Applying to the University of Johannesburg (UJ) for the 2027 academic year? Before submitting your application, it is important to understand the application process, admission requirements, study choices and closing dates.
UJ is one of South Africa’s major universities and offers a wide range of undergraduate programmes across areas such as engineering, health sciences, humanities, law, education, science, business, and art and design.
If you are comparing universities before making your decision, you can also browse South African universities on University Hub.
When do UJ applications for 2027 open and close?
Applications for undergraduate studies at UJ opened on 1 April 2026.
For the 2027 academic year, the closing date for undergraduate applications is:
31 October 2026 at 12:00.
Student accommodation applications also close on 31 October 2026 at 12:00. UJ advises applicants not to wait until the deadline because applications need to be completed correctly and all required information must be submitted.
You can also read our guide on university application deadlines you shouldn’t miss to help you keep track of important dates at different institutions.
Step 1: Choose what you want to study
Before applying, decide which qualification and programme you want to study at UJ.
The university offers undergraduate programmes through eight faculties and a college, including:
- Art, Design and Architecture
- Business and Economics
- Education
- Engineering and the Built Environment
- Health Sciences
- Humanities
- Law
- Science
UJ’s 2027 Undergraduate Prospectus contains the programme-specific admission requirements, including APS requirements and subject requirements.
If you are still unsure about your career direction, take some time to compare courses before applying. Our guide on choosing the right university course can also help you match your interests and school subjects with possible study options.
Step 2: Check your APS and admission requirements
One of the most important things to do before applying is to check whether you meet the requirements for your chosen programme.
UJ uses an Admission Point Score (APS) system, but the required APS is not the same for every programme. Some programmes also have specific subject and achievement requirements.
For example, a programme may require a particular level of achievement in Mathematics, Mathematical Literacy, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences or English.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not automatically guarantee admission. UJ states that places are limited and applicants may be ranked during the selection process.
For this reason, don’t simply choose a programme because your APS appears high enough. Check the complete requirements in the UJ Undergraduate Prospectus before submitting your application.
Step 3: Prepare your information and documents
Make sure you have the information you need before starting your application.
Applicants should have a valid, working personal email address. Your email address is important because UJ uses email for official communication.
Depending on your applicant category, you may also need to provide academic results and other supporting documents.
If you have previously studied at another tertiary institution, you must declare your previous studies and provide the relevant academic record or transcript.
It is also a good idea to keep digital copies of your important documents in one folder before you begin.
For more useful preparation advice, see our step-by-step guide to applying to South African universities.
Step 4: Apply online
UJ allows applicants to apply online for free.
New applicants should use UJ’s official online application system and follow the instructions provided during the application process.
Important: UJ currently allows applicants to select only two study choices per academic year. Once these choices have been selected, they cannot be amended.
This makes choosing your programmes carefully extremely important.
Before clicking submit, check your personal information, academic results, contact details and study choices carefully.
Step 5: Submit your application early
Don’t wait until the final day to apply.
Although the official closing date is 31 October 2026 at 12:00, submitting earlier gives you more time to correct potential problems and make sure your application is complete.
Late undergraduate applications are not accepted, according to UJ’s current application information.
You can also browse universities in Gauteng on University Hub if you are considering UJ alongside other universities in the province.
Step 6: Keep your reference or student number safe
After applying, keep your UJ reference or student number somewhere safe.
You may need it when communicating with the university or checking the progress of your application.
Applicants should also regularly check the email address they used when applying because UJ sends official communication electronically.
Don’t ignore emails from the university, especially if you are asked to provide additional information or take further action.
Does UJ charge an application fee?
No. UJ’s current undergraduate application information states that online applications are free.
Be careful if someone contacts you and claims that they can secure admission to UJ in exchange for money.
UJ specifically warns applicants about scams involving people who promise admission or study space for a fee. Admission is based on the university’s selection process and academic requirements.
Never pay an individual who claims they can “guarantee” you admission.
Do I need to write the NBT?
For current UJ undergraduate admissions, the National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) are not part of UJ’s admission requirements, and applicants do not need to write the NBTs simply to apply or gain admission.
However, applicants should always check the latest requirements for their specific programme because admission requirements can change.
What happens after you apply?
After submitting your application, UJ will process it according to its admission and selection requirements.
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee a place because programmes have limited capacity.
If you are selected, follow the instructions sent to you by the university carefully. Keep checking your email and use the official UJ channels to monitor your application status.
Can I apply for funding?
Yes, but it is important to understand that applying to UJ and applying for funding are separate processes.
UJ’s 2027 prospectus states that applicants can investigate bursary opportunities once they have applied and received their reference or student number.
You can also explore bursaries and funding opportunities on University Hub while preparing for university.
UJ application checklist
Before submitting your application, make sure you have:
- Checked the requirements for your chosen programme.
- Calculated your APS.
- Selected your two study choices carefully.
- Prepared the required academic information and documents.
- Provided a working personal email address.
- Checked all information entered on the application.
- Submitted the application before the deadline.
- Saved your UJ reference or student number.
- Checked your email regularly after applying.
UJ 2027 application deadline at a glance
| Item | Date / Information |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate applications open | 1 April 2026 |
| Undergraduate applications close | 31 October 2026 at 12:00 |
| Student accommodation closes | 31 October 2026 at 12:00 |
| Online application fee | Free |
| Maximum study choices | 2 |
| NBT required for UJ admission | No |
Start your UJ application
If you are planning to study at the University of Johannesburg in 2027, start by checking the requirements for your preferred programme and preparing your documents.
For the latest official information, visit the University of Johannesburg undergraduate admissions page and the official UJ Undergraduate Prospectus.
You can also use University Hub to compare UJ with other South African universities, find prospectuses, explore bursaries and access student application guides.
Apply early, check the requirements carefully, and don’t pay anyone who promises to secure admission for you.
Leave a Reply