The University of Johannesburg (UJ) Applications for 2027 are officially open, giving prospective students an opportunity to apply for undergraduate studies at one of South Africa’s largest public universities.
UJ’s 2027 undergraduate application cycle opened on 1 April 2026, and applications for undergraduate curricular programmes close on 31 October 2026 at 12:00. First-time students who also want university accommodation should pay attention to the same residence application deadline.
Students planning to study at UJ in 2027 should not concentrate only on submitting an application. It is equally important to choose suitable programmes, calculate your Admission Point Score (APS), check subject requirements, arrange funding, apply for accommodation where necessary and regularly monitor your application status.
Edupstairs has therefore put together this comprehensive UJ Applications for 2027 guide to help prospective students through the complete application journey.
Quick Overview
- University: University of Johannesburg (UJ)
- Academic year: 2027
- Undergraduate applications opened: 1 April 2026
- Undergraduate closing date: 31 October 2026 at 12:00
- Online application fee: Free
- Maximum undergraduate study choices: Two
- Residence application closing date: 31 October 2026 at 12:00
- Application method: Preferably online
- NSFAS: Separate funding application required
- Late applications: UJ states that late undergraduate applications will not be accepted.
When Do UJ Applications for 2027 Close?
The official closing date for UJ undergraduate applications for 2027 is 31 October 2026 at 12:00.
Applications opened on 1 April 2026.
UJ also states that applications for first-time entering students seeking student accommodation opened on 1 April 2026 and close on 31 October 2026 at 12:00.
Prospective students should avoid leaving their applications until the final day. Technical problems, missing information or uncertainty about programme choices can create unnecessary difficulties.
UJ specifically warns applicants that no late undergraduate applications will be accepted.
How to Apply to UJ for 2027
The preferred method is the official UJ online application system.
Start by reviewing the 2027 UJ programmes and admission requirements before creating your application. Edupstairs has created a dedicated University of Johannesburg programme explorer where prospective students can search programmes, compare APS requirements and examine available fields of study.
Explore UJ 2027 Courses, APS and Admission Requirements on Edupstairs
Once you have identified suitable programmes, proceed to the official UJ undergraduate admissions page and use the university’s official application link.
Apply to UJ for 2027 through the official UJ undergraduate application page
Applicants should first make sure that they meet the admission requirements of the programmes they intend selecting. UJ allows undergraduate applicants to select a maximum of two study choices per academic year, and the university states that these academic choices cannot be amended once they have been processed.
The online application itself is free. UJ’s published information indicates that applicants choosing a hard-copy application may be required to pay R200, making the online application the simpler and more cost-effective option.
Important Information Before Submitting a UJ Application
Use an email address and cellphone number that you can access regularly because these details may be used for important application communication.
UJ also advises applicants not to use third-party email accounts or allow unofficial agents to process applications on their behalf. The university explains that the Protection of Personal Information Act affects the processing of applications through third parties.
Applicants currently rewriting Grade 12 subjects should also understand that UJ may initially assess the application using the academic results available when the application is processed. Where Grade 12 has been completed more than once, applicants may be required to submit combined results.
Current Grade 12 learners may also be requested to provide certified final Grade 11 results for verification or auditing purposes.
Programmes Offered by the University of Johannesburg
UJ offers undergraduate study opportunities across a broad range of disciplines.
The university’s main academic structures include the College of Business and Economics; Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture; Faculty of Education; Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment; Faculty of Health Sciences; Faculty of Humanities; Faculty of Law; and Faculty of Science.
The Edupstairs UJ 2027 programme explorer currently contains 102 structured UJ study options, allowing students to search courses and examine information including programme codes, faculties, APS requirements, duration, subject requirements and additional selection criteria where these have been recorded.
Popular fields represented at UJ include Accounting, Business Management, Economics, Finance, Marketing, Education, Law, Engineering, Architecture, Construction, Health Sciences, Humanities, Computer Science, Mathematics, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Physics and numerous other academic areas.
Instead of relying on an unofficial list of course names, prospective students can use the Edupstairs UJ programme explorer to identify programmes that match their school subjects and APS.
View programmes offered by UJ for 2027 on Edupstairs
UJ APS Requirements for 2027
There is no single APS requirement for the whole University of Johannesburg.
Each programme can have its own minimum APS and compulsory subject requirements.
For example, a student may meet the APS requirement for one business programme but not necessarily qualify for an engineering, health sciences or science programme because Mathematics, Physical Sciences, English or another subject may be required at a particular achievement level.
UJ calculates the Admission Point Score using achievement ratings from six school subjects, while Life Orientation is excluded from the APS total.
Prospective students should therefore check both their overall APS and the individual subject requirements.
UJ also provides an official APS calculator through its undergraduate admissions resources.
Edupstairs has simplified this further by attaching APS and subject information to individual programmes in the UJ programme explorer.
Check UJ APS requirements for individual programmes
Meeting the minimum APS does not guarantee admission. UJ explains that available spaces are limited and meeting the published requirements does not automatically mean that an applicant will receive an offer.
