Deciding to study abroad is a big leap, and the University of Johannesburg (UJ) is quickly becoming one of the most popular destinations for international students in South Africa. With its strong academic reputation, vibrant city life, and affordable tuition compared to Europe or North America, UJ offers a compelling mix of opportunity and experience.
But here is the honest truth: the University of Johannesburg application process can feel overwhelming if you do not know what to expect. Documents, deadlines, fees, and visas all come with their own rules.
The good news? You can do this. This guide walks you through every step of the UJ application journey, from checking your eligibility to receiving your study visa, with practical tips and South African context along the way.
Key takeaway: The University of Johannesburg application is entirely manageable when you break it down into a clear checklist. Let’s get started.
Why the University of Johannesburg appeals to international students
UJ was formed in 2005 through the merger of the Rand Afrikaans University, the Technikon Witwatersrand, and the East Rand campus of Vista University. Today, it is one of South Africa’s comprehensive universities, offering more than 400 programmes across nine faculties.
UJ consistently ranks among the top universities in Africa and is placed within the top 4% of universities globally according to QS World University Rankings. For international students, that means you earn a globally recognised qualification while paying a fraction of what you would in the UK, Australia, or the US.
The university operates across four main campuses in Johannesburg: Auckland Park Kingsway (APK) , Auckland Park Bays (APB) , Doornfontein (DFC) , and Soweto (SWC) . Each campus has a different academic focus, so your programme’s location will shape your daily experience of the city.
Johannesburg itself is a major drawcard. It is the economic heart of South Africa, home to major banks, law firms, engineering consultancies, and tech startups. Studying at UJ puts you minutes away from internship opportunities and networking events that can launch your career.
University of Johannesburg application: key dates for international students
Timing is everything when it comes to the University of Johannesburg application. Unlike universities that admit students twice a year, UJ operates on a single main intake for most undergraduate programmes, with the academic year starting in late January or early February.
Applications typically open on 1 May for the following academic year. The standard closing date for undergraduate applications is 30 September, but international students are often urged to apply earlier to allow time for visa processing.
| Application milestone | Typical date window |
|---|---|
| Applications open | 1 May |
| Closing date: most undergraduate programmes | 30 September |
| Closing date: health sciences, law, engineering (varies) | 31 August to 30 September |
| Closing date: music, art, architecture and certain diplomas | 31 August |
| Closing date: international applicants (recommended) | 31 August |
| Academic year begins | Late January / early February |
| Semester 2 applications (limited programmes) | May to June |
Some postgraduate programmes admit students for both the first and second semesters, so the dates differ by faculty. Always check the specific UJ faculty page for your programme.
Key takeaway: Do not wait for the closing date. Apply soon after applications open in May, because international visa processing often takes eight weeks or longer.
Check your eligibility before you start
Before you dive into the online portal, confirm that you meet UJ’s minimum admission requirements. There is no point submitting a polished application if your qualifications fall short.
For undergraduate study, you need a school-leaving certificate equivalent to South Africa’s National Senior Certificate (NSC) . UJ uses an Admission Points Score (APS) system, where your final school results are converted into points. Most degree programmes require an APS of 26 to 34 out of a possible 42, although this varies by field.
Postgraduate applicants need a recognised bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification. Some programmes require prior work experience, a portfolio, or specific undergraduate modules.
You also need to prove your English proficiency. UJ is an English-medium institution, and international applicants are normally required to provide one of the following:
- IELTS Academic: minimum overall score of 6.0 to 6.5, depending on the programme
- TOEFL iBT: minimum score of 79 to 86
- Cambridge English Qualifications: minimum C1 Advanced level
- Proof of prior education in English: a letter from your previous institution confirming English as the medium of instruction
Exemptions apply if you completed your high school or tertiary education in English, in South Africa, or in a country where English is an official language.
Key takeaway: Calculate your APS score early. If you fall short by a few points, some UJ faculties offer extended degree programmes or access pathways, but you must apply for those specifically.
Step-by-step: how to submit your University of Johannesburg application
The University of Johannesburg application is done online through the official UJ website. There is no paper-based application for most programmes.
Here is the step-by-step process:
- Go to the UJ online application portal and create a profile using a valid email address. Then receive a student number.
- Complete the application form with your personal details, chosen programme, and study year. You can select up to two programme choices, so prioritise wisely.
- Upload certified supporting documents. For international students, this includes your passport, school results or transcripts, proof of English proficiency, and a certificate of conduct from your previous institution.
- Pay the application fee online. You will receive a reference number, which you must enter on the application form.
- Submit your application and save the confirmation page. UJ will email you once your application is received and assigned a file number.
- Track your status through the UJ application portal using your student number and PIN.
A few application details matter more than you think. Make sure your name on the application matches your passport exactly — even a small spelling difference can delay your visa later. Also, upload scans that are clear and legible; blurry documents are a common reason for applications being flagged as incomplete.
Key takeaway: Keep a copy of every document you upload and every email UJ sends you. You will need this paper trail for your study visa application.
