University of Johannesburg


Image of University Building
The University of Johannesburg (UJ), one of the largest, multi-campus, residential universities in South Africa, seeks to achieve the highest distinction in scholarship and research.
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Language of Instruction: English
Program Type: Semester or Academic Year
Open to non-KU Students: No
Fulfills KU Core 4.2: No
Fulfills KU Core 5: No

  • Study in English in South Africa's largest city
  • All students live in campus housing with local and international students
  • Ideal for students interested in African studies, political science, economic development, and visual arts

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is a premier city university located in South Africa. It shares the pace and energy of cosmopolitan Johannesburg. Noted for its strength in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, UJ offers a comprehensive menu of programs and is committed to delivering outstanding higher education. The university embraces South Africa's rich histories, cultures, religions, races, genders and social and economic classes and languages. With a focus on identifying research areas, community engagement, and a commitment to internationalization, UJ addresses the challenges of the 21st century by combining the best of university and vocation-oriented education.

South Africa’s most populous city, Johannesburg, Jozi or Jo’burg, is the provincial capital of the Gauteng Province. It is the second largest city on the African continent with three million people calling it home. Johannesburg can be considered the economic and cultural center of the country. Known for its diversity, Johannesburg is a melting pot of cultures from of the African continent and beyond. Johannesburg’s location makes it suitable to enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities including visits to any of the country’s 7 World Heritage Sites: The Cradle of Human Kind, The Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, Robben Island, Ukhahlamba/Drakensberg Park, Mapungubwe, Richtersveld Cultural and Botanical Landscape, and the Cape Floral Kingdom. The city is larger than London, New York and Sydney; and is comparable to the size of Los Angeles.

UJ has many strong areas of academic excellence in all faculties. Most interesting for study abroad students would be Africa Diplomacy and International Relations, Political Studies, Management and Accountancy, Physics, Entrepreneurship Development, Visual Identities in Art and Design, Education Rights and Transformation.

UJ Course Listings

Students are housed in double rooms in an on-campus student residence hall. All the University residences are self-catering and have no attached dining halls. However, every campus has a student center with cafeterias, eating places and take away/fast food outlets.

Orientation

Students will be met at the airport by a student buddy and a University driver. They will then be transported to the accommodation prepared for them and a brief orientation of the facility will be done. The student buddy will also provide directions of how to get to the Division for Internationalisation from the residence. Students will then have a three day orientation program.

Student Activities

UJ has many opportunities for International students to participate in extra-curricular activities as there are more than 100 student clubs and societies. These range from country based societies, religious societies, gaming formations, sports clubs and codes, community service and volunteer organizations. The UJ Choir offers a great opportunity to interact with UJ students, see the country and participate in the campus life. One must go through an audition to participate. UJ International Student Society (UJISS) and Student Buddies bring together international and local students for cultural exchange, social activities, and travel.

Community Engagement (Internships, Service-Learning, Volunteering, etc.)

UJ RAG (Remember and Give) provides a good opportunity for service learning and volunteering in the communities in and around Johannesburg. UJ AIESEC also provides opportunities for short term and long term internships opportunities for all students on campus.

SAGE is dedicated to creating international engagement opportunities that meet the needs of all our students and providing resources to support you through the process of studying abroad. Study abroad is achievable for students of all identities including our BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ students, students with disabilities, and students with religious/non-religious viewpoints. Before selecting a program, consider how your identities may impact your experience abroad in unique ways and talk with your Program Coordinator about any program-specific concerns. Students with documented disabilities should discuss any accommodation needs with their Program Coordinator early in the planning process.

Check our Identity Abroad page and resources listed below for information specific to you and other students who may be on your program.

Contact Kaitlyn Johnson at k.johnson@ku.edu for more information.

Further information on programs can be found on the ISEP Website.