The University of Johannesburg (UJ) helps students pay for their studies through merit bursaries, the Orange Carpet programme, leadership, culture and sports bursaries, the SRC Trust Fund and NSFAS. The details below come from UJ's 2027 undergraduate prospectus and its frequently asked questions.
Merit bursaries
UJ awards academic merit bursaries every year for exceptional results. For your first year, UJ looks at the marks in your six best subjects on your final senior certificate, excluding Life Orientation. In your second and third years, the bursary depends on the average of your June and December university exams. UJ allocates merit bursaries automatically under its merit bursary rules, so you do not apply separately.
The Orange Carpet programme
Orange Carpet rewards top-performing learners with early conditional admission and a bursary towards tuition. Your tier depends on the APS of your six best final Grade 11 or Grade 12 subjects, excluding Life Orientation:
- APS 37 to 39: 50% of tuition fees
- APS 40 to 41: 75% of tuition fees
- APS 42: 100% of tuition fees
- Higher than 42: 100% of tuition fees plus R5,485, if you have at least 80% in your six best subjects and 90% in one of them
Only first-time undergraduates who have never studied at another tertiary institution qualify, and only South African and SADC citizens. You must also meet the subject requirements of your programme. Orange Carpet opens in February and closes with undergraduate applications on 31 October. Student Finance allocates the bursaries between April and August of your first year.
The UJenius Club
After first-year registration, Orange Carpet members become UJenius Club members. To keep your membership in later years, you need a year average of 75% on a full course load, with no module below 70%. Members receive a UJenius merit bursary and postgraduate-level library privileges.
Leadership, culture and sports bursaries
- Leadership bursary: R1,650 for the President, Vice-President, Secretary or Treasurer of a secondary school body who enrols at UJ
- Sports bursaries: for achievement at provincial level or higher, on a form from the Sports Bureau, closing on 30 September
- Cultural bursaries: for members of the UJ Arts and Culture groups
NSFAS and loans
NSFAS study grants depend on family income and cover the actual cost of study for accepted undergraduates. UJ's prospectus gives 28 November 2026 as the NSFAS closing date for 2027 registration. Fundi also offers study loans to registered students.
External bursaries
Many companies, SETAs and government departments also fund UJ students. Browse our bursaries, or read about UJ fees to see what your funding needs to cover.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I qualify for an Orange Carpet bursary at UJ?
You need an APS of at least 37 in your six best subjects, excluding Life Orientation, as a first-time South African or SADC student.
Do I apply for a UJ merit bursary?
No. UJ allocates merit bursaries automatically under its merit bursary rules.
When does NSFAS close for UJ students?
UJ's prospectus gives 28 November 2026 as the NSFAS closing date for 2027 registration.