UJ Fees

The cost of studying at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) depends on your faculty, your programme and the modules you take each year. The figures below come from UJ's 2026 student fee booklet. UJ says that fees usually rise by 5% to 10% a year, so expect the 2027 amounts to be somewhat higher.

Fees you pay before you start

• Application fee: none
• Registration fee: R650, non-refundable, paid every year
• ICT levy: R500, non-refundable, paid every year
• Residence deposit: R1,220

Before you can register, you must also make a minimum upfront payment. In 2026, this was R5,950 for day students and R9,850 for residence students. Some programmes cost the full amount upfront, including non-subsidised programmes and UJ Digital.

Average tuition by faculty

The 2026 booklet gives these yearly ranges for undergraduate programmes, if you follow the prescribed curriculum:

• Art, Design and Architecture: R53,000 to R75,540
• Business and Economics degrees: R53,730 to R81,550
• Business and Economics diplomas: R38,370 to R78,570
• Education: R50,370 to R67,240
• Engineering and the Built Environment: R58,870 to R72,780
• Health Sciences degrees: R44,100 to R60,960
• Humanities: R49,800 to R61,520
• Law: R50,370 to R57,850
• Science (non-laboratory modules): R52,140 to R61,940

First-time students in some programmes also need start-up equipment, which costs between R6,520 and R10,450. Some programmes charge extra levies for practical subjects.

Residence fees

Living in a UJ residence adds a large amount to your yearly cost. On the Auckland Park Kingsway campus, 2026 residence fees ranged from about R42,710 for a double room to more than R50,000 for a single or senior room. Prices differ between residences and campuses.

Discounts for paying early

UJ gives a discount on tuition and residence fees if you pay your account in full early in the year. In 2026, the discount was 5% for payment on or before 28 February, 3% by 31 March and 2% by 30 April. You must apply for the discount with proof of payment and an account statement. However, it does not apply when a sponsor or employer pays your fees.

Registering late or cancelling

If you register after the dates in the university calendar, you pay a late registration fee on top of the normal one. If you cancel your studies completely, you lose the registration fee and the ICT levy, and UJ charges residence fees according to the days you actually stayed.

International students

International students pay an extra levy. In 2026, this was R2,090 for students from SADC and other African countries, and R17,780 for students from other countries. Privately funded international students also pay 40% of their fees at registration.

Paying for your studies

Qualifying students can apply for NSFAS, which funds students at all 26 public universities. UJ also offers merit awards and financial aid, and many companies fund UJ students. Browse our bursaries to find funding for your programme. You can also read the UJ overview for more about the university.