The University of Johannesburg (UJ) Applications for 2027 are now open, and applying early can lock in your place at one of South Africa’s biggest public universities.
What the opportunity is
UJ is accepting applications for undergraduate study in the 2027 academic year. The process is online, free of charge, and you can pick up to two programmes.
- Opening date: 1 April 2026
- Closing date (all applications): 31 October 2026 at 12:00
- Residence application deadline: 31 October 2026 at 12:00
- Application fee: Free online (paper form costs R200)
- Maximum study choices: Two per applicant
- Funding: NSFAS applications are separate
- Late applications: Not accepted
Who can apply
The call is for first‑time undergraduate entrants who have completed or are completing Grade 12. You must meet the overall Admission Point Score (APS) and the specific subject requirements of your chosen programmes. International students may also apply, provided they satisfy the university’s qualification‑equivalence and visa rules.
If you need on‑campus housing, you must submit a residence application by the same 31 October deadline. Getting a place in a residence is not guaranteed by academic acceptance.
What you gain
Studying at UJ gives you access to:
- A wide range of fields – from Business, Engineering and Health Sciences to Law, Humanities and the Arts.
- Potential merit‑based bursaries and the chance to apply for NSFAS funding.
- Modern campuses, libraries and online learning resources.
- Career‑ready skills and connections with South Africa’s leading employers.
How to apply – step by step
- Research programmes and calculate your APS. Use the SETA SA UJ 2027 programme explorer to compare courses, APS thresholds and subject requirements.
- Gather required documents. You will need your latest Grade 11 results (certified), provisional Grade 12 results (if you have them), identity document, and a reliable email address and phone number.
- Start the online application. Go to the official UJ admission page and click the link below. The system will guide you through personal details, education history and your two programme choices.
Apply to UJ for 2027 - Confirm your choices. Remember that you can select only two programmes and they cannot be changed once processed.
- Submit the application. After reviewing everything, click “Submit”. You will receive an email with a student/reference number – keep it safe.
- Apply for residence (if needed). Use the same student number to fill the on‑campus accommodation form before the 31 October deadline.
- Apply for NSFAS. The funding application is separate. Create or log into your myNSFAS profile when the 2027 cycle opens and upload the required paperwork.
- Monitor your status. Log in to the UJ Student Portal regularly to see whether your application is under review, needs more information, or has resulted in an offer.
Tips to improve your chances
- Calculate your APS early and compare it with each programme’s minimum.
- Check subject prerequisites – many programmes require specific grades in Mathematics, Physical Sciences, English or other subjects.
- Use a personal email address and phone number you check daily; the university will contact you there.
- Do not use third‑party agents or pay anyone to “secure” a place – the UJ online application is free.
- Submit your application well before the deadline to avoid technical glitches.
- Apply for several bursaries, but remember UJ’s “no double‑dipping” rule that prevents holding two bursaries for the same study period.
- Visit the UJ Library’s past‑exam‑paper collection to familiarise yourself with assessment styles.
- Keep working on your final Grade 12 results – conditional offers still depend on meeting the final requirements.
Next steps
Mark 31 October 2026 on your calendar and start the research phase today. Use the SETA SA programme explorer, complete the online form, and set up your NSFAS profile as soon as the funding cycle opens. Staying organized and checking the UJ portal regularly will give you the best chance of securing a spot for 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When did applications open? 1 April 2026.
- When do they close? 31 October 2026 at 12:00 – late applications are not accepted.
- Is the online application free? Yes, the online form costs nothing.
- How many programmes can I choose? Two, and you cannot change them after submission.
- How do I check my application status? Log in to the UJ Student Portal using your student/reference number and contact details.
- Does UJ accept NSFAS? Yes, but you must apply for NSFAS separately.
- When will the NSFAS 2027 dates be announced? As of 2 September 2026, the dates are pending – watch the official NSFAS website.
- Where can I find UJ programmes and APS requirements? Use the SETA SA UJ 2027 programme explorer.
- Will meeting the minimum APS guarantee admission? No – spaces are limited and other selection criteria may apply.
- Can I download past exam papers? Yes, through the UJ Library’s digital collection (login may be required).
- Can I apply for residence before I receive an offer? Yes, but a place is not guaranteed until you are admitted.
Disclaimer
SETA SA simplifies publicly available university information to help prospective students understand the application process. Admission decisions, programme availability, APS calculations, NSFAS rules, funding awards and accommodation allocations remain the responsibility of the University of Johannesburg, NSFAS and the relevant funding bodies. Always verify important details through official sources before making any decisions.
