The University of Johannesburg, colloquially known as UJ, is a public university located in Johannesburg, South Africa. The University of Johannesburg was established on 1 January 2005 as the result of a merger between the Rand Afrikaans University (RAU), the Technikon Witwatersrand (TWR) and the Soweto and East Rand campuses of Vista University. Prior to the merger, the Daveyton and Soweto campuses of former Vista University had been incorporated into RAU. As a result of the merger of Rand Afrikaans University (RAU), it is common for alumni to refer to the university as RAU.
The institution is one of the largest comprehensive contact universities in South Africa from the 26 public universities that make up the higher education system. In 2024, UJ had a student population of more than 54,000, of whom 4,251 were international students.
History
Early developments
British colonialism, 1900s During the Johannesburg gold rush, several training institutions were established to meet the skilled labour needs of the gold mines. One such institution was the Witwatersrand Technical Institute, founded in 1903, with origins tracing back to the Kimberly School of Mines. It later evolved into Technikon Witwatersrand in 1979, following the British educational model with English as the medium of instruction. Admission policies were initially restricted to white students proficient in English. In 2006, the University of Johannesburg, which had already absorbed the operations of Technikon Witwatersrand, sold the institute's property.
Independence, 1960sIt would take more than thirty years before complete independence of South Africa from Britain was achieved. Following its election in 1948 the National Party sought to provide education in the Afrikaans language, the third most spoken mother-tongue language in South Africa. This led to the foundation of Rand Afrikaans University (RAU) in 1966. At the time of its founding, RAU was the second university to be established in Johannesburg and it was established through an act of parliament as the academic hub for Afrikaners. After the fall of Apartheid in 1994, African students started to become more involved in previously white institutions of higher education. RAU was no exception as for the first time in 1995, it had the largest number of African students in its ranks, followed by the University of the Witwatersrand, Rhodes University and the University of Cape Town.
In 1982, Vista University admitted the first black students in designated urban black settlements across South Africa. It was established in Port Elizabeth. It had seven satellite campuses throughout South African townships, making tertiary education accessible to most African people, and it had its first academic year in 1983.
Recent history It was envisioned that a modern university would spring from unification, and not separation, as it was enforced in the past. The University of Johannesburg, established on 1 January 2005, is the result of the incorporation of the East Rand and Soweto campuses of Vista University into the Rand Afrikaans University (RAU). The merger of the modified RAU and the Technikon Witwatersrand took place on 1 January 2005 thus creating the University of Johannesburg.
The integration of these institutions – with seemingly more differences than similarities, offers a unique identity and character to the University of Johannesburg, which serves to bridge the chasms that previously divided South Africa. It is most likely to be believed that, no other university in South Africa truly represents the rainbow nation like the University of Johannesburg.
The incorporation and merger was part of a series of major programmes that restructured higher education in South Africa; a result of the National Plan for Higher Education (2001). Consequently, this meant there was a reduction from 36 universities and technikons to 22 higher education institutions. South Africa now has 11 traditional universities, five universities of technology and six comprehensive institutions.
Logo and brand identityThe University of Johannesburg distinguishes itself from its previous institutions as a new, adaptable and progressive institution. Early on, it was decided that UJ did not want a coat of arms and motto, as is customary with other tertiary educational institutions in South Africa. The administration decided rather to opt for a logo and brand identity. An internal competition was held where current students could put forward their proposals. In the interim, the previous motto of the Rand Afrikaans University "Diens Deur Kennis" (Afrikaans for Service Through Knowledge) was retained.
Key elements of the logo include:
Two Birds: Facing each other, these birds symbolize the union of two respected institutions, forming a new, influential entity. They represent freedom—the freedom to achieve potential, explore academic, personal, and social possibilities, and aspire to greater heights. Open Book: The space between the birds forms the image of an open book, representing a blank slate for students and staff to write their futures. It also symbolises the Book of Knowledge, highlighting the continuous development and renewal of knowledge and the endless nature of learning. Torch of Learning: An abstract element between the birds' heads, symbolising diversity and the wide range of qualifications offered by the university.
The official logo, designed by Joey Hifi, features two African hoopoes (Upupa africana), which is also the official mascot of the UJ Sports Bureau.
Campuses UJ has four campuses: the Auckland Park Kingsway, Auckland Park Bunting Road, Doornfontein and Soweto campuses – all located in the metropolitan area of the City of Johannesburg.
