How to Apply to UJ for 2027

What You Need to Apply

If you're in matric now, UJ's online application asks you to capture your details and your final Grade 11 results. Have these ready before you start:

• Your South African ID number (or passport number for international applicants)

• A working cellphone number and email address that you check often (UJ sends all official communication by email)

• Your final Grade 11 report, so you can capture your subjects and marks accurately

• Your two study choices, with their names exactly as they appear in the prospectus

Keep certified copies handy. UJ may ask Grade 12 applicants for certified copies of their final Grade 11 results and other documents to verify them.

Extra documents for some applicants:

• You've studied at a university or college before: you must declare it within 10 working days of applying, even if you cancelled or studied something different, and send UJ your official academic record before the end of October.

• You've upgraded your matric results: say so in your online application.

• International applicants: a valid passport or other ID document, and, for foreign school qualifications, a SAQA evaluation certificate and a Matriculation Exemption from USAf. Applicants who weren't taught in English may need an English proficiency test result.

Do it yourself. UJ asks that applicants complete their own applications. Mistakes made by someone else on your behalf can count against you, so even if a parent helps, check every detail yourself.

How to Apply to UJ Online: Step by Step

1. Go to UJ's application page. Open UJ's new applications page (you can also type www.uj.ac.za/apply into your browser).

2. Choose the right "Apply Here" link. First-time applicants use the link for new applicants. If you've applied to UJ before and already have a UJ student number, use the link for returning applicants instead.

3. Fill in your personal and contact details. Use a cellphone number and email address you check every day, because UJ sends all official communication by email.

4. Capture your school results. Enter your subjects and your final Grade 11 marks (or your final matric results if you've already finished school). If you've upgraded your matric results, say so here.

5. Choose your two study choices. Double-check them against the prospectus, because UJ won't change them after your application is processed.

6. Apply for residence if you need it. UJ residence applications are done online and close on the same day as academic applications: 31 October 2026 at 12:00.

7. Check everything and submit. Then write down your reference or student number. You'll need it to check your status, apply for UJ bursaries and contact UJ.

Had previous studies? Log in through the returning applicant link, select "Academic/Residence Applications", enter your previous studies, and upload your academic record. Do this within 10 working days of applying.

Applied before but can't log in? Call the UJ Call Centre on 011 559 4555 so they can update your cellphone number and email address. This makes sure you receive the PIN you need for the online application.

Prefer paper? You can also hand in a paper application at any of UJ's four campuses. Allow about three weeks before you check your status.

Need help? Call UJ on 011 559 4555, WhatsApp +27 87 240 6854 or email mylife@uj.ac.za.

What Happens After You Apply to UJ

Check your application status. Use UJ's application status page. Enter your student number or ID number, verify yourself with a code sent to your cellphone or email, and choose the academic year to see your status. UJ also sends all official communication by email, so check your inbox (and spam folder) regularly.

Provisional admission comes first. If you're in matric, UJ makes provisional decisions based on your final Grade 11 results.

Final admission is decided in January. Once final matric results are released, UJ ranks all applicants from the highest APS to the lowest. If you meet the requirements and there's space in your programme, you'll be told that you've been accepted. Meeting the minimum requirements doesn't guarantee a place, so your final exams really count.

Residence is a separate decision. Being accepted to study at UJ doesn't automatically get you a residence place. You can only stay in a residence on the campus where you study, and a residence deposit is charged when you register. If you don't get a room, UJ helps students find accredited off-campus accommodation.

Register once you're accepted. Registration happens after final admission in January, so keep your documents and funding plans ready.

How to Fund Your UJ Studies

UJ warns that its fees generally go up by 10% to 15% a year, so it's smart to plan your funding early, alongside your application.

NSFAS

If your household earns R350,000 or less a year, you may qualify for NSFAS funding for tuition, accommodation and allowances. NSFAS applications for 2027 close on 31 October 2026, the same day as UJ's applications. Apply at my.nsfas.org.za, and follow our guide on how to apply for NSFAS. UJ students can email nsfas@uj.ac.za with NSFAS questions.

UJ bursaries and awards

• Merit bursaries: awarded every year for exceptional academic results, based on your six best subjects (excluding Life Orientation).

• Orange Carpet: tuition bursaries of 50% to 100% for top-achieving South African and SADC learners, depending on your APS.

• Leadership bursary: R1,650 if you're the President, Vice-President, Secretary or Treasurer of your school's learner body.

• Sports and culture bursaries: for learners with provincial-level achievements and above.

You can only look into UJ bursaries once you have your UJ reference or student number, which is another reason to apply early.

Studying to be a teacher? If you're applying for a UJ BEd, look into the Funza Lushaka Bursary. Read our guide to the Funza Lushaka Bursary 2027.

Fund your UJ studies with Fundi

Fundi is one of the study-loan options listed in UJ's own prospectus. If NSFAS or a bursary doesn't cover everything, or you don't qualify, you can apply for a Fundi study loan to cover tuition, accommodation and other study costs. Use the Fundi loan calculator to see what your monthly repayments would look like, and if you need a laptop for varsity, the Fundi Shop lets you finance one alongside your other study costs. Find out more at fundi.co.za.

Fundi is a registered credit provider [NCR registration number]. Credit is subject to an affordability assessment. T&Cs apply. Loan applicants must be 18 or older, so if you're under 18, speak to a parent or guardian about applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do UJ applications for 2027 close?

Undergraduate and residence applications close on 31 October 2026 at 12:00. UJ doesn't accept late applications.

How much does it cost to apply to UJ?

Nothing. UJ doesn't charge an application fee for online or paper applications.

How many programmes can I apply for at UJ?

Two. Once your application is processed, UJ won't change, add or cancel your study choices.

Can I apply to UJ before I get my matric results?

Yes. UJ makes provisional decisions using your final Grade 11 results, and final decisions in January once your final matric results are out.

How do I check my UJ application status?

Go to UJ's application status page, enter your student number or ID number, verify yourself with a code, and choose the academic year.

Does UJ accept late applications?

No. UJ's undergraduate applications are open from 1 April to 31 October only.

Do I need to apply separately for residence?

Yes. Residence applications are separate and close on 31 October 2026 at 12:00. Being accepted to study doesn't guarantee a residence place.

Get Your UJ Application In Before 31 October

Applying to UJ for 2027 is free and can be done in one sitting: check your APS and subject requirements, choose your two programmes, complete the online application, and apply for residence and NSFAS if you need them. Just make sure everything is submitted before 31 October 2026 at 12:00.

Good luck with your application! For more application guides, bursary updates and study tips, keep checking FundiConnect.

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