University of Johannesburg application fee: costs and payment methods
The University of Johannesburg application fee is a non-refundable administrative cost. For international students, it is around R200 per application, which is modest compared to application fees at universities in the UK or US.
You can pay the fee using the following methods:
- Credit or debit card through the online payment portal (Visa and Mastercard are accepted)
- Bank transfer from an international account — note that your bank and UJ’s bank may both charge transfer fees, so your actual cost may be higher
- EFT from a South African bank account if you already have one
Hold onto your proof of payment. The reference number you receive is linked directly to your application file, and it will help you when you track your application status.
| Fee type | Estimated cost for international students |
|---|---|
| Application fee | R200 (non-refundable) |
| International tuition (humanities) | R55,000–R75,000 per year |
| International tuition (commerce) | R70,000–R95,000 per year |
| International tuition (engineering and health sciences) | R90,000–R120,000+ per year |
| Accommodation (on-campus residences) | R40,000–R70,000 per year |
| Medical aid / health insurance | R5,000–R10,000 per year |
These figures are approximate and should be confirmed on the UJ fees page for your specific programme. Remember that international tuition is higher than domestic rates because South African government subsidies apply only to citizens and permanent residents.
Key takeaway: Budget for the application fee now, but be prepared for the larger costs of tuition, housing, medical insurance, and living expenses once you accept your offer.
Translating your documents: English to Afrikaans (and back again)
Here is something many international students do not anticipate: South African official documents are often issued in both English and Afrikaans, or in Afrikaans alone.
If your school results, degree certificates, or birth certificates are not in English, you will need certified translations before you can submit your University of Johannesburg application. This includes documents from South African schools, as well as from countries like the Netherlands, Belgium, or Namibia, where Afrikaans or related languages may appear on official records.
The rule is simple: UJ requires all supporting documents in English. If a document is in Afrikaans, Dutch, German, French, or any other language, you must provide a sworn translation.
In South Africa, a sworn translation is completed by a translator accredited by the South African Translators’ Institute (SATI) or a commissioner of oaths registered with the Legal Practice Council. These translations come with an official stamp and the translator’s registration number, which makes them legally valid for academic and visa purposes.
| Afrikaans term | English meaning |
|---|---|
| Aansoek | Application |
| Aansoekvorm | Application form |
| Toelating | Admission |
| Bevestiging van aanvaarding | Confirmation of acceptance |
| Studieresultate | Academic results |
| Geboortesertifikaat | Birth certificate |
| Studiepermit | Study permit |
| Registrasie | Registration |
If you are a South African or Namibian student who has studied in Afrikaans, ask your school to issue an English version of your transcripts before you apply. Many schools will do this free of charge, and it saves you the cost and time of a sworn translation.
Also note that UJ’s correspondence is primarily in English, but Afrikaans remains an important cultural language in Johannesburg. Knowing a few words of Afrikaans — “Baie geluk” (congratulations) and “Welkom by UJ” (welcome to UJ) — will endear you to locals when you arrive.
Key takeaway: Verify every document NOW. If anything is not in English, arrange a sworn translation before you submit your University of Johannesburg application.
How to track your University of Johannesburg application status
After you submit your application, you don’t just sit and wait — you track it actively. UJ provides an online application status tracker through its student portal.
Log in with your student number and the PIN created during registration. The portal will show one of several statuses:
- Received: your application has arrived and is awaiting review
- Pending documents: the admissions office is missing something, such as a transcript or English test result
- Under evaluation: your qualifications are being assessed against UJ’s admission requirements
- Provisional offer: you have met the academic criteria, pending final documents or visa approval
- Accepted: you have been formally offered a place
- Declined: you did not meet the minimum requirements or the programme is full
Checking your portal every two or three weeks is smart, but do not rely on it alone. UJ will email you if documents are missing or if an offer is made. Add UJ’s admissions email domain to your safe sender list so important messages don’t land in spam.
If your application is provisionally accepted, do not relax yet. The school still needs to verify your final results. For international students, final transcripts or exam results from your home country must be submitted as soon as they are available, even if that falls after the application closing date.
Key takeaway: A status of “received” is not an offer. Keep your documents updated and watch for emails requesting additional information.
After acceptance: study visas and enrolment
Congratulations — you’ve received an acceptance letter from UJ. The hardest part of the University of Johannesburg application might be over, but your journey is not complete.
Every international student needs a study visa (also called a study permit) to study in South Africa for longer than 90 days. You must apply for this visa in your home country before you travel to South Africa; you cannot switch from a visitor’s visa to a study visa once you are in the country.
To apply for a study visa, you’ll need to visit the South African High Commission, Embassy, or consulate, or use the official visa service provider VFS Global. The standard list of requirements includes:
- Your UJ acceptance letter confirming your place and programme duration
- A valid passport with at least two blank pages and more than 30 days of validity beyond your planned stay
- Proof of financial means — typically bank statements showing you can cover tuition, living costs, and travel for one year
- Proof of medical insurance from a South African-registered medical scheme (UJ can help you find one)
- A radiological report if you’re from a country with a high tuberculosis prevalence
- A police clearance certificate from every country where you lived for more than 12 months since age 18
- A written undertaking from your parents or guardian if you are a minor
- The visa application fee (paid in your home country’s currency)
A common mistake is underestimating how long visa processing takes. Current processing times are often four to eight weeks, but delays can stretch longer during peak season between August and November. Pay your visa fee early, book the earliest available appointment, and track your application reference number online.
