Known by locals and tourists alike as the “City of Gold,” Johannesburg is home to one of South Africa’s most prized higher education institutions that carries its name, the University of Johannesburg (UJ). Placing a high value on diversity and inclusion, UJ strives to create an environment that emphasizes providing platforms for cultural expression and meaningful engagement.
Suppose the idea of learning collectively in a community of diverse and empowering people sounds like something you would enjoy being a part of. In that case, this article will hash out the guidelines and requirements necessary for applying to UJ.
How to Apply
For those looking to study at UJ in 2027, the main undergraduate application window opened on 1 April 2026 and closes on 31 October 2026 at 12:00. Submit your application in time and check the official admission page for the requirements and any category-specific instructions.
Online applications for the main undergraduate route do not carry an application fee. Follow UJ’s current instructions for your programme and applicant category before using a different submission route or making a payment.
Use the current application instructions and forms linked from UJ’s official admission page, rather than a 2021 form. If UJ directs you to submit documents by post, confirm the current destination; the Student Enrolment Centre’s address is listed below:
STUDENT ENROLMENT CENTRE
PO Box 524
Auckland Park
2006
South Africa
To apply online, visit the university’s website and follow the link to the Online Application Portal. Here, you will complete the digital application form and send it in. Come prepared with a working email address. If you happen to encounter any difficulties while applying online, you are asked to send an email to tshepangm@uj.ac.za.
Requirements
Before you complete your application to UJ, you must submit certain documents along with it as well. The type of documents can vary whether you are a South African citizen or an international student; therefore it is important to study up which documents you require specifically to ensure that you have everything ready when the time comes to submiting your application.
Applicants for undergraduate study are encouraged to consult the current undergraduate prospectus for their intended intake and chosen programme. Postgraduate applicants should consult the relevant faculty’s current brochure and admission instructions.
According to the university’s website
● Form M30 (this form can be downloaded on the Matriculation Board website https://mb.usaf.ac.za)
● Correctly certified copies of the applicant’s educational qualifications certified by a South African High Commission, Consulate, Trade Mission or a Public Notary in your home country
● A correctly certified copy of your passport or birth certificate certified by a South African High Commission, Consulate, Trade Mission or a Public Notary in your home country
● If any documents are issued in any language other than English, an English translation must be made and submitted.
● Exemption fee as determined by the Matriculation Board (see website https://mb.usaf.ac.za)
● Proof of any applicable Matriculation Board exemption fee, using the current amount and payment instructions from the Matriculation Board.
As for students who wish to apply for a degree, all applicants must have achieved a South
African Senior Certificate. Otherwise, international students who have completed their high school studies outside South Africa must obtain a certificate of exemption from the Matriculation Board of South Africa, submitted along with the following documents to the Matriculation Board to be considered for degree study at UJ:
● Final school results
● Valid Passport or Identity Document or Birth Certificate
● If any documents are issued in any language other than English, an English translation must be made and submitted
● Follow the fee instructions for the service you are applying for. UJ’s main online undergraduate application route has no application fee; a Matriculation Board exemption is a separate process.
● Proof of English Proficiency (preferably by taking the IELTS and achieving an overall score of 6, and TOEFL with an average score of 80-104. Other options are available and are explained more in-depth on this website)
● For those requiring on-campus accommodation, a residence application form (completed at the same time you apply to study at UJ)
Moreover, it is important to note that failure to submit all examination results from Grade 11 to September of Grade 12 may result in delays in your application process. If the case is that you only submitted your Grade 11 results because you applied to UJ early in Grade 12, then you may keep sending the university your results as the year progresses to ensure you have all of them ready at the time of finals.
Once you have collected all of the above documents and have submitted your application, you are free to monitor your application’s status to see whether or not you have been accepted after the waiting period. You can do this online through the university’s application status portal.
To find out if you are eligible to apply to UJ, consider using the APS calculator that will tell you whether or not you meet all of the requirements necessary to be accepted.
Registration
After completing your application process and receiving your letter of acceptance, you are finally ready to register for classes with UJ. It is important to note that registration dates are different for returning/continuing students, postgraduates, and first-year undergraduates. Therefore, you are highly encouraged to see which registration date applies to you.
Registration dates depend on the academic year and student category. Check the current registration instructions after receiving an offer; do not assume that an earlier year’s March deadline or late-registration arrangements still apply.
For more information about registration, such as contact information and registration information letters, visit this website to learn more.
Finding an inclusive university that understands the need for diversity and prioritizes student engagement alongside success can be tough, but the University of Johannesburg fits all of that criteria with a passionate flair. If you would like to apply to UJ in the upcoming academic year, be sure to submit your application with the required documents as soon as possible. Overall, stay tuned for updates and news regarding the university’s application and registration process to keep a lookout for when the application closes.
For further concerns and inquiries surrounding application, requirements, or registration, call +27
(0) 11 559 4555 or kindly send an email to myfuture@uj.ac.za.