University of Johannesburg Admission Requirements for 2028

University of Johannesburg Admission Requirements for 2028: Complete Guide for Applicants

If you are planning to apply to the University of Johannesburg (UJ) for the 2028 academic year, understanding the admission requirements early can help you choose the right subjects, calculate your Admission Point Score (APS), and avoid applying for programmes for which you do not qualify.

UJ admission requirements are programme-specific. There is no single APS score that guarantees admission to every qualification at the university. Your required APS, school subjects, subject achievement levels and the type of school-leaving qualification you hold all matter.

This guide explains the University of Johannesburg admission requirements for 2028, how the UJ APS system works, the difference between minimum requirements and actual selection, requirements for popular programmes, application rules, international student requirements, and what applicants should do if they do not meet the requirements.

What Are the University of Johannesburg Admission Requirements for 2028?

The University of Johannesburg does not have one general APS requirement for all applicants.

Instead, admission requirements depend on the specific qualification or programme you want to study.

Depending on the programme, UJ may consider:

• Your National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent school-leaving qualification
• Your Admission Point Score (APS)
• Your English result
• Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy
• Physical Sciences
• Life Sciences
• Other compulsory subjects
• The availability of places
• Your final academic results
• Programme-specific admission and selection rules

For example, the latest UJ prospectus lists a minimum APS of 30, English at 60% or higher, and Mathematics at 70% or higher for the BSc in Computer Science and Informatics. Another science programme, BSc in Physical Science (Biochemistry and Chemistry), lists a minimum APS of 31, English at 60% or higher, Mathematics at 70% or higher, Physical Science at 60% or higher and Life Science at 50% or higher.

This illustrates why applicants should always check the requirements for their exact UJ course rather than relying on a general APS figure.

University of Johannesburg Admission Requirements for South African Applicants

For applicants who completed the South African NSC, UJ calculates an APS using the achievement ratings of six school subjects.

Life Orientation is not included in the UJ APS calculation.

The university’s current information states that the six subjects used to calculate APS must include the compulsory subjects required by the particular programme.

This is an important difference from some other South African universities whose APS calculations may work differently.

UJ APS Table

The current UJ APS scale for NSC results is:

UJ’s prospectus explains that applicants use the six relevant school subjects to determine their APS and that Life Orientation does not count.

Example of calculating your UJ APS

Suppose your six relevant subjects have the following results:

• First language: 65% = 5 points
• Additional recognised language: 71% = 6 points
• Mathematics: 61% = 5 points
• Accounting: 68% = 5 points
• History: 81% = 7 points
• Geography: 86% = 7 points

Your total APS would be: 5 + 6 + 5 + 5 + 7 + 7 = 35

UJ’s own prospectus provides this type of example and confirms that Life Orientation is excluded from the total.

However, you should not simply select any six subjects to reach the highest possible APS. If your programme requires Mathematics, for example, Mathematics must be included in the calculation.

What APS Score Do You Need for UJ in 2028?

There is no single UJ APS score for 2028.

The required score depends on the programme.

Some qualifications have minimum APS requirements in the mid-20s, while others require 30 or more. Certain competitive programmes can also have additional subject requirements.

For example, the latest UJ prospectus lists:

These figures are taken from the current UJ information available for the relevant programmes and are not a guarantee that the 2028 prospectus will contain identical requirements.

UJ Admission Requirements for BCom Programmes

If you want to study a Bachelor of Commerce at UJ, the admission requirements depend on the particular BCom programme.

For example, the current prospectus lists BCom Accounting with a minimum APS of 28, English at 50% or above and Mathematics at 50% or above. Mathematical Literacy is not accepted for that particular programme.

Other BCom-related programmes have different requirements.

Business Management

The current UJ prospectus lists a minimum APS of 26 for BCom Business Management, with English at 50% or above and Mathematics or Technical Mathematics at 50% or above. Mathematical Literacy is not accepted for this programme.

