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For many Joburg households, January comes with a familiar knot of anxiety: matric results are out, university offers are rolling in (or not), and the clock is ticking. This year, that pressure is sharper than ever.
The University of Johannesburg reports that it has received a record number of applications for the 2026 academic year, with more than 450,000 applicants submitting nearly 870,000 study choices before the application deadline in October. The numbers tell a familiar story in South Africa’s higher education landscape: demand continues to outstrip available space.
Despite the surge in interest, UJ’s undergraduate first-year intake remains capped at 11,200 students, in line with national enrolment limits. Final offers are currently being processed following the release of matric results, and many strong applicants will inevitably be left without a place, a reality thousands of Joburg families will face.
So why the rush? Johannesburg remains one of the country’s largest hubs for education and opportunities, drawing school leavers, gap-year students and career-switchers alike. UJ’s central role in the city, combined with its academic reputation and career-focused offerings, has made it a first-choice institution for many, even as competition intensifies.
The digital pathway
With traditional campus places falling short, the conversation is shifting towards alternative pathways, and the university has leaned into this. Launched last year, UJ Digital offers more than 80 short online courses, including several free options, alongside 17 fully online qualifications in fields like business, IT, engineering, health and law.
“UJ Digital is a critical pillar of the University’s Strategic Plan 2035, reflecting our commitment to digital innovation, inclusive education and innovation-driven development. It expands access to learning while creating multiple pathways for student success, and positions UJ to lead Africa’s digital knowledge economy,” says Professor Letlhokwa George Mpedi, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of UJ.
The university is also adapting its approach to managing scale. Fully online applications, facial recognition registration and an AI-powered WhatsApp chatbot reflect how student services are being redesigned for a fast-moving, digital-first city.
Last chance for late enquiries
For those who missed the initial application deadline but achieved strong final results, the university’s online late-enquiry system opens on the evening of 13 January. It’s a narrow window, and walk-ins won’t be accommodated.
As competition tightens and access evolves, one thing is clear: in a city built on reinvention, higher education is no longer a single path. It’s becoming more digital, more flexible and more reflective of how Joburgers actually live.
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