What You Need to Know About University of Johannesburg
UJ is right in the heart of Joburg, so you get a real city experience. It's known for being practical and career-focused, not just books and theory. A lot of people pick UJ because it's open to more than just top achievers. If you're aiming for a good degree without insane pressure, this is a solid choice.
UJ is not impossible to get into, but you can't slack off either. You need at least 28 APS for most degrees. Some courses, like Architecture and certain BComs, want a bit more. They care about your subject marks, not just your total points, so make sure your subjects match what your degree needs.
What APS Do You Need?
For most programs, you need at least 28 APS. Some, like Architecture, want 30 APS with 60% for both English and Maths. If you want to study teaching, you still need 28 APS, but your English needs to be at 60% or above. Maths Lit is fine for some Education degrees, but it's a hard no for programmes like Architecture and many Science or Commerce options. Always check the subject requirements—just scraping the APS isn't enough if your subjects are off.
How to Apply
I know the online portal can glitch at the worst times, but just keep calm and push through. Apply at https://www.uj.ac.za/Apply. You’ll need your ID, latest results, and proof of payment for your application fee. The deadline is 31 October 2025 at 12:00 for all undergrad applications, so don’t wait till the last minute.
Make sure you get your documents scanned and ready before you start. UJ does almost everything online now, so you won’t need to drop off papers in person. If you want to check your application status, just use your ID number on their site.
Fees and Funding
UJ’s fees depend on your course, but as a first-year, you’ll pay at least R5,950 upfront if you’re a day student. Yearly tuition ranges from about R34,000 to over R66,000 depending on your faculty. If you want res, the upfront payment is R9,850. NSFAS is open for qualifying South Africans, and UJ also has merit bursaries if your APS is high—like, if you score 37+ APS, you could get up to 100% off tuition. There’s also the Orange Carpet campaign for top achievers.
Life on Campus
UJ has res options across all its campuses, but spots fill up fast. There’s accredited off-campus housing if you don’t get into res. Res costs start at R9,850 upfront and depend on how many days you stay. Campus life is busy, with student centres, Wi-Fi, societies, and good public transport links. Safety is decent, but keep your phone close—Joburg is still Joburg.
Not sure if your marks are enough? Use our free APS calculator to check where you stand.