Quick Summary
Public in Johannesburg, South Africa — University of Johannesburg, est. 2005. Ranked #312 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 51500 students including 8.5% from outside South Africa. Known for strengths in Petroleum Engineering, Mineral & Mining Engineering, Education, it maintains an acceptance rate of 18%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
UJ is a leader in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) in Africa, offering world-class infrastructure and high global rankings for a relatively low cost of attendance.
Subject Strengths
Petroleum EngineeringMineral & Mining EngineeringEducationHospitality & Leisure ManagementSociologyGeography
Founded2005
TypePublic
Total Students51500
Intl Students8.5%
Faculty Ratio34
CampusUrban / Multi-campus
Campus Size150 hectares (combined)
Affiliated HospitalsCharlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, Helen Joseph Hospital, Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital
AccreditationDepartment of Higher Education and Training (DHET), South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA)
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#312
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#401-500
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#501-600
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Higher Certificates, Diplomas, Undergraduate Degrees, Honours Degrees, Master's Degrees, Doctoral Degrees
Programs
Available
PhD Programs
Available
Online Programs
Institute for Intelligent Systems (IIS), Centre for Cyber Security, Centre for Africa-China Studies, Centre for Competition Regulation and Economic Development (CCRED)
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA)
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate18%
IELTS6.5
TOEFL85
Min GPAAPS (Admission Point Score) of 26-30 minimum (program dependent)
GRENot Available
GMATRequired for MBA (minimum 550 or internal UJ test)
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · September 30 (Main intake starts in January)
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Calculate your Admission Point Score (APS) accurately based on your final school results; Apply as early as April when applications open; UJ prioritizes high performers for early placement.
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Cost Ledger
Amounts in South African Rand
UG Tuition
R40,000/yr
per year · ZAR
Living Cost
R85,000/yr
per year · ZAR
PG Tuition
R52,000/yr
per year · ZAR
Application Fee
$12
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
R125,200/yr
tuition + living + essentials · ZAR
Scholarships AvailableAvailable
Avg Scholarship$1,500
Financial AidNSFAS, UJ Merit Bursaries, National Research Foundation (NRF) Funding
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Higher Certificates, Diplomas, Undergraduate Degrees, Honours Degrees, Master's Degrees, Doctoral Degrees programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Accounting | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Mechanical Engineering | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Computer Science | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Economics | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Public Management | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Fine Arts | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$18,000
Average Salary After Graduation
82%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong connections with Sasol, KPMG, PwC, and Standard Bank
Industry Connections
Highly linked with the financial sector in Johannesburg (Sandton) and mining industry
Notable Alumni
Tebogo Mothigae, Kagiso Rabada, Catherine Constantinides
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
UJ Stadium, Olympic-standard swimming pool, Fitness centres, Rugby fields
Student Clubs
Over 50 clubs including UJ Arts & Culture, Enactus UJ, and various sporting codes
Library Resources
UJ Library Information Centre (multiple locations), Institutional Repository (UJContent)
Exchange Programs
Available
Summer Programs
Available through the International Office