University of Johannesburg sees record-breaking 450 000 applications for 2026

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) continues to strengthen its position as one of Africa’s most innovative and sought-after universities, recording high application numbers for the 2026 academic year. This growth is accelerating UJ’s transition towards a fully digital, future-focused learning ecosystem.

Applications for the 2026 academic year closed at the end of October 2025, with more than 450 000 applicants submitting 870 000 study choices. These figures reflect sustained confidence in UJ as a world-class institution recognised for academic excellence, graduate employability, and a forward-looking approach to teaching and learning.

UJ continues to attract South Africa’s top-performing learners, with an undergraduate first-year intake of 11,200 students in line with the Department of Higher Education and Training’s (DHET) approved enrolment plan. This capacity constraint highlights the highly competitive nature of university admissions in South Africa and the reality that not all qualifying applicants can be accommodated in traditional programmes. Final selections will be completed this week (January 13, 2026) following the release of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) results to universities on January 12.

Says Professor Letlhokwa George Mpedi, vice-chancellor and principal of UJ: “UJ continues to be a leading choice for aspirant and ambitious students seeking to fulfil their dreams of a better future and to make a meaningful impact on society, locally, across the continent, and globally. While demand continues to grow, our responsibility is to manage access fairly, securely, and efficiently within the constraints of the national higher education system.”

Recognising growing pressure on physical contact spaces, UJ has responded through purposeful digital innovation, deliberately expanding alternative access pathways to higher education. In 2025, the University officially launched UJ Digital, a comprehensive online learning platform designed to extend learning opportunities beyond the limits of campus-based study. The platform offers more than 80 Short Learning Programmes, including 12 free courses, as well as 17 fully online qualifications in high-demand fields such as business, information technology, engineering, health, and law; these numbers are set to grow in 2026. Through innovative, flexible, and self-paced learning, UJ Digital enables students and working professionals to upskill, reskill, and pursue accredited qualifications and short learning programmes aligned to critical skills needs across South Africa and globally. To date, UJ Digital has enrolled more than 20 000 learners, many of whom require flexible study options that accommodate work and personal commitments, while directly addressing skills shortages identified in national and continental economic frameworks.

“UJ Digital is a critical pillar of the University’s Strategic Plan 2035, reflecting our commitment to digital innovation, inclusive education and innovation-driven development. It expands access to learning while creating multiple pathways for student success, and positions UJ to lead Africa’s digital knowledge economy,” says Prof Mpedi.

UJ’s Registrar, Professor Bettine van Vuuren, added: “In 2026, UJ will continue using its facial recognition registration system for all new students, building on its milestone in 2023 as the first university in South Africa to implement AI-driven identity verification at scale.”

Each applicant will receive a personalised link for facial recognition verification, enabling instant confirmation of identity. This process replaces manual checks, significantly reduces the risk of fraud, and shortens registration turnaround times.

Says Professor Bettine van Vuuren, UJ Registrar: “This technology marks a major shift in how we engage with students. It strengthens the integrity of our systems while making the registration experience more seamless and user-friendly.”

Prof van Vuuren emphasised that UJ pioneered fully online applications, late inquiries, and registration nearly a decade ago and continues to refine these systems to meet the evolving expectations of applicants. She added that the University has integrated an AI-powered WhatsApp Chatbot, providing instant responses on application status, fees, accommodation, and study options. Applicants can add the UJ WhatsApp number, 087 240 6854, to receive personalised assistance. For those requiring direct support, UJ has expanded its Call Centre capacity during peak registration periods.

She urged applicants who are accepted into a programme to act swiftly once notified, as available spaces fill up rapidly and delays may result in missed opportunities to secure a place at the University. In support of this, the University has expanded its agreements with banks and financial service providers to ensure that registration fees reflect immediately, allowing students to register immediately after making payment.

As in previous years, UJ will not accommodate walk-ins at any campus. An online late-enquiry system (Mobi) will open on the evening of 13 January 2026 for applicants with good final results who missed the initial application deadline.

While prioritising the safety and security of applicants, Prof van Vuuren urged prospective students to remain vigilant against fraudulent individuals or agencies claiming to help with applications, admissions, or registration. She cautioned that UJ does not work with any third-party entities in the processing of applications, and that promises of guaranteed admission or funding in exchange for a fee are fraudulent. Such incidents should be reported immediately to campus security (011 559 2555) or the UJ Whistleblowing Hotline (0800 872 846).

Short fact sheet of Frequently Asked Questions on Financial and Admissions Context for 2026

Why does UJ maintain a free online application system?

UJ was among the first South African universities to remove application fees, reinforcing its digital-first strategy and commitment to accessibility. Digital applications are significantly more cost-effective than manual processing, and this efficiency offsets the cost of absorbing the application fee. Strict financial controls during registration, including upfront payments and debt-management systems, ensure sustainability.

Why am I on a waiting list?

A prospective student is placed on a waiting list because their application met the minimum admission criteria but there are not enough places, or their grade 12 results are not what was expected, meaning they are in a queue for potential admission if space opens or results improve. UJ uses an  APS (Admission Point Score) and programme demand to rank applicants, so they are not rejected but are waiting for confirmation as others accept/decline or space becomes available. 

What are the most popular courses for 2026?

The most popular qualifications are in health sciences, education, law, and commerce. Bachelor of Nursing, LLB in Law, Education programmes across all phases, as well as Social Work, Diagnostic Radiography and Accounting attracted the highest number of applications. In many cases, tens of thousands of applications are received for programmes with fewer than 150 available first-year places. This significant gap between demand and available spaces means that many applicants who meet the minimum requirements may still be placed on waiting lists. Admission decisions are therefore based on APS ranking, programme quotas and space availability, with comparisons to 2025 showing consistently high demand year on year. 

Why must international self-funded students pay an 40% registration fee?

This payment covers the ICT levy, registration fee and part of semester tuition. It stabilises cash flow at the start of the academic year, particularly as DHET subsidy disbursements only begin in April. This approach supports operational continuity and limits the accumulation of new student debt.

What is UJ’s historical student debt position and why must return students pay?

As of September 2025, UJ carried approximately R1.1 billion in historic student debt. This total comprised R491 million owed by students who were no longer registered in 2025, and R609 million owed by self-funded students who were registered in 2025. To re-register, students with outstanding debt must pay at least 50% of their balance, settle the registration fee, sign an acknowledgement of debt, and commit to a debit-order payment plan. This approach strikes a balance between financial accountability and continued academic access.

Does the NSFAS accommodation cap affect students in metropolitan areas?

The NSFAS accommodation cap remains a challenge in high-cost urban areas, such as Johannesburg. While UJ works with private providers to remain within the cap, some University-owned residences exceed it due to operational costs. In these cases, limited bursary support is provided to mitigate hardship, although this places additional financial pressure on the institution.

Academic Opening and First-Year Welcome

 All UJ staff, registered first-year students, and their parents are invited to attend the Academic Opening and First-Year Welcome event, which will take place on Friday, 6 February 2026, at the AW Muller Stadium. The formal programme will begin at 11:00. Attendance will be limited to 5 000 guests, and access on the day will be strictly managed through a compulsory RSVP system and controlled entry at the stadium gates. Intercampus bus services will be provided to transport students from the three campuses to the Auckland Park Bunting Road Campus.