score (APS) from your six best school subjects, with each programme setting a minimum APS and subject levels, for example 33 for Chartered Accountancy, 32 for BEng and 31 for the LLB and BSc Applied Mathematics and Computer Science. Applications are free. UJ suits students who want a big-city university with a wide choice of degrees and diplomas, and a strong route into Johannesburg's jobs market.
Why students choose UJ
No application fee, and more than 178 undergraduate programmes across eight faculties including a college.
Clear APS-based entry, e.g. APS 33 for BCom Accounting (CA), 32 for BEng Civil or Mechanical Engineering, 31 for LLB and BSc Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, and 40 for Actuarial Science.
The Orange Carpet programme gives South African and SADC top achievers (APS 37+) early conditional admission and 50% to 100% tuition bursaries.
Twelve sporting codes, from rowing and hockey to e-sport, and four campuses across Johannesburg including Soweto.
Admissions
2027 academic year (applications 1 April to 31 October 2026)
Selectivity
UJ does not publish an acceptance rate. Places are limited by Department of Higher Education quotas; in January UJ ranks all applicants who meet the requirements by APS, from highest to lowest, so meeting the minimum does not guarantee a place.
Typical entry requirements
| NSC / IEB (BCom Accounting, CA) | APS 33 with English 4 (50%+) and Mathematics 5 (60%+); Mathematical Literacy not accepted |
|---|---|
| NSC / IEB (BEng Civil or Mechanical Engineering) | APS 32 with English, Mathematics and Physical Sciences at 5 (60%+) |
| NSC / IEB (BSc Applied Mathematics and Computer Science) | APS 31 with English 5 (60%+) and Mathematics 6 (70%+) |
| NSC / IEB (LLB) | APS 31 with Mathematics or 32 with Mathematical Literacy; English 5 (60%+) |
| International qualifications | A-levels, IB, WAEC, KCSE and others converted to APS; degree applicants also need a Matriculation Exemption from Universities South Africa and a SAQA evaluation of foreign qualifications |
| English language | IELTS 6 · TOEFL iBT 80 Required where English was not the medium of instruction: IELTS overall 6, TOEFL 80-104, or UJ's English Language Programme (UJELP) test. All teaching is in English. |
Deadlines
- All undergraduate programmes (2027 intake) Non-binding Next deadline · In 25 days31 October 2026, 12:00
Applications opened 1 April 2026; the same deadline applies to student accommodation. This is the cycle for students starting in February 2027.
- NSFAS funding (2027 registration) Non-binding In 53 days28 November 2026
For South African students applying for state financial aid.
UJ's published dates are for 2027 entry (applications 1 April to 31 October 2026). Dates for 2028 entry have not been published; based on this cycle, expect applications to open around April 2027 and close around the end of October 2027.
How to apply
Apply online at uj.ac.za/Apply (or on paper at any campus); there is no application fee. You may choose two programmes, which cannot be changed once processed. Provisional offers use Grade 11 results for current matric learners, with final selection in January on Grade 12 results. International applicants add a passport, final school results, a SAQA evaluation and a Matriculation Exemption, and must apply for a study visa once admitted.
What admissions looks for
- An APS at or above the programme minimum, calculated from your six best subjects excluding Life Orientation.
- The right subjects at the right level, such as Mathematics at 6 (70%+) for computer science majors or Physical Sciences for engineering.
- Strong final Grade 12 results, which UJ uses to rank all eligible applicants in January.
- For international applicants, a recognised school-leaving qualification with Matriculation Exemption and English proficiency.
Tips for applying to UJ
- 1 Apply early in the April to October window: provisional offers are made on Grade 11 results, and places fill up.
- 2 Choose your two programmes carefully, since UJ will not change them after your application is processed.
- 3 If you are a top achiever from South Africa or SADC with APS 37+, apply before 31 October to be considered for Orange Carpet bursaries.
- 4 International students should start the SAQA evaluation and Matriculation Exemption early, as both are needed before you can register.
Costs & financial aid
2026 (latest fee booklet; 2027 fees are published in December 2026) · figures in ZAR
UJ publishes approved 2027 fees in December and says fees generally rise 10% to 15% a year; international students also pay a non-refundable international levy (2026: R2,090 for SADC and African countries, R17,780 for other countries), and international undergraduates paid 40% of fees at registration, 75% by 15 April and 100% by 15 July in 2026. Merit bursaries are based on final school marks, the Orange Carpet programme gives 50% to 100% tuition bursaries for APS 37 and above (South African and SADC citizens), and South Africans can apply to NSFAS.
