University of Johannesburg

On 1 January 2005, UJ was established through the merger of Rand Afrikaans University (RAU), Technikon Witwatersrand (TWR), and the Soweto and East Rand campuses of Vista University. This historic merger brought together diverse educational institutions, creating a