Economics and Econometrics

BCom Economics and Econometrics currently requires a minimum APS of 28, English at 50% or above and Mathematics at 50% or above.

Finance

The current minimum listed for BCom Finance is 28, together with English at 50% or above and Mathematics at 50% or above.

These examples show why applicants should not assume that all BCom qualifications have identical admission requirements.

UJ Computer Science Admission Requirements

Computer Science is one of the programmes for which Mathematics is particularly important.

According to UJ’s current programme information, the BSc in Computer Science and Informatics requires:

• Minimum APS of 30
• English at 60% or higher
• Mathematics at 70% or higher

The programme is a three-year full-time undergraduate qualification offered at the Auckland Park Kingsway campus.

If Computer Science is your intended career path, achieving a high Mathematics result should therefore be a major priority before applying.

Do not assume that a high overall APS can compensate for failing to meet a compulsory Mathematics requirement. Programme-specific subject requirements still apply.

UJ Science Admission Requirements

Science programmes can have higher academic and subject requirements than some other undergraduate qualifications.

For example, UJ’s BSc in Physical Science, Biochemistry and Chemistry currently requires:

• APS of at least 31
• English at 60% or higher
• Mathematics at 70% or higher
• Physical Science at 60% or higher
• Life Science at 50% or higher

Other science programmes may have different requirements, so applicants should consult the programme page or latest prospectus rather than applying these requirements to every BSc qualification.

Is Mathematical Literacy Accepted at UJ?

Sometimes, but not for every programme.

This is an important point for Grade 10 to Grade 12 learners choosing subjects.

The current UJ prospectus shows programmes where Mathematical Literacy is accepted and others where it is specifically not accepted.

For example, Public Management and Governance currently has different APS requirements depending on whether an applicant has Mathematics/Technical Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy.

On the other hand, programmes such as Accounting, Economics and Econometrics and Finance specify Mathematics and do not accept Mathematical Literacy under the listed requirements.

If you already know that you want to study Computer Science, certain BCom qualifications, physical sciences or another mathematically intensive programme, check the programme requirements before choosing your Grade 10 subjects.

Does UJ Require the National Benchmark Tests?

One major point that distinguishes UJ from some other South African universities is that National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) are not part of UJ’s normal admission requirements.

UJ’s official applicant information states that applicants are not required to write the NBTs to apply or gain admission to UJ.

Applicants should still check the latest official information for their particular admission cycle because university policies can change.

UJ Admission Requirements for Grade 12 Applicants

If you are currently in Grade 12, UJ has specific rules about which results you use when applying.

According to UJ’s FAQ:

• Current Grade 12 applicants apply using their final Grade 11 results.
• UJ does not use Grade 12 mid-year results for the initial application.
• Final selection takes place after final Grade 12 results become available.
• Applicants who have already completed Grade 12 are assessed using their final Grade 12 results.
• Applicants upgrading their Grade 12 results must indicate this during the application process.

This means Grade 11 performance matters.

Students planning to apply for UJ in 2028 should therefore avoid treating Grade 11 as an unimportant year.

How UJ Selection Works

Meeting the minimum admission requirement does not necessarily mean you will receive a final offer.

UJ explains that final selection involves ranking applicants and considering the number of places available. Its FAQ states that final selection occurs in January, when applicants are ranked together with the new Grade 12 cohort, based on APS and available space.

This distinction is essential:

Minimum admission requirement: The minimum academic standard you need to be considered.

Selection: The university’s process of deciding which qualifying applicants can actually be offered places.

Therefore, if a programme lists an APS of 28, you should not interpret that as a guarantee that an APS of exactly 28 will secure admission.

How Many Programmes Can You Apply for at UJ?

See >> List University of Johannesburg Courses

Applicants should choose their study options carefully.

UJ currently allows an applicant to apply for two undergraduate study choices per academic year. Once submitted, these choices cannot be amended, according to the university’s applicant information.