Download the UJ 2027 Undergraduate Prospectus
Every prospective student should consult the official UJ 2027 Undergraduate Prospectus before submitting an application.
The prospectus contains information about admission requirements, APS calculations, faculties, programmes, application procedures, international admission requirements and student life.
Download the official UJ 2027 Undergraduate Prospectus
The prospectus confirms the general undergraduate closing date of 31 October 2026 at 12:00.
How to Check Your UJ Application Status for 2027
Submitting an application is only the first stage.
Applicants should regularly monitor their UJ application status because the university may communicate an admission outcome or require additional action.
UJ has an official Student Portal specifically for application-status verification.
Check your UJ application status
The system allows applicants to verify themselves using their student number or ID/passport number, together with contact information supplied during the application process.
UJ says that applicants receive an email confirming receipt after their application has been submitted, including their student number and application information. Its general FAQ advises that application processing and selection can take approximately 15 working days, although actual timelines may depend on the application and selection process.
Possible statuses may indicate that an application has been received, remains under consideration, requires information, has resulted in a conditional or final offer, or was unsuccessful.
Applicants should always rely on the official UJ portal for their actual admission decision.
Does UJ Accept NSFAS for 2027?
Yes. UJ is a public university, and qualifying students can receive support through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).
However, there is an important distinction:
Applying to UJ does not automatically mean that you have applied for NSFAS.
Likewise, receiving NSFAS funding does not automatically give you admission to UJ.
The two processes are separate.
Students must submit their university admission application to UJ and their financial-aid application through the official NSFAS system.
Visit the official NSFAS website
Under the current NSFAS bursary criteria, the scheme is intended primarily for South African citizens and permanent residents with a combined household income of R350,000 or less per year. For applicants living with disabilities, the household-income ceiling is R600,000 per year. SASSA grant recipients automatically satisfy the financial-eligibility component of the NSFAS bursary assessment.
NSFAS funding can cover approved costs including registration, tuition fees, learning materials and qualifying living, personal-care, transport or accommodation allowances, subject to the applicable funding rules.
Important NSFAS 2027 Date Update
Prospective UJ students should be particularly careful about websites publishing unverified NSFAS 2027 application dates.
As of 2 September 2026, the official NSFAS information available says that the 2027 national application-cycle dates will be announced soon. The scheme had recently changed a separate TVET Trimester 3 funding period specifically to prevent confusion with the forthcoming 2027 national cycle.
Students should therefore monitor the official NSFAS website rather than relying on an unofficial date.
Once the 2027 cycle opens, applicants should create or log into their myNSFAS profile, complete the funding application, supply requested documentation and monitor the Track Funding Progress section for updates.
UJ Bursaries and Other Financial Aid for 2027
NSFAS is not the only funding option available to students.
UJ Student Finance administers and provides information relating to NSFAS funding, internal bursaries, external bursaries, student loans and other student financial matters.
UJ confirms that financial assistance can include merit bursaries, bursaries, NSFAS and other support mechanisms. Merit awards are linked to academic performance and applicable UJ bursary rules.
Students should also investigate external bursaries.
UJ maintains an external bursary section containing funding opportunities offered by companies, municipalities and government departments. These bursaries can have different requirements based on academic performance, financial circumstances, field of study and other criteria.
Explore UJ bursary information
Explore external bursaries listed by UJ
Students should apply for several appropriate bursaries rather than depending entirely on one funding source. However, applicants must also check individual funding rules because UJ states that its bursary policy prevents multiple bursary awards in circumstances covered by its “no double dipping” rule.
UJ Past Exam Question Papers
Past examination papers can be an extremely useful academic resource once students begin university.
The University of Johannesburg Library maintains an official collection of previous examination papers.
Access UJ Past Exam Papers
UJ describes the resource as containing previous RAU, TWR and UJ examination papers submitted by lecturers, with coverage extending from 2000 to the present, where papers are available from departments.
UJ’s digital past-paper collection currently contains thousands of records across disciplines including Business, Education, Science, Humanities, Law and other areas.
Prospective students should understand that many university past papers may require authentication or UJ student access. The current UJ collection advises users to sign in to access the collection, although some records are identified as open access.
Past papers are useful for understanding the general style of assessment, practising questions and preparing for examinations, but UJ itself cautions students not to assume that a future examination will follow exactly the same format or content as an older paper.
UJ Student Accommodation for 2027
Students who require accommodation should not wait until academic admission is finalised before investigating residence requirements.
For first-time entering students, UJ residence applications for 2027 opened on 1 April 2026 and close on 31 October 2026 at 12:00.
Importantly, receiving academic admission to UJ does not guarantee a residence place. Accommodation remains dependent on available capacity.
First-time applicants generally complete the academic application first and then use their UJ student or reference number to continue with the residence application process.
Read the official UJ accommodation information
Students who intend relying on NSFAS for accommodation should still follow the required UJ residence and funding processes rather than assuming accommodation will automatically be allocated.
International Students Applying to UJ for 2027
International applicants may also apply for the 2027 academic year.
UJ states that international undergraduate admission is subject to both university and relevant faculty requirements. International applicants should therefore consult the applicable qualification-equivalence, immigration and admission information before submitting an application.
The general 2027 undergraduate deadline remains 31 October 2026 at 12:00, subject to any programme-specific requirements.
Beware of UJ Application Scams
Prospective students should submit applications only through official university channels.
UJ specifically warns applicants about individuals who promise university admission or study spaces in exchange for money. Admissions are based on the university’s academic and selection processes, and applicants should never pay an unofficial person to “secure” a place.
An online undergraduate UJ application is free.
Students should therefore be suspicious of anyone claiming that they can guarantee UJ admission for an application or placement fee.
What Should You Do After Applying to UJ?
After submitting the application, keep the application confirmation and student/reference number safe.
Continue checking the official UJ application-status portal, monitor the email address and cellphone number supplied to the university, apply separately for NSFAS when the 2027 cycle officially opens, search for additional bursaries, submit a residence application if accommodation is required and continue working towards the best possible final Grade 12 results.
Conditional consideration based on earlier results does not mean a learner can stop focusing on Grade 12.
Final admission remains dependent on applicable university and programme requirements.
Tools you may find useful:
- SETA Platform
- RDP / BNG Housing Eligibility Checker
- SASSA Grant Eligibility Checker
- SAPS / Metro / Traffic / DCS Eligibility Checker
- Youth Employment Eligibility Checker
- SA Bursary & NSFAS Eligibility Checker
- UIF Benefits Eligibility Checker and Payment Estimator
View Other Employment Opportunities here
Need Help?
Edupstairs Advice to Prospective UJ Students
Do not choose a university programme simply because its name sounds attractive.
Start by looking at your Grade 11 or current Grade 12 results and determine your APS. Then check the specific subject requirements of the programmes you are considering.
Use your two UJ programme choices strategically. Ideally, both selections should be programmes for which you satisfy the published academic and subject requirements.
At the same time, prepare your funding plan. Monitor NSFAS for the official opening of the 2027 funding cycle and investigate UJ and external bursaries.
If you need university accommodation, submit the residence application before the closing date rather than waiting until January.
Most importantly, keep checking your application status after submission.
Frequently Asked Questions About UJ Applications for 2027
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When did UJ applications for 2027 open?
UJ undergraduate applications for 2027 opened on 1 April 2026.
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When do UJ applications for 2027 close?
The general closing date for undergraduate curricular programmes is 31 October 2026 at 12:00. UJ states that late undergraduate applications will not be accepted.
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Is the UJ online application free?
Yes. New undergraduate applicants can apply online for free.
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How many programmes can I apply for at UJ?
UJ allows an undergraduate applicant to select two academic application choices. Applicants should choose carefully because UJ states that the choices cannot be amended once processed.
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How do I check my UJ application status?
Use the official UJ Student Portal application-status service. You can verify your application using your student number or ID/passport information and the contact details supplied to UJ.
Check UJ application status here
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Does UJ accept NSFAS?
Yes. Eligible UJ students may receive NSFAS funding, but the NSFAS application is separate from the university application.
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Are NSFAS applications for 2027 open?
As of 2 September 2026, NSFAS has indicated that the dates for the 2027 national application cycle will be announced soon. Students should wait for the official NSFAS announcement rather than relying on unverified dates circulating online.
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Where can I find UJ programmes and APS requirements?
Use the Edupstairs University of Johannesburg 2027 explorer, which brings together UJ programme, APS and subject-requirement information.
Explore UJ Courses and APS Requirements on Edupstairs
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Does meeting the minimum UJ APS guarantee admission?
No. Meeting a programme’s minimum requirements makes you eligible to be considered but does not guarantee a place. UJ has limited programme capacity and may apply additional selection requirements.
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Can I download UJ past exam question papers?
UJ Library provides an official previous-examination-paper collection. Some resources require a UJ login, while some records may be openly accessible.
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Can I apply for UJ residence before being admitted?
First-time entering students can follow the UJ residence application process after completing the academic application and obtaining the necessary student/reference details. Residence applications close on 31 October 2026 at 12:00, and academic admission does not guarantee a residence place.
Our Conclusion
The University of Johannesburg Applications for 2027 are open, and prospective undergraduate students have until 31 October 2026 at 12:00 to submit their applications.
Before applying, research your programmes carefully, calculate your APS, confirm the relevant subject requirements and understand any additional selection criteria.
Edupstairs has created a dedicated UJ 2027 programme explorer to simplify this research.
Explore University of Johannesburg programmes, APS and 2027 application information on Edupstairs
Remember that university admission, NSFAS funding and residence placement are separate processes. Completing all three correctly and before their respective deadlines will place you in a much stronger position for the 2027 academic year.
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Disclaimer:
Edupstairs simplifies publicly available university information to help prospective students understand the application process. Admission decisions, programme availability, academic requirements, NSFAS rules, funding awards and accommodation allocations remain the responsibility of the University of Johannesburg, NSFAS and the relevant funding bodies. Applicants should always confirm important information through the official sources before making decisions.
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