UJ Online Application 2027 Now Open: Closing Date, Fees and How to Apply Share

Getting into the University of Johannesburg for the 2027 academic year is not just about meeting the minimum requirements. It is about timing. UJ receives applications from every corner of South Africa and beyond, and the university does not wait for the final deadline to start filling seats.

When Do UJ 2027 Applications Open and Close

The UJ online application 2027 window opened on 1 April 2026 and closes on 31 October 2026 at 12:00 noon. I always tell prospective applicants the same thing: the closing date on the calendar is not the real closing date for your programme. UJ works on a rolling admissions basis, which means qualifications are filled as applications come in. A course with limited space in Health Sciences, Engineering, or certain Business and Humanities programmes can reach capacity well before October.

You have two application choices per academic year at UJ, and once you submit, you cannot change them. That single detail catches out more applicants than any other part of the process. Take your time selecting your programmes before you submit anything.

Is UJ Still Open for 2027 Applications

Yes. As of now, the UJ portal for the 2027 intake is open and accepting new applications. If a specific programme you want has already closed because it reached capacity, the university will indicate this on the portal, and you may still be able to apply for your second choice or an alternative qualification within the same faculty.

How Much Does It Cost to Apply to UJ

Here is some good news for South African households watching their budgets this year. Online applications to the University of Johannesburg are completely free of charge. The only fee that applies is for manual, paper-based applications, which cost R200. If you are applying through the official online portal, which is the recommended route, you will not be asked to pay anything to submit your application.

Which Courses Are Available Now at UJ

UJ offers programmes across nine faculties, including Engineering and the Built Environment, Health Sciences, Humanities, Law, Education, Science, Management, Art Design and Architecture, and Economic and Financial Sciences. The most competitive and fastest filling programmes each year tend to be in Health Sciences (particularly Nursing and Biokinetics), Engineering disciplines like Civil and Electrical Engineering, and popular Business programmes such as BCom Accounting.

If you are asking what the best courses at UJ are, that really depends on your career goals and your Admission Point Score. A student aiming for Engineering needs a very different subject and APS profile than one aiming for Humanities or Education.

How the Admission Point Score (APS) Works at UJ

Your APS is calculated using your best six subjects from your National Senior Certificate, excluding Life Orientation. Each subject percentage is converted to points on a standard scale, typically running from 1 point for a Level 1 (30 to 39 percent) up to 7 points for a Level 7 (80 percent and above).

Here is a worked example so you can see exactly how it adds up. Say a student achieved the following in their six best subjects:

• English Home Language: 75% = Level 6 = 6 points
• Mathematics: 68% = Level 5 = 5 points
• Life Sciences: 71% = Level 6 = 6 points
• Physical Sciences: 65% = Level 5 = 5 points
• Geography: 60% = Level 5 = 5 points
• Life Orientation is excluded, so the sixth subject counted is Accounting: 58% = Level 4 = 4 points

Adding these up: 6 + 5 + 6 + 5 + 5 + 4 = 31 APS points

Different programmes at UJ set different minimum APS thresholds. A BCom Accounting programme might require an APS in the low 30s, while a Bachelor of Engineering could require 32 or higher along with specific Mathematics and Physical Science percentages. Always check the specific requirement for your chosen qualification rather than relying only on the general APS calculation, since some faculties weight certain subjects more heavily.

Documents You Need Before You Start

Before logging into the UJ online application system, gather these items so the process moves quickly:

• A valid, working email address you check regularly
• Certified copy of your ID document or passport
• Your Grade 11 final results (if you are a current Grade 12 learner) or your matric certificate if you have already completed school
• Academic transcripts if you previously studied at another institution
• Documents saved as JPEG, GIF, or TIFF, each under 512KB

Applicants who studied outside South Africa or hold a GED certificate should note that UJ does not accept the American GED for entry into undergraduate curricular qualifications. If this applies to you, it is worth reaching out to the Smartjamb Team at smartjamb8505@gmail.com so they can walk you through the alternative equivalency route before you waste time on an application that will not be considered.

Applying for Postgraduate Study at UJ

Most postgraduate programmes at UJ also close on 31 October 2026, though this can vary depending on the department, so it is worth confirming your specific programme's deadline directly. Postgraduate applicants should visit the UJ faculties page and postgraduate yearbook to check requirements and confirm space availability, since certain postgraduate qualifications require pre-registration or additional documentation from the department itself.

