Best Courses at UJ: Top Programs at the University of Johannesburg in 2025
When it comes to choosing the best courses at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) in 2025, students are spoilt for choice at this dynamic South African institution. Renowned for its innovative approach, exceptional employability outcomes, and leadership in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), UJ offers over 200 programs across its eight faculties.
Why UJ Stands Out
UJ, formed in 2005 through a merger, enrolls over 50,000 students across four campuses in Johannesburg, making it one of South Africa’s largest contact universities. It ranks 312 globally (QS World University Rankings 2025) and 1st in Sub-Saharan Africa (THE 2024), with a stellar 98.9/100 employment outcomes score—the highest in SA. Its focus on 4IR, practical training, and inclusivity drives its reputation, serving 10,000+ international students from 50+ countries (UJ Report, 2024).
Criteria for the Best Courses
The “best” courses at UJ are judged by:
- Global Rankings: Subject-specific standings (QS, THE).
- Employability: Graduate employment rates and industry demand.
- Research Impact: Publications and citations (EduRank 2025).
- Admission Competitiveness: APS and acceptance trends.
- Innovation: Alignment with 4IR and societal needs.
Here are UJ’s standout programs for 2025.
1. BEng in Electrical and Electronic Engineering
UJ’s Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment is South Africa’s top-ranked for Engineering & Technology (THE Subject Rankings 2025), and its BEng in Electrical and Electronic Engineering leads the pack. This four-year program blends theory with hands-on labs, focusing on robotics, telecommunications, and renewable energy.
Stats: UJ produced 5,892 Engineering papers with 121,000 citations (EduRank 2025).
Employment: 90% of graduates secure jobs within six months, many at firms like Eskom and Siemens (UJ Careers, 2024).
APS: Minimum 35, with 70%+ in Maths and Physical Science.
Why Best: Contributes to 30% of Gauteng’s engineering workforce (SAICE, 2024), aligning with SA’s energy and tech demands.
2. BCom in Accounting (Chartered Accountancy Stream)
The College of Business and Economics offers this flagship course, preparing students for the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) exams. It’s a three-year degree with a stellar track record in producing CAs.
Stats: UJ ranks 1st in SA for Business & Economics (THE 2025), with 4,218 papers in the field (EduRank).
Employment: 95% pass rate in SAICA’s Initial Test of Competence (ITC), with 85% employed at Big Four firms like Deloitte (UJ, 2024).
APS: Minimum 33, requiring 60%+ in Maths.
Why Best: SA’s shortage of 5,000+ CAs (SAICA, 2024) ensures high demand.
3. BSc in Information Technology (Honors)
UJ’s Academy of Computer Science and Software Engineering delivers this cutting-edge program, fully accredited by the British Computer Society (2024). Spanning four years (including honors), it emphasizes AI, cybersecurity, and software development—key 4IR pillars.
Stats: 3,917 Computer Science papers, 85,000 citations (EduRank 2025).
Employment: 88% job placement within six months, with grads at Google and Microsoft SA (UJ Careers, 2024).
APS: Minimum 30, with 65%+ in Maths.
Why Best: UJ’s Institute for Intelligent Systems drives 4IR innovation, with 1,500+ papers since 2019.
4. Bachelor of Education (BEd) in Senior Phase and FET Teaching
The Faculty of Education shines with this four-year degree, training teachers for Grades 7-12 in subjects like Maths, Science, and Languages. UJ’s focus on pedagogy and practical teaching sets it apart.
Stats: 2,891 Education papers, 65,000 citations (EduRank 2025).
Employment: 90% of grads employed within three months, addressing SA’s 20,000+ teacher shortage (DBE, 2024).
APS: Minimum 27, with 60%+ in English.
Why Best: UJ’s 1st in SA for Education (THE 2025) reflects its impact on national education.
5. BA in Hospitality Management
Offered by the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture, this three-year degree ranks UJ 6th globally for Hospitality & Tourism (ShanghaiRanking 2024). It blends management skills with practical training in SA’s R300 billion tourism sector (Stats SA, 2024).
Stats: 1,200+ grads since 2015, with 80% in hotel or tourism roles (UJ, 2024).
Employment: 87% job placement, with top employers like Marriott and Sun International.
APS: Minimum 27, with 60%+ in English.
Why Best: SA’s tourism boom—10 million visitors in 2024—fuels demand.
Comparative Snapshot: UJ’s Best Courses
| Course | Duration | APS | Employment Rate | Key Ranking | Papers/Citations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BEng Electrical Engineering | 4 years | 35 | 90% | #1 SA (THE 2025) | 5,892 / 121,000 |
| BCom Accounting (CA) | 3 years | 33 | 85% | #1 SA (THE 2025) | 4,218 / 90,000 |
| BSc IT (Honors) | 4 years | 30 | 88% | Top IT accreditation | 3,917 / 85,000 |
| BEd Senior Phase & FET | 4 years | 27 | 90% | #1 SA (THE 2025) | 2,891 / 65,000 |
| BA Hospitality Management | 3 years | 27 | 87% | #6 globally (Shanghai) | N/A / N/A |
Why These Courses Excel
- Industry Alignment: Engineering and IT tap into SA’s R500 billion tech sector (ICASA, 2024); Accounting fills a critical skills gap.
- Research Strength: UJ’s 31,128 total papers and 717,000 citations (EduRank 2025) bolster academic credibility.
- Graduate Success: An overall 85% employment rate within six months (UJ Careers, 2024) reflects practical training.
- 4IR Focus: Courses integrate AI, smart systems, and sustainability, per UJ’s R150 million 4IR investment since 2019.
Admission Insights
- Applications: UJ receives 40,000+ annually, admitting 10,900 (30-35% acceptance, ZA Bursaries, 2024).
- Late Applications: Open January 14-19, 2025, for remaining spots (UJ Portal, 2025).
- Cost: Tuition ranges R45,000-R80,000/year, with 50% of students on NSFAS (DHET, 2025).
UJ vs. Peers
- UCT: Leads globally (171 QS 2025) but has a 10-15% acceptance rate vs. UJ’s broader access.
- Wits: Ranks 267 QS 2025, excelling in Medicine, while UJ dominates Engineering and Education.
- Stellenbosch: 283 QS 2025, strong in Agriculture, but UJ’s 98.9 employability score outshines.
Conclusion: UJ’s Elite Offerings
The best courses at UJ in 2025—BEng Electrical Engineering, BCom Accounting, BSc IT, BEd Teaching, and BA Hospitality Management—combine academic excellence, industry relevance, and stellar job prospects. UJ delivers world-class education rooted in Africa’s future with 50,000+ students, #1 Sub-Saharan status, and a 98.9 employability score. Whether you’re drawn to tech, finance, or social impact, these programs position you at the forefront of 2025’s opportunities.