The university comprises a built-up area over 45,000m2 and the facilities available at the respective campuses include: Lecture rooms and micro-laboratories Libraries Sports facilities Auditoriums, halls, galleries and conference venues Student shopping centres, restaurants and cafeterias Campus and health clinics. A villa for postgraduate students Court rooms
UJ owns an island in the Vaal River, formerly known as RAU Island.
Auckland Park, Kingsway Auckland Park (APK), or the Kingsway Campus Auckland Park (former RAU campus) APK, is the largest and most populated campus of the University of Johannesburg. It is also the seat of the administration and governance body of the university. The campus was formerly the only educational campus of the Rand Afrikaans University. The campus gets its name from a major Johannesburg road, Kingsway Avenue, that runs along the north-east side of the campus. The roads that form the boundary of the campus are (clock-wise) University Road, Ditton Avenue, Ripley Road, Hampton Avenue, Studente Avenue, Akademie Road and Perth Road. Although the official name of the campus implies that it is in Auckland Park, it actually falls just out of that suburb by one street. It is technically in the suburb of Rossmore with the first-year parking lot bordering the suburb of Melville, Gauteng.
Auckland Park, Bunting Road Auckland Park, Bunting Road (APB), or the Bunting Road Campus Auckland Park (former TWR campus) The ABP was originally a campus of the Technikon Witwatersrand. Uniquely, the campus is an enclosed section of a suburb. The main thoroughfare of the suburb is Bunting Road. The name Bunting Road, according to the City of Johannesburg archives is derived from a subspecies of bird and not the decorative banner it is currently associated with. It houses the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture.
Doornfontein Doornfontein (DFC), or the Doornfontein Campus (former TWR campus). It houses the administrative offices of the Faculty of Health Sciences, as well sub faculties of Engineering and Built Environment as well as Science. The campus offers several health services to the public via its private, yet affordable clinics. These clinics are most served by students obtaining clinic hours required prior to that of the completion of qualification. The faculty has several practical and academic workspaces available for students including a large practical workshop for the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment; Rescue Simulation Center; Laser Research Facilities and Anatomical Dissection Hall for the Faculty of Health Sciences; and several laboratories serving for faculties of Health Science, Engineering and Built Environment, and Science.
Soweto Soweto (SWC), or the Soweto Campus (former RAU campus, previously former Vista University Soweto campus)
The East Rand Campus (ERC) was temporarily closed halfway through 2007 pending proposed redevelopment of the campus, provisionally planned for reopening in 2009.
Organisation and administration The university's administration is structured into various departments and units, each with specific roles and responsibilities.
The Academic Administration Staff is a key part of the university's organisation. This team includes the Head of Faculty Administration, Senior Faculty Officers, Faculty Officers, Administrative Assistants, and Departmental Secretaries. They manage and facilitate academic matters, including undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
In addition to academic administration, UJ has an Operations Structure that includes Protection Services, Occupational Safety, and Central Technical Services.
The Strategic Initiatives and Administration unit at UJ plays a key role in shaping the university's research and innovation direction. This unit is responsible for reviewing and revising policies, drafting proposals and statutory reports for the Research & Innovation Division, and managing and facilitating opportunities on strategic research projects and partnerships with external institutions.
Executive Management Committee
The University of Johannesburg has the following executive management structure:
Vice-Chancellor and Principal: The Vice-Chancellor and Principal is the executive head of the university. All the offices listed below are subordinate to the Vice-Chancellor and Principal.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic: Whose executive duties involve overseeing academic development and support, the dean of each faculty and effectively head of each school is subordinate to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic.
Chief Financial Officer (CFO): Is the officer responsible for financial governance and revenue as well as expenditure and also effectively oversees the UJ pension fund.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Internationalization: Responsible for Internationalization, and overseeing Research and Innovation as well as the Library and Information Center.
Registrar: Responsible for central Academic administration (including alumni), corporate governance as well as student health and wellness.
General Counsel:
General legal affairs pertaining the university, disputes and litigation as well as contracts.
Chief Operating Officer (COO): Responsible for the management of university facilities, safety and security as well as human capital management.
Senior Executive Director: University relations, sports, and general student affairs.
The University calls this the Executive Leadership Group (ELG).
Academic profile The university is home to nine faculties.
Admission and registration As it is a common practice with all South African universities, South African applicants to the University of Johannesburg are required to apply in advance for admission into their preferred course by no later than the end of September. Therefore, prospective South African matriculants must apply for their preferred course of study before the completion of their matric year. As of 2013, the University of Johannesburg has adopted a "no walk-in" policy and therefore, prospective and current students are required to apply for admission and complete their registration online.