This makes programme research particularly important.

Before submitting your application, compare:

1. The APS requirement.
2. Required subjects.
3. Required achievement levels.
4. Campus.
5. Qualification type.
6. Career opportunities.
7. Your actual Grade 11 or Grade 12 results.

Do not use both choices without checking whether you actually satisfy the academic requirements.

UJ Application Dates for 2028

UJ’s general undergraduate application cycle currently opens on 1 April and closes at 12:00 on 31 October, with no late applications accepted according to the university’s FAQ.

However, applicants planning for 2028 should verify the official dates when the 2028 application cycle is announced.

Application deadlines can differ for certain programmes or categories, so the safest approach is to check UJ’s official admissions information rather than relying on dates published by third-party websites.

Is the UJ Application Free?

Yes. UJ states that its online applications are free.

This is also why prospective students should be cautious about anyone claiming that they can secure a UJ admission place in exchange for payment.

UJ specifically warns applicants about people and companies claiming to be able to arrange admission or study places for a fee. The university says admissions are based on academic merit and warns applicants against such scams.

University of Johannesburg (UJ) Admission Requirements for International Students

International applicants have additional considerations.

UJ’s prospectus includes admission and APS conversion information for a range of international school-leaving qualifications, including:

• WAEC
• KCSE
• Cambridge qualifications
• International Baccalaureate
• A Levels
• AS Levels
• HIGCSE
• IGCSE
• Baccalaureate
• Other recognised qualifications

UJ’s APS table provides conversions for various national and international qualifications.

International applicants may also need to demonstrate English proficiency. The current prospectus indicates an English proficiency requirement for international applicants, with information on recognised measures and the UJ English Language Programme Test (UJELP).

UJ’s FAQ also states that international undergraduate applicants must submit certified passport and school-leaving results, as well as current or previous academic records where applicable.

International applicants should therefore start preparing their documentation well before the application deadline.

Does UJ Accept the GED?

Applicants should be particularly careful if they hold an American GED.

UJ’s current applicant information states that the university does not accept the American General Education Development (GED) test for entry into undergraduate curricular qualifications. Applicants with a GED who want to pursue an undergraduate curricular qualification at UJ are directed to obtain a Grade 12 NSC, including IEB or SACAI, or an international equivalent.

Because international qualification policies can change, applicants should verify their individual circumstances with UJ before applying.

UJ Requirements for Transfer Students

If you are currently studying at another university or higher education institution and want to transfer to UJ, additional documentation is required.

UJ states that transfer applicants must:

• Declare previous studies.
• Submit their full academic record or transcript.
• Submit their degree or diploma certificate where applicable.
• Still meet the minimum Grade 12 requirements for the UJ qualification they want to enter.

Applicants should not assume that previous university study automatically replaces the programme’s school-leaving requirements.

What If You Do Not Meet the UJ Admission Requirements?

Not meeting a programme’s standard minimum requirements does not necessarily mean that every possible route into higher education is closed.

UJ’s academic regulations provide for certain alternative admission mechanisms under specific conditions, including Senate discretionary admission, Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), and placement in approved bridging or alternative programmes. These options are subject to the university’s policies, faculty requirements and enrolment planning.

These should not be interpreted as automatic alternative routes.

If you do not meet the standard requirements, investigate the exact programme and faculty rules instead of assuming that UJ will automatically admit you through an alternative pathway.

Documents You May Need for UJ Application

The documentation you need depends on your applicant category.

For South African undergraduate applicants with no previous tertiary studies, UJ currently states that supporting documents are generally not required at the initial application stage.

Applicants transferring from another institution must submit their academic record/transcript.

International undergraduate applicants must submit certified documents, including their passport and school-leaving results, as well as relevant academic records.

Always follow the document instructions shown during the relevant application cycle.

How to Apply to UJ for 2028

A good UJ application strategy can be broken down into several steps.

