University of Johannesburg: Rankings, Fees & Courses Details

Jump directly to rankings, fees, or courses.

Key Takeaways

• UJ climbed to 491 globally in Webometrics, one of the few South African universities improving yearly.
• International undergrad fees range from R60,000-R85,000; locals pay less, from R33,000.
• Over 200 programs across 8 faculties, strong in engineering, business, and health.
• 4.1/5 student rating for vibrant campus life and job prep.

Here’s everything you need to know about its rankings, fees, and courses, drawn from my visits and direct chats with students.

UJ’s Strong Global and Local Rankings Breakdown

The University of Johannesburg consistently rises in international metrics, reflecting its focus on visibility, research impact, and employability.

In the January Webometrics rankings, UJ jumped 54 spots to 491 worldwide, the only South African university to climb every year since debuting, thanks to a robust online presence and external links as detailed on their news site (uj.ac.za).

Other highlights include QS World University Rankings placing it in the top 101 for Business & Management Studies in 2025, and Times Higher Education ranking it 301 in Business and Economics subjects. Locally, it’s a top performer in South Africa for innovation and diversity.

During my time there, I saw how these rankings translate to real opportunities, like partnerships with global firms that boost grad employability to over 85 percent within six months.

What sets UJ apart is steady improvement, not flashy peaks. Students I spoke with credit this to investments in digital infrastructure and research output, making it a smart pick for ambitious learners.

Detailed Tuition Fees: Undergrad to PhD

These figures exclude accommodation (R40,000-R70,000/year) and books. I recommend budgeting 20 percent extra for Johannesburg living costs. For official quotes, contact mylife@uj.ac.za or call +27 (0) 11 559 4555.

Top Programs at UJ: Faculties and Standout Degrees Explored

With eight faculties spanning 200+ qualifications, UJ caters to diverse ambitions. I audited a few classes during my visit, and the hands-on approach impressed me most.

In the College of Business and Economics, the BCom in Accountancy prepares you for SAICA exams with real-world simulations. Engineering shines in Mechanical and Electrical, where students build prototypes in state-of-the-art labs, leading to 90 percent employment rates (studentroom.co.za).

Health Sciences offers unique paths like Chiropractic and Podiatry, rare in Africa, while Humanities covers Psychology and International Relations with field trips to UN bodies. Science programs in Biotechnology tackle food tech innovations vital for Africa’s growth. Explore full lists at uj.ac.za/studyatUJ.

Pros and Cons of Studying at UJ

Campus Location and How to Get There

Situated at the corner of Kingsway and University Road, Auckland Park, Johannesburg 2092, UJ’s main campus buzzes with energy. Physical address: Corner of Kingsway and University Road, Auckland Park, Johannesburg, 2092, South Africa. Postal: PO Box 524, Auckland Park 2006.

From OR Tambo Airport, take a Gautrain to Park Station, then a shuttle, about 45 minutes. Stay nearby via Agoda, Booking.com, or Hotels.com.

Real Student Reviews and Campus Life Insights

“I loved how lecturers made learning easy and met my wife here. Campus life was amazing,” shares an alumnus on EduOpinions (eduopinions.com).

With a 4.1-star average, students rave about the inclusive vibe, events, and career prep. One reviewer noted, “Dynamic environment with constant activities from sports to cultural events.”

Follow UJ on socials for updates: Website uj.ac.za, WhatsApp +27 87 240 6854, Twitter/Facebook via official channels.