Key takeaway: Apply for your study visa the same week you receive your UJ offer. It is the biggest bottleneck between you and your first lecture.
Tuition fees and scholarships for international students
You already know that UJ’s tuition is a fraction of what you would pay in Europe or North America. But financing your studies still requires a plan.
International students are responsible for full tuition fees, and UJ charges a registration fee at the start of each academic year to confirm your enrolment. This fee, usually around R5,000 to R10,000, is deducted from your total tuition balance but is non-refundable if you withdraw later.
For international scholarships, your options are more limited than for South African citizens. The South African government’s NSFAS funding is only available to South African citizens, so you cannot rely on it. However, UJ offers a few options:
- UJ Merit Bursaries: awarded to high-performing students, including some international students, based on academic results
- UJ International Student Scholarships: limited scholarships for postgraduate students from select African countries
- Faculty-specific bursaries: some faculties allocate funding for exceptional candidates
- Home government sponsorship: check whether your own government offers funding for students studying abroad — many do
Private student loans are available in South Africa through banks like FNB, Standard Bank, and Nedbank, but they generally require a South African citizen or permanent resident as a guarantor. If you don’t have one, your best options are personal funding, home-country loans, or a combination of family support and part-time work.
Key takeaway: Apply for UJ bursaries alongside your application, but assume you’ll be self-funded. A solid financial plan is one of the strongest parts of your study visa application.
Top tips for a successful UJ application
You now know the process, so let’s sharpen your edge. Here are the mistakes that delay or derail international applications, and how to avoid them.
- Apply early, especially for health sciences and engineering. These programmes receive far more applications than available spaces, and offers are made on a rolling basis.
- Get your documents certified by a recognised authority. In your home country, a notary public or official education authority works. In South Africa, a police station commissioner of oaths can certify copies.
- Double-check your APS score. If you are unsure about points conversion, email UJ’s admissions office with a scan of your results before you apply. They will respond with guidance.
- Keep your email address professional and active. Use a mailbox you check daily, not the address you created in primary school.
- Do not submit separate applications for the same programme. Duplicate applications create confusion, and your fee is non-refundable.
- Be honest about your English proficiency. If you are confident but lack a test score, some UJ foundation programmes cater to students below the usual threshold.
Key takeaway: Preparation beats intelligence in this race. A complete, accurate application submitted in May will beat a flawless one submitted on the closing date in September.
Life at UJ: what to expect as an international student
Arriving in Joburg is an adventure. The city is fast-paced, energetic, and delightfully diverse, with a nightlife, food scene, and arts culture to match any global metropolis. But you’ll adapt faster if you know what’s ahead.
Load shedding — planned, rolling power cuts — is still part of South African life. UJ’s campuses have backup power for lecture halls and internet infrastructure, but you’ll want a portable power bank and a solar charger for your devices, especially if you live off campus.
Your first week at UJ includes registration, venue bookings, and orientation. Make sure you complete the medical questionnaire and submit your updated contact details to the International Student Office, which acts as your support hub for visa extensions, housing queries, and cultural adjustment.
Off-campus accommodation in Auckland Park and Melville is a popular choice for internationals, with rents around R5,000 to R9,000 per month for a room or studio. On-campus residences are cheaper but fill up well before the academic year begins, so apply for housing as soon as your stud offer is accepted.
Key takeaway: A successful UJ experience depends on your campus living plan as much as your academic one. Lock in accommodation early, and connect with the International Student Office during your first week.
University of Johannesburg application FAQ
Is there an application fee for international students at the University of Johannesburg?
Yes. International applicants pay a non-refundable University of Johannesburg application fee of approximately R200 for each application, payable online by card or bank transfer.
What documents do international students need to apply to UJ?
You need a valid passport, certified copies of your school results or transcripts, proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or similar), a certificate of conduct from your previous institution, and sworn translations of any documents not issued in English.
Does UJ accept applications after the closing date?
Generally, no. The University of Johannesburg application closes on 30 September for most undergraduate programmes, and earlier for health sciences, arts, and architecture. Late applications are only considered in very limited cases where capacity remains after the main intake.
Are UJ application documents in Afrikaans accepted without translation?
No. UJ requires all supporting documents in English. If your school results, degrees, or certificates are issued in Afrikaans, you must provide a sworn translation from a certified translator registered with SATI or the South African Legal Practice Council.
Do international students qualify for NSFAS or UJ bursaries?
International students do not qualify for NSFAS, which is government funding reserved for South African citizens. However, you may qualify for UJ merit bursaries, faculty-specific scholarships, or external funding from your home government.
How long does it take to get a South African study visa after UJ acceptance?
Processing usually takes four to eight weeks, but you should budget longer during peak months. Apply at your local South African embassy or VFS Global office immediately after receiving your UJ acceptance letter.