Step 1: Choose your qualification

Start with the actual programme you want to study, not simply the faculty.

Step 2: Check the minimum requirements

Look at the official UJ programme information and prospectus.

Step 3: Calculate your APS

Use the six applicable subjects and exclude Life Orientation.

Step 4: Check compulsory subjects

Confirm whether your programme requires Mathematics, Mathematical Literacy, Physical Science, Life Science or another subject.

Step 5: Check your Grade 11 results

If you are still in Grade 12, remember that UJ uses final Grade 11 results for the initial application process.

Step 6: Select your two choices carefully

UJ currently permits two undergraduate study choices, and choices cannot be changed after submission.

Step 7: Submit your application online

UJ states that undergraduate applications are free.

Step 8: Monitor your application

After submission, UJ says applicants receive acknowledgement and can use the application-status system to track progress.

How to Improve Your Chances of Getting Into UJ

If you are preparing for the 2028 intake, do not focus exclusively on reaching the minimum APS.

Instead:

• Aim for the highest possible marks in all relevant subjects.
• Take Mathematics if your preferred programme requires it.
• Pay particular attention to compulsory subjects.
• Work on English performance where a programme has a language threshold.
• Keep your Grade 11 results strong.
• Research your course before selecting your two application choices.
• Apply before the official closing date.
• Use only official UJ application channels.
• Never pay an individual who promises to secure admission.

UJ explicitly warns applicants about admission scams and says that applications are free and admission is based on academic merit.

Frequently Asked Questions About UJ Admission Requirements 2028

What is the minimum APS score for UJ?

There is no universal minimum APS score for every UJ programme. Requirements vary by qualification. Current programme examples range from the mid-20s to 30 or more, with additional subject requirements for many qualifications.

Does UJ count Life Orientation in APS?

No. UJ explicitly states that Life Orientation is not counted in the APS calculation.

Does UJ require NBTs?

No. UJ currently states that NBTs are not part of its admission requirements and applicants do not need to write them for admission.

Can I apply to UJ with Mathematical Literacy?

It depends on the programme. Some UJ qualifications accept Mathematical Literacy, while others require Mathematics and do not accept Mathematical Literacy.

Can I apply to UJ with Grade 11 results?

Yes. Current Grade 12 learners apply using their final Grade 11 results. UJ then makes final selection using final Grade 12 results when they become available.

How many choices can I make?

UJ currently allows applicants to make two undergraduate study choices per academic year.

Does meeting the minimum APS guarantee admission?

No. UJ considers applicants in the context of selection, ranking and available space.

Is the UJ application free?

Yes. UJ states that online applications are free.

When should I apply for UJ 2028?

UJ’s current general undergraduate cycle opens on 1 April and closes at 12:00 on 31 October. For the 2028 intake, confirm the official dates when UJ publishes its 2028 application information.

Final Guide to University of Johannesburg Admission Requirements for 2028

The most important thing to remember about University of Johannesburg admission requirements for 2028 is that admission is programme-specific.

Your APS matters, but it is only part of the application. You must also satisfy the required subjects and achievement levels for your chosen qualification. Mathematics, English, Physical Sciences and Life Sciences can be particularly important for certain degrees.

For South African NSC applicants, UJ currently calculates APS from six relevant school subjects and does not count Life Orientation. The university also does not currently require NBTs for admission.

If you are applying for 2028, use the current UJ requirements to plan your Grade 11 and Grade 12 performance, but do not treat current figures as the final 2028 requirements until UJ publishes the official 2028 prospectus.

The best source for final confirmation is the official University of Johannesburg undergraduate admissions information and prospectus. UJ itself advises prospective students to calculate their APS and consult the Undergraduate Prospectus before applying.

For applicants, the safest approach is simple: choose your programme first, check its exact requirements, calculate your UJ APS correctly, prepare the required subjects and apply through UJ’s official application system before the relevant deadline.