Best Engineering University in South Africa: University of Johannesburg (UJ)
When searching for the best engineering university in South Africa in 2025, the University of Johannesburg (UJ) emerges as the unrivaled leader. Renowned for its cutting-edge programs, exceptional research output, and top-tier rankings, UJ stands at the forefront of engineering education in the nation. UJ’s dominance in Engineering and Technology, coupled with its innovative focus on the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), sets it apart from competitors like the University of Cape Town (UCT) and the University of Pretoria (UP).
Why UJ is South Africa’s Top Engineering University
South Africa’s 26 public universities collectively enroll over 1.2 million students (DHET, 2025), with engineering programs playing a pivotal role in addressing the nation’s R500 billion tech sector (ICASA, 2024) and infrastructure demands. UJ, established in 2005 through a merger, has rapidly ascended to prominence, enrolling 50,000+ students across four campuses in Johannesburg. Its Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (FEBE) is a powerhouse, recognized as South Africa’s best in Engineering & Technology by the Times Higher Education (THE) Subject Rankings 2025.
Quick Stats
- Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng
- Students: 50,000+ (2024 UJ Report)
- Engineering Students: 8,000+ (FEBE, 2024)
- THE Subject Rank 2025: #1 in SA for Engineering & Technology
- QS World Ranking 2025: 312 globally, 4th in SA
- Research Output: 5,892 Engineering papers, 121,000 citations (EduRank 2025)
Rankings: UJ’s Engineering Dominance
UJ’s engineering programs shine in both national and international rankings:
- THE Subject Rankings 2025: UJ ranks 1st in South Africa for Engineering & Technology, outpacing UCT and UP. Globally, it sits among the top 1,488 institutions assessed across five disciplines: General, Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, and Chemical Engineering.
- QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024: UJ’s Engineering & Technology programs rank in the 401-450 bracket globally, improving from 451-500 in 2023, reflecting a notable climb.
- EduRank 2025: UJ is 2nd in SA for Engineering (515th globally), behind UCT (457th), with 5,892 papers and 121,000 citations, showcasing robust research impact.
- Sub-Saharan Africa: UJ holds the #1 spot (THE 2024), emphasizing its regional leadership.
These rankings, based on 18 performance indicators including teaching quality, research environment, and industry collaboration, affirm UJ’s engineering supremacy in 2025.
Engineering Programs: Breadth and Excellence
UJ’s FEBE offers 15+ undergraduate and 10+ postgraduate engineering programs, accredited by the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) under the Washington Accord, ensuring global recognition. Standout courses include:
BEng in Electrical and Electronic Engineering: Focuses on robotics, telecommunications, and renewable energy. 90% of graduates secure jobs within six months (UJ Careers, 2024).
BEng in Mechanical Engineering: Emphasizes advanced manufacturing and aerospace, with 30+ industry partnerships like Denel Aviation.
BEng in Civil Engineering: Tackles infrastructure challenges, contributing to 20% of Gauteng’s civil projects (SAICE, 2024).
BEngTech Programs: Three-year degrees in fields like Chemical Engineering, offering faster entry into the workforce.
Enrollment: Over 8,000 students in FEBE (2024).
Facilities: 50+ advanced labs, including the Engineering 4.0 Lab, launched in 2023 with SANRAL, focusing on smart cities and transportation.
Employability: Engineering a Career
UJ’s engineering graduates are among South Africa’s most employable, bolstered by its location in Johannesburg—home to 60% of SA’s GDP (R5.2 trillion, Stats SA, 2024). The university’s 98.9/100 QS employment outcomes score (2025) is the highest in SA.
Employment Rate: 90% of engineering grads find jobs within six months, with top employers including Eskom, Sasol, and Siemens (UJ Careers, 2024).
Industry Impact: UJ engineers constitute 30% of Gauteng’s engineering workforce (SAICE, 2024).
Internships: Over 1,500 students annually participate in work-integrated learning, per FEBE’s 2024 report.
Research and Innovation: 4IR Leadership
UJ’s engineering faculty aligns with the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), integrating AI, IoT, and smart systems into its curriculum and research. The university has invested R150 million since 2019 in 4IR initiatives, including the Institute for Intelligent Systems.
Publications: 5,892 Engineering papers, with 1,500+ 4IR-related since 2019 (EduRank 2025).
Citations: 121,000 total, averaging 20 per paper, a strong metric among SA peers.
Projects: The SPOT AI robot dog, acquired in 2024, aids automation research—a first in SA (UJ News).
Admissions: Competitive Yet Accessible
APS: 35 for BEng programs (e.g., Electrical), requiring 70%+ in Maths and Physical Science.
Acceptance Rate: 30-35%, admitting 10,900 of 40,000+ applicants annually (ZA Bursaries, 2024).
Applications: Open April-October 2025, with late rounds January 14-19, 2026 (UJ Portal).
Tuition: R65,000-R80,000/year, with 50% of students on NSFAS (DHET, 2025).
Compared to UCT’s 10-15% acceptance and 48+ APS for engineering, UJ offers broader access without compromising quality.
UJ vs. Other Top Engineering Universities
| University | THE Eng. Rank 2025 (SA) | QS Eng. Rank 2024 | Papers/Citations | Employment Rate | APS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UJ | 1st | 401-450 | 5,892 / 121,000 | 90% | 35 |
| UCT | 2nd | 290 | 8,912 / 180,000 | 85% | 42-48 |
| UP | 3rd | 451-500 | 6,214 / 135,000 | 87% | 38-42 |
| Wits | 4th | 401-450 | 7,105 / 150,000 | 88% | 40-45 |
| Stellenbosch | 5th | 451-500 | 5,673 / 110,000 | 86% | 40-45 |
- UCT: Leads globally (290 QS 2024) with higher research output, but UJ’s #1 THE rank and employability edge out.
- UP: Strong in Civil Engineering, yet UJ’s broader 4IR focus excels.
- Wits: Tops Mining Engineering (#16 QS 2024), but UJ’s overall engineering rank surpasses.
Campus and Resources: Engineering Excellence
UJ’s Doornfontein Campus is a tech hub, featuring:
- Labs: 50+, including robotics and materials testing facilities.
- Library: 1 million+ volumes, with 200,000+ engineering resources.
- Collaborations: Partnerships with 150+ global institutions, enhancing student exchanges (e.g., MIT).
A 2024 student survey rated facilities at 90% satisfactory, reflecting robust support for engineering studies.
Why UJ is the Best
Top Ranking: #1 in SA for Engineering & Technology (THE 2025).
Employability: 90% job placement, fueled by Johannesburg’s industry hub.
4IR Innovation: R150 million invested, producing 1,500+ papers.
Accessibility: 30-35% acceptance, balancing quality and reach.
Conclusion: UJ’s Engineering Crown
The University of Johannesburg is South Africa’s best engineering university in 2025, with its #1 THE ranking, 8,000+ engineering students, and 90% employment rate. From Electrical Engineering to Civil Innovation, UJ blends academic excellence with practical impact, shaping engineers for SA’s future. Whether you’re drawn to 4IR breakthroughs or industry-ready skills, UJ is the ultimate choice.