- 50% / 75% / 100% of tuition; 100% plus R5,485 above 42
- Orange Carpet bursary (APS 37-39 / 40-41 / 42+)
- R1,650
- Leadership bursary (school council president, vice-president, secretary or treasurer)
- None
- Application fee
Academics
Academic calendar: Semesters (academic year from February)
BCom Accounting (CA)
The route to Chartered Accountant (SA) at APK, with APS 33 and Mathematics at 60%+.
BEng Civil / Mechanical Engineering
APS 32 with 60%+ in English, Maths and Physical Sciences; UJ reports engineering in the THE subject 301-400 band.
Hospitality Management
Offered by UJ's School of Tourism and Hospitality; UJ reports a QS 101-150 subject ranking, first in South Africa and Africa.
BSc Actuarial Science
UJ's most demanding APS (40) with Mathematics at 80%+.
Architecture degree (FADA)
A degree programme in the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture, with APS 30 and 60%+ in English and Mathematics.
Research
- UJ describes a deliberate focus on the Fourth Industrial Revolution and research tied to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
- Its Institute for Intelligent Systems and other research centres sit alongside the Postgraduate School.
- UJ reports first place in South Africa and Africa in THE subject rankings for Business and Economics and for Computer Science.
Schools & faculties
- College of Business and Economics
- Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture
- Faculty of Education
- Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment
- Faculty of Health Sciences
- Faculty of Humanities
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Science
Student life
UJ offers residences and fully equipped apartments on its four campuses, with study centres, libraries, cafeterias and sports facilities within walking distance, plus day houses for students living at home. Sport covers twelve codes, including athletics, rowing, hockey, rugby, basketball, cricket and e-sport, and UJ Arts & Culture runs performances and exhibitions across all campuses. PsyCaD offers counselling, career guidance and assessments on every campus, and protection services operate around the clock.
- Twelve sporting codes, from rowing and rugby to chess and e-sport.
- UJ Arts & Culture programmes across all four campuses.
- Day houses for students who commute rather than live in residence.
- UJenius Club for top-performing students, with merit bursaries and study-abroad preference.
Housing. UJ offers on-campus residences and apartments plus accredited private off-campus accommodation; residence applications close with academic applications on 31 October 2026.
Location
Johannesburg is South Africa's largest city and economic hub. UJ's two Auckland Park campuses lie west of the city centre, Doornfontein is close to downtown, and the Soweto campus is in Soweto, the city's historic township. It is a fast-paced, diverse city with a large jobs market, and students should follow campus safety guidance.
Nearest airport: O. R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)
Notable alumni
- JK Joseph KabilaFormer President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo; master's degree from UJ (2021)
- BV Bridget van KralingenFormer IBM senior vice president and private equity partner; honours degree in commerce from UJ's predecessor institution (1985)
- MS Mary SibandeArtist known for sculpture and photography; BTech from UJ
- WK Wouter KellermanGrammy Award-winning flautist and composer; received UJ's Alumni Dignitas Award in 2024
Frequently asked questions
What APS do you need for the University of Johannesburg?
It depends on the programme: for 2027 entry, BCom Accounting (CA) needs 33, BEng Civil or Mechanical 32, LLB and BSc Applied Mathematics and Computer Science 31, and Actuarial Science 40, plus subject minimums.
When do UJ applications close?
For 2027 entry, applications opened on 1 April 2026 and close on 31 October 2026 at 12:00. Dates for 2028 entry have not yet been published.
Does UJ charge an application fee?
No. UJ does not charge an application fee for online or paper applications.
How much are UJ fees for international students?
In 2026 international undergraduates paid the same annual student fees as South Africans (about R36,700 to R104,400 depending on programme) plus a non-refundable international levy of R2,090 (SADC and African countries) or R17,780 (other countries). Fees for 2027 are published in December and UJ says they usually rise 10% to 15% a year.
What IELTS score does UJ require?
IELTS 6 overall or TOEFL 80-104 if English was not your medium of instruction; you can also take UJ's own UJELP test.
Sources & methodology
Figures on this page were checked against official university publications, national application services and ranking publishers in September 2026. Each number is shown with the year or admissions cycle it describes. Always confirm deadlines and fees on the university's own website before applying.
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