UJ runs eight faculties across four Johannesburg campuses, each setting its own APS floor and subject rules. This guide maps out where each faculty typically sits on the APS scale, and what its flagship programmes actually require.
These bands reflect the typical spread from a faculty's most accessible programme to its most competitive. Individual courses within a faculty can sit anywhere along that range.
*Several FADA programmes, including Architecture, select on portfolio and interview rather than APS alone.
A representative selection, not the full catalogue — UJ's official prospectus lists several hundred qualifications. Use this as a starting map, then confirm exact codes and subject rules on the UJ prospectus before applying.
Mathematics and Physical Sciences at Level 5–6 are compulsory. One of UJ's most competitive engineering streams.
Feeds into professional quantity surveying and construction management careers, with strong Maths and Physical Science weighting.
Requires Mathematics only — Mathematical Literacy is not accepted. English Level 5 and an Additional Language at Level 4 are also required.
Mathematics Level 4 required. A popular route into data-adjacent commerce careers.
The most accessible entry point into UJ's commerce faculty, with flexibility to specialise from second year.
English (Home or First Additional Language) at Level 4 and Life Sciences at Level 4. Integrates clinical placements across Johannesburg healthcare settings.
Requires Physical Sciences and Mathematics at Level 4. Trains students to assess and control environmental health risks.
English Level 4 plus either Life Sciences or Physical Sciences at Level 4. A route into rehabilitation and exercise physiology careers.
Competitive selection typically runs well above the stated floor, often to 44+. English proficiency is weighted heavily.
Lower-APS entry points into a legal career via the Faculty of Humanities or CBE, before progressing into the LLB.
APS 24 with English Level 4 (50%+), or APS 27 with English Level 5 (60%+). Some strategic communication streams add an interview.
Covers Foundation, Intermediate and Senior/FET phase specialisations, each with subject-specific requirements tied to teaching majors.
Mathematics and Physical Sciences at Level 4–5 required for most majors; Technical Mathematics is not accepted.
APS 25 with Mathematics/Technical Maths, or 26 with Mathematical Literacy. Leads into galleries, arts management and design careers.
Selection weighs a portfolio and interview alongside academic results rather than APS alone — check the current FADA selection criteria closely.
A few UJ-specific rules trip up applicants who assume it works the same as other universities.
Applicants may select up to two programmes per academic year, and these choices generally cannot be changed once submitted — choose deliberately.
UJ selects based on space availability and academic merit within that. A strong APS above the stated minimum improves your real odds considerably.
Standard undergraduate and postgraduate closing date is 31 October at noon, though high-demand faculties like Health Sciences often close earlier.
Current Grade 12 applicants can apply using final Grade 11 results; provisional offers are confirmed or withdrawn once final matric results are released.
Calculate your APS excluding Life Orientation, confirm the exact subject minimums for your chosen programme on the UJ prospectus, and have your certified ID, Grade 11/12 results, and proof of address ready to upload.