The University of Johannesburg (UJ) offers honours degrees, postgraduate diplomas, master's degrees by coursework or dissertation, and doctoral degrees. Its Postgraduate School supports students and manages postgraduate funding. Here is how postgraduate study at UJ works, based on UJ's official pages.
Closing dates for 2027
UJ's postgraduate page says that all programmes not listed in its table of earlier dates close on 31 October. Applications open on 1 April of the year before you start. Some programmes close earlier. For example, several PhDs in the College of Business and Economics, including Auditing, Finance, Industrial Psychology, Taxation and Accounting, closed at 12:00 on 30 September 2026. The Faculty of Law's LLM and LLD applications for 2027 closed on 31 October 2026.
How to apply
- Check your programme's closing date and requirements on UJ's website.
- For a dissertation-based master's or a doctorate, prepare a research proposal and find a supervisor.
- Apply online through UJ's application system.
- Upload your ID, academic records and any departmental documents.
- Track your application and respond to any requests from your faculty.
Fees in 2026
- Honours degrees and postgraduate diplomas: R37,980 to R86,170 for the complete programme
- Coursework master's degrees: on average R47,370 to R298,500 for the complete programme
- Dissertation-based master's degrees: an average of R23,700 to R37,160 a year
- Doctoral degrees: an average of R23,620 to R48,770 a year
Fees depend on the composition of each qualification, and the normal annual increase applies in later years. International postgraduate students pay 40% of the full annual cost upfront.
Funding
UJ's Fund Bursaries Hub lists an internal master's and doctoral merit bursary for students who achieved more than 70% in their previous qualification. The 2026 round closed on 15 August 2026. Honours merit bursaries are not automatic, and faculties nominate students using their own criteria. UJ also lists external funding, such as NRF scholarships for honours, master's and doctoral students whose research component is at least 50%.
Other opportunities on UJ's lists include the Rothschild and Co (South Africa) Foundation Scholarship, the CSIR bursary programmes for 2027, and the Feenix FirstRand Empowerment Foundation Postgraduate Bursary for 2027.
Accommodation
UJ has postgraduate residences, such as Faranani, which cost R56,940 for 2026, and the Goudstad Flats for postgraduate students.
Programmes with separate information
UJ's fee booklet excludes some programmes from its general figures, including the MCom in Business Management and Strategic Management and the LLM. For these, the relevant departments supply the curricula and fees, so contact the department directly.
Related pages
See UJ fees, UJ bursaries and how to apply to UJ.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do UJ postgraduate applications close?
On 31 October for most programmes, with some closing earlier.
How much does a UJ doctorate cost?
On average R23,620 to R48,770 a year in 2026.
Does UJ offer postgraduate merit bursaries?
Yes, for master's and doctoral students with more than 70% in their previous qualification.