Student Accommodation Applications

If you will need a place to stay on or near campus, note that UJ student accommodation is only available for first-time entering undergraduate and postgraduate students. You should apply for residence at the same time as your academic application rather than treating it as an afterthought, since spaces are limited across the Auckland Park, Doornfontein, Soweto, and Bunting Road campuses.

How to Apply to UJ for 2027

The application itself is completed through the official UJ online application portal at registration.uj.ac.za. You will register a profile, complete your personal and academic information, upload your certified documents, and select your two programme choices. Once submitted, you cannot amend your choices, so double check every field before clicking submit.

If any part of the online system gives you trouble, or if you are unsure which programme matches your subjects and APS score, click here to reach out to the Smartjamb Team for guidance before you submit. Getting a second pair of eyes on your application before submission can save you from an avoidable rejection.

Tracking Your Application After Submission

Once you submit, UJ does not automatically finalise applications without applicant involvement. You are responsible for logging into the online portal regularly using your student number to check your status. I would recommend checking at least once a week, and more frequently during August, September, and October when selection activity increases sharply.

If you completed grade 12 previously and are not upgrading, you must meet the minimum admission requirements for your specific qualification, and if you do not meet them, your application will not proceed to selection. Applicants currently upgrading their Grade 12 marks should treat the APS calculator as a guideline only, since your final marks may differ from your current results.

Why UJ Remains a Top Choice in South Africa

UJ is consistently ranked among South Africa's largest and most diverse universities, with a footprint across four campuses in Johannesburg. Students are drawn to UJ for its career focused programmes, strong industry partnerships, and vibrant, multicultural student life. Whether you are coming straight from high school, transferring from another institution, or returning to study as a mature applicant, UJ's broad range of over 100 qualifications means there is very likely a pathway that fits your goals.

For applicants who want extra support navigating the 2027 UJ application, from choosing the right two programmes to understanding your APS score, get support from the Smartjamb Team here: smartjamb8505@gmail.com. Do not wait until October to start your application. Early applicants consistently have the best chance of securing their preferred programme.

Is UJ open for 2027 applications right now?

Yes. UJ 2027 applications opened on 1 April 2026 and remain open until 31 October 2026 at 12:00 noon, though individual programmes can close earlier once they reach capacity.

Is the UJ application fee free?

Yes, online applications to UJ are completely free. Only manual paper applications carry a R200 fee.

What is the closing date for UJ applications?

The official closing date is 31 October 2026 at 12:00 noon for most undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Some faculties may close earlier depending on demand.

Can I still apply to UJ after the deadline?

UJ does not accept late applications once a programme's closing date has passed. If you are unsure whether your desired programme is still open, reach out to the Smartjamb Team for the latest guidance on your options.

Which courses are still open at UJ?

Availability changes throughout the application window. Programmes in Humanities, Education, and some Science qualifications tend to stay open longer than high demand courses in Health Sciences and Engineering. Always check the portal directly for your specific programme's current status.

What are the best courses at UJ?

This depends on your interests and APS score, but UJ is particularly well regarded for Engineering, Accounting, Journalism, and Health Sciences programmes such as Biokinetics and Nursing.

How much are UJ tuition fees?

Tuition fees vary significantly by faculty and qualification. Because fee structures are updated annually and differ per programme, it is best to check the official UJ fees schedule for your specific course, or contact the Smartjamb Team for help interpreting the fee breakdown for your chosen qualification.

Is UJ a good university?

UJ is one of South Africa's largest and most highly regarded universities, known for strong graduate employability, modern campuses, and a wide range of career focused qualifications across nine faculties.

How do I calculate my APS score for UJ?

Add up the point values of your best six subjects excluding Life Orientation, where each level from 1 to 7 corresponds to a percentage band. A student with an average performance across Level 5 and 6 subjects will typically land in the high 20s to low 30s in total APS points.

Which universities are still open for application in 2027 in South Africa?

Several South African universities keep their 2027 windows open at different times throughout the year, with some closing as early as May or June and others, like UJ, remaining open until October. If you have missed the deadline for one institution, reach out to the Smartjamb Team to find out which universities are still accepting applications for your intended field of study.