UJ Courses and Requirements

If you want to study at the University of Johannesburg, you need to know two things first: which courses UJ offers, and what the requirements are for the specific qualification you want to apply for. UJ lets prospective students browse courses by study level, faculty, and mode of study, and each programme can have its own APS, subject requirements, and selection rules. 

This page gives you a simple overview of how UJ courses work, what to check before you apply, and where to confirm the latest official admission details. It is not the official UJ prospectus, so always verify the final course requirements with UJ before you apply. UJ makes it clear that applicants must meet both the total APS and any programme-specific subject requirements, and that limited space means minimum compliance does not guarantee a place. 

What courses can you study at UJ?

UJ’s official course finder includes undergraduate, postgraduate, continuous education programmes, and short courses. It also allows users to filter courses by full-time, part-time, and online study, which makes it easier to compare options before applying. 

A good way to start is by looking at the main UJ study areas. UJ’s faculty pages and prospectus group courses under these main academic areas:

• College of Business and Economics
• Art, Design and Architecture
• Education
• Engineering and the Built Environment
• Health Sciences
• Humanities
• Law
• Science

UJ’s official course finder also includes Johannesburg Business School as a browse option. 

That means whether you are looking for teaching, law, nursing, engineering, business, science, or humanities-related study options, the right next step is to find the exact UJ programme page and check the latest entry rules for that qualification.

How UJ course requirements work

UJ does not use one single requirement for every course. Your admission depends on the qualification level, the faculty, and the programme you choose. For undergraduate study, UJ states that applicants must have the right recognised school-leaving qualification, the required subject combination, and the required levels of achievement for the chosen programme. 

For many school-leavers, this means applying with a recognised National Senior Certificate or IEB result. UJ also notes that some applicants with other qualifications, including NCV, NASCA, SC(a), N3 to N6 results, or other school-leaving certificates, may be referred for faculty-specific selection. In some cases, PsyCaD evaluation or NBT results may also be required. 

UJ also makes an important point that many applicants miss: meeting the minimum admission requirement does not automatically mean you will be accepted. Space is limited, and some programmes are more competitive than others. 

What to check for a specific UJ course

Before you apply for any UJ course, make sure you check the exact programme page or prospectus entry for the qualification you want. The most important things to look for are:

• the minimum APS
• required school subjects
• minimum subject achievement levels
• whether Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy is accepted
• whether there is additional selection
• the campus where the programme is offered
• whether the programme is undergraduate, postgraduate, short course, or continuous education

UJ’s prospectus states that applicants are considered based on the total APS as well as programme-specific subject requirements. 

Grade 11 and Grade 12 results

UJ indicates that preliminary admission for undergraduate study can be based on Grade 11 results, while final admission is based on final Grade 12 results. This is why it is important to use your latest school results carefully when checking whether you are likely to meet the minimum entry level for your chosen course. 

If you are still in matric, do not only look at the course name. Look at the actual admission conditions attached to that programme. A course may sound open to many applicants, but the APS and subject requirements can still be strict.

How to choose the right UJ course

Choosing the right UJ course is not only about what sounds interesting. It should also match your matric subjects, your APS, and the kind of career or qualification path you want.

Start with these questions:

1. Do you meet the basic admission level?

Check whether your results meet the general level needed for the qualification. Then move on to the specific course requirements.

2. Do you have the right subjects?

Some courses accept Mathematical Literacy, while others require Mathematics. Some also need Physical Sciences, Accounting, Life Sciences, or strong language marks.

3. Is the course offered at the right level?

Make sure you are looking at the correct study level. UJ offers undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications, but also short courses and continuous education programmes. 

4. Does the course fit your long-term plan?

Think about what comes after admission. Does the course lead directly into a profession, give you access to further study, or match the job path you want?

How to apply for UJ courses

UJ’s undergraduate admissions pages direct applicants to use the official prospectus, the APS calculator, and the online application process. UJ also provides a way to check application status through its admissions system. 

A simple application process looks like this:

Step 1: Choose your course carefully

Use the official UJ course finder and prospectus to compare qualifications and requirements before you apply. 

Step 2: Check your APS and subject requirements

Make sure your results are strong enough for the programme you want. UJ specifically tells applicants to check both APS and subject-specific requirements. 

Step 3: Submit your application through UJ

Apply through the official UJ admissions process and keep your application details safe. UJ’s admissions page also warns students not to trust third parties who promise admission for a fee. 

Step 4: Track your status

After applying, use UJ’s official process to follow up on your application status. Do not rely on unofficial agents or social media claims. 

Important before you apply

Always use the latest official UJ information when checking a course. Course requirements, APS thresholds, campuses, selection rules, and application dates can change from one intake to the next. UJ’s prospectus and admissions pages should always be your final reference point. 

It is also worth noting that UJ warns applicants about scams. Admission is based on academic merit, and students should not pay anyone who claims they can secure a place. 

Final answer

UJ offers a wide range of courses across major study areas, but every programme has its own requirements. The safest way to approach your application is to first find the course you want, then check the exact APS, subject requirements, and selection rules for that programme. Use this page as a starting point, but always confirm the final details with the official UJ prospectus, course finder, and admissions pages before you apply. 

FAQs

Does UJ offer short courses?

Yes. UJ’s official course finder includes short courses as well as continuous education programmes, undergraduate programmes, and postgraduate programmes. 

Does UJ use APS for admission?

Yes. UJ states that applicants must comply with the programme’s total APS as well as subject-specific requirements. 

Does meeting the minimum requirements guarantee admission at UJ?

No. UJ says that meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee a place because space is limited and selection still depends on the programme. 

Can I use Grade 11 results to apply at UJ?

UJ indicates that preliminary admission may be based on Grade 11 results, while final admission is based on final Grade 12 results. 

Where can I check the exact requirements for a UJ course?

Check the official UJ course finder, the relevant faculty or programme page, and the latest UJ prospectus before applying. 

Can I study online or part-time at UJ?

UJ’s course finder includes filters for online, part-time, and full-time study. Availability depends on the specific programme.