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SOUTH AFRICA · JOHANNESBURG

University of Johannesburg

public · Founded 2005 · Languages: en

In short

The University of Johannesburg is a large, dynamic public university in South Africa, offering internationally recognized programs and a research-intensive environment. It is committed to innovation, societal impact, and preparing students for global citizenship within a diverse, multicultural setting.

Key facts

Type: Public
Founded: 2005
Students: 50,000
International students: 3,000
Acceptance rate: 25%
Tuition (intl): €3–6k/yr
Languages: EN
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is a dynamic and inclusive public university in South Africa, established in 2005 through a significant merger. With over 50,000 students, including 3,000 international students from more than 80 countries, UJ is one of the largest contact universities in the nation. Located in the vibrant city of Johannesburg, the university embodies the energy and diversity of its urban setting. UJ is committed to transformation and academic excellence, offering world-class, internationally recognized academic programs at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The curricula are informed by cutting-edge developments, designed to prepare students for the global workforce and active citizenship, with a particular focus on African scholarship and realities. UJ is known for its research intensity and its mission to inspire its community to transform and serve humanity through innovation and collaborative knowledge pursuit. The university drives positive change through its emphasis on societal impact, sustainability, and leveraging technology in a people-centered and ethical manner, aligning with its 4IR (Fourth Industrial Revolution) strategy.

Why study here

Gain an internationally recognized qualification with curricula informed by cutting-edge developments.
Benefit from a research-intensive environment with over 70 research centers and 347 NRF-rated researchers.
Join a diverse and multicultural student body, including over 3,000 international students from over 80 countries.
Experience a holistic education that prepares you for global citizenship and the future world of work, with a focus on African perspectives.
Study at a university deeply committed to societal impact, sustainability, and leveraging Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies.

Student life

UJ offers a comprehensive student experience with excellent facilities across its four campuses. These include modern lecture rooms and micro-laboratories, well-stocked libraries, campus and health clinics, student shopping centers, restaurants, cafeterias, auditoriums, halls, galleries, and conference venues. The university also boasts extensive sports and cultural facilities, many of which are open to the general public. UJ aims to enhance the quality of student life and foster a sense of belonging and inclusivity within its diverse community, supporting student growth, development, and well-being. On-campus accommodation is available, and information for first-time undergraduate and postgraduate applicants is provided.

Fees

InternationalInternational undergraduate tuition at the University of Johannesburg typically ranges from around ZAR 50,000 to ZAR 120,000 per year (roughly EUR 2,500-6,000) depending on the faculty and programme, plus an international student levy. Postgraduate fees vary by qualification. Applicants should confirm current amounts with the UJ fee booklet.

HomeSouth African and SADC students pay subsidised tuition that varies by faculty, generally lower than the international rate. Fees are published annually in the UJ fee booklet.

LivingStudents should budget approximately ZAR 70,000-110,000 (about EUR 3,500-5,500) per year for accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses in Johannesburg, with on-campus residences offering more affordable options.

The University of Johannesburg provides a fee increase letter and a fee booklet for 2026. Payment methods for online payments are available. A discount may be offered on fully settled fees. For specific fee details, students are advised to consult the official fee booklet or contact the student finance division. The University operates in a cashless environment, and students should only use official payment channels.

Admissions

Undergraduate ApplicationsOpen: 1 April 2026, Close: 31 October 2026 (12:00 SAST)

Postgraduate ApplicationsMost programmes close: 31 October 2026 (12:00 SAST). MEng/MPhil in Engineering Management (Course work) closes: 30 September 2026 (12:00 SAST).

Application MethodOnline applications are free. Applicants can apply for two study choices per academic year, which cannot be amended after selection.

Required DocumentsSupporting documents (e.g., academic record/transcript, degree/diploma certificate for transfers) must be scanned in JPEG, GIF, or TIFF format, not exceeding 512 KB. Additional documentation (departmental forms, CV, motivation, research proposal) may be required by specific faculties/departments.

IELTS (Academic)Overall band score of 6.0-6.5 typically required for English-medium programmes (confirm with faculty).

TOEFL iBTAround 80 or above typically accepted (confirm specific programme requirements).

Rankings

QS World University RankingsTop 10 in Africa

Times Higher EducationAmong leading South African universities

University scholarships

UJ Merit BursaryPartial to full tuition based on academic performance

UJ International Student AwardsSelected partial tuition support for high-achieving international students

Accreditation

The University of Johannesburg is a public university registered with the South African Department of Higher Education and Training and accredited by the Council on Higher Education (CHE), with programmes quality-assured through the Higher Education Quality Committee.

Programs

a selection

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University of Johannesburg · South Africa

Bachelor of Architecture Honours

The Bachelor of Architecture Honours programme is a postgraduate qualification designed to prepare students for registration as a 'Candidate Senior Architectural Technologist' with the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP). It also serves as a pathway for further study, either towards a professional Master of Architecture or a research-focused Master's degree. The programme aims to deepen understanding and skills in architectural practice.

University of Johannesburg · South Africa

MA Clinical Psychology

The MA Clinical Psychology programme at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) is a full-time, two-year postgraduate degree designed to prepare you for registration as a Clinical Psychologist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). The curriculum covers a broad spectrum of clinical psychology, with the first year focusing on structured coursework and practicals, often involving workshops and contact sessions on the Kingsway Campus. The second year is dedicated to an accredited internship at a clinical mental healthcare facility in South Africa. This programme is demanding and does not permit any other form of full-time or part-time employment during your studies. Successful completion of this MA degree, followed by a one-year Community Service placement (external to the MA) and passing the HPCSA Board Exam, is necessary for ultimate registration as an Independent Practitioner.

University of Johannesburg · South Africa

MA Counselling Psychology – 2026 for 2027

The Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology is a two-year, full-time program designed to train students to become registered counselling psychologists. This program aims to develop scientist-practitioners who are ethically aware, critical thinkers, and possess multidisciplinary awareness. The curriculum emphasizes an intersectional approach, integrating theoretical knowledge with practical application and community values. The first year focuses on coursework, developing a research proposal, and gaining practical experience through placements. The second year requires students to complete an accredited internship and submit a minor research dissertation. Students are responsible for securing their own internship positions.

University of Johannesburg · South Africa

PhD in Engineering Management

The PhD in Engineering Management is designed for individuals with an approved master's degree who aim to develop advanced capabilities in applying fundamental engineering management principles. The program focuses on independent research, enabling students to conduct original work in systems engineering and management. Graduates will be equipped with the skills to tackle complex societal problems through engineering management, foster a lifelong learning approach, and potentially train future students in the field.

University of Johannesburg · South Africa

Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting Science

This qualification is designed for students aiming to become Chartered Accountants (CAs) by providing advanced knowledge and skills in Accounting, Auditing, Financial Management, and Taxation. It aligns with the competency framework and curriculum requirements set by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), preparing graduates to register for SAICA's Initial Test of Competence Exam. The program equips students with the professional skills and technical expertise needed for roles in accounting, auditing, financial management, and taxation.

Scholarships

for South Africa

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full funding

Accenture Education Trust Fund

Accenture Education Trust Scholarship

Open to South African citizens from low-income households (parents/guardian earnings under R1 million) with a strong academic record who are enrolled full-time at a selected tertiary institution in South Africa.

University of Pretoria

University of Pretoria Commonwealth PhD Scholarship

Open to citizens of Commonwealth countries (excluding South Africa) who hold a master's degree completed at least two years before applying and are under 38 years of age at the time of application. Applicants must not be current or former master's or doctoral students at the University of Pretoria. The award funds full doctoral study at UP with tuition coverage, a living allowance, and research support.

The Mandela Rhodes Foundation

Mandela Rhodes Scholarship

African nationals aged ~19–30 with a strong academic record (~70%+ average) pursuing an honours or master’s degree at a South African university, showing leadership and a commitment to Africa’s development.

Wellcome Trust Fellowships and Grants (for international researchers)

For researchers at different career stages working on health-related science. Wellcome funds a family of fellowships and grants — early-career, career-development, and discovery awards, plus team and translational funding — each with its own eligibility, value, and call deadline. There is no single scholarship application; you apply to the specific scheme that fits your stage and project.

Wellcome International Training Fellowships

For early-career researchers based in low- and middle-income countries (outside the high-income world) who want protected time and support for research training in health, often including a PhD or postdoctoral research. Wellcome's scheme names and exact criteria change over time, so applicants should check the current relevant Wellcome funding scheme.

European Commission - European Research Executive Agency (REA)

Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowships

Open to researchers of any nationality who hold a PhD (or will have defended their doctoral thesis by the call deadline) and have at most 8 years of full-time-equivalent research experience after the PhD. Applicants apply jointly with a host organisation - a university, research institution, business, SME, or other body based in an EU Member State or a country associated to Horizon Europe. European Postdoctoral Fellowships are open to all nationalities for a project inside the EU or an associated country; Global Postdoctoral Fellowships are reserved for EU nationals or long-term residents who carry out a phase in a third country before returning to Europe. Researchers who have been displaced by conflict and those restarting a research career after a break are explicitly encouraged to apply.

Frequently asked questions

What are the typical tuition fees for international students at the University of Johannesburg?

International undergraduate tuition fees at the University of Johannesburg generally range from ZAR 50,000 to ZAR 120,000 per year, excluding an international student levy. Fees vary by faculty and programme, and applicants should consult the UJ fee booklet for precise current amounts.

What are the estimated living costs for students in Johannesburg?

Students should budget approximately ZAR 70,000-110,000 per year for accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses in Johannesburg. On-campus residences are generally more affordable.

What are the English language proficiency requirements for international students?

For English-medium programmes, a typical IELTS (Academic) overall band score of 6.0-6.5 is required. A TOEFL iBT score of around 80 or above is also generally accepted. It is crucial to confirm specific programme requirements with the relevant faculty.

Does the University of Johannesburg offer scholarships or financial aid for international students?

Yes, the University of Johannesburg offers the UJ Merit Bursary, which can cover partial to full tuition based on academic performance. Additionally, the UJ International Student Awards provide selected partial tuition support for high-achieving international students.

How is the University of Johannesburg ranked among African universities?

The University of Johannesburg is ranked among the Top 10 universities in Africa according to QS World University Rankings, and is considered among the leading South African universities by Times Higher Education.

Last updated 3 July 2026