Is UJ Number 1 in South Africa?

Is UJ Number 1 in South Africa?

The question “Is the University of Johannesburg (UJ) number 1 in South Africa?” sparks intense debate among students, academics, and employers as of March 28, 2025. With South Africa’s 26 public universities vying for supremacy, UJ has surged in prominence, challenging traditional giants like the University of Cape Town (UCT).

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UJ’s Claim to the Top Spot: The Rankings Rundown

Rankings are a key battleground for university prestige, and UJ has made bold strides. As of 2025, multiple authoritative sources offer conflicting yet compelling insights into whether UJ is South Africa’s best.

Global Rankings

• QS World University Rankings 2025: UJ ranks 312 globally, 4th in South Africa, behind UCT (171), Wits (267), and Stellenbosch (283). It scores 32.5/100 overall, with 98.9/100 in employment outcomes—the highest in SA.
• Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025: UJ sits at 401-500 globally, trailing UCT (155), Wits (301-350), and others. UCT’s 95.7/100 research quality dwarfs UJ’s lower research focus.
• EduRank 2025: UJ is 4th in SA (357th globally), with UCT at 1st (252nd globally), based on 31,128 publications vs. UCT’s 73,567.

Regional and Specialized Rankings

• THE Sub-Saharan Africa University Rankings 2024: UJ claims 1st in Sub-Saharan Africa (announced November 27, 2024), overtaking Wits (3rd) and Pretoria (2nd). It scores 80+/100, the only institution above 80, excelling in teaching, research, and societal impact.
• THE Young University Rankings 2024: UJ ranks 60th globally among universities under 50 years, 1st in SA and Africa, showcasing its rapid rise since its 2005 merger.
• THE Subject Rankings 2025: UJ is 1st in SA for Engineering & Technology, Business & Economics, and Physical Sciences (January 24, 2025), outpacing UCT in these fields.
• THE Impact Rankings 2024: UJ ranks 36th globally, 1st in SA and Africa, with a standout 3rd globally in SDG 1 (No Poverty), per June 12, 2024 data.

Statistical Snapshot

• Publications: UJ’s 31,128 papers lag behind UCT’s 73,567 but surpass many peers (EduRank 2025).
• Citations: UJ’s 717,000 citations vs. UCT’s 1.8 million reflect a research gap.
• Students: UJ’s 50,000+ dwarf UCT’s 29,000+, amplifying its reach (2024 university reports).

Verdict: UJ is number 1 in SA in Sub-Saharan Africa rankings, young university standings, specific subjects, and impact, but trails in global prestige behind UCT.

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Admissions: UJ’s Accessibility Edge

• UJ:
  • APS: 27-40, e.g., 27 for Humanities, 35 for Engineering.
  • Acceptance Rate: 30-35%, admitting 10,900 of ~40,000 applicants annually (ZA Bursaries, 2024).
  • Fee: R0 for South Africans, easing entry.
• UCT:
  • APS: 34-48, with Medicine at 48+.
  • Acceptance Rate: 10-15%, admitting 4,500 of 30,000+ applicants.
  • Fee: R100, a barrier for some.

Verdict: UJ’s higher acceptance rate and free applications make it more accessible than UCT’s elite selectivity.

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Academic Strength: Programs and Research

• UJ:
  • Faculties: 8, offering 200+ programs, excelling in Engineering (#1 SA, THE 2025) and Hospitality (#6 globally, ShanghaiRanking 2024).
  • Research: 31,128 papers, 717,000 citations, strong in applied fields.
• UCT:
  • Faculties: 6, with 300+ programs, leading in Medicine (#89, QS 2024) and Law.
  • Research: 73,567 papers, 1.8 million citations, a global powerhouse.

Verdict: UCT’s research dominance outshines UJ, but UJ’s vocational strengths shine in key sectors.

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Employability: Jobs Tell the Tale

• UJ:
  • QS Employment Outcomes: 98.9/100, SA’s highest (2025).
  • Employment Rate: 85% within 6 months (UJ Careers, 2024).
  • Industry Ties: Johannesburg’s economic hub boosts prospects.
• UCT:
  • QS Employment Outcomes: 95.8/100.
  • Employment Rate: 80% within 6 months (UCT Careers, 2024).
  • Fields: Elite roles in Medicine, Law.

Verdict: UJ’s job-ready focus gives it an employability edge over UCT.

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Cost and Value: Affordability Factor

• UJ:
  • Tuition: R45,000-R80,000/year (e.g., Engineering: R65,000).
  • Living Costs: R8,000/month in Johannesburg.
  • NSFAS: Covers 50% of students.
• UCT:
  • Tuition: R60,000-R100,000/year (e.g., Medicine: R95,000).
  • Living Costs: R10,000/month in Cape Town.
  • NSFAS: Covers 40% of students.

Verdict: UJ offers better value with lower costs and wider aid access.

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Campus Life: Experience and Scale

• UJ:
  • Campuses: 4 (Auckland Park, Soweto, etc.), urban and sprawling.
  • Facilities: 1 million+ library volumes, 50+ labs, 120+ societies.
  • Students: 50,000+, a vibrant, diverse community.
• UCT:
  • Campus: 543 hectares, iconic Table Mountain backdrop.
  • Facilities: 1.3 million library volumes, 40+ research centers, 100+ societies.
  • Students: 29,000+, a tighter-knit elite.

Verdict: UCT’s scenic prestige contrasts with UJ’s urban scale and inclusivity.

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Head-to-Head: UJ vs. UCT in Numbers

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Is UJ Number 1? The Verdict

Yes, in Some Metrics: UJ is #1 in South Africa for Sub-Saharan Africa rankings (THE 2024), young universities (THE 2024), Engineering & Technology (THE 2025), and employability (QS 2025). Its 50,000+ students, 30-35% acceptance, and R0 application fee make it a powerhouse of access and impact.

No, in Global Prestige: UCT retains the #1 spot in QS 2025 (171), THE 2025 (155), and research output (73,567 papers), bolstered by its 10-15% acceptance rate and global recognition.

Final Answer: UJ is number 1 in South Africa for specific regional, subject, and practical measures, but UCT holds the overall top rank in global academic prestige. Your choice depends on priorities—prestige (UCT) or accessibility and jobs (UJ).

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Conclusion: UJ’s Rise vs. UCT’s Reign

As of 2025, UJ is a titan in Sub-Saharan rankings (1st), employability (98.9/100), and accessibility (50,000+ students), but UCT remains South Africa’s global leader (171 QS, 155 THE). Is UJ number 1? Yes, in key areas—but not universally. Pick based on your goals: UCT for prestige, UJ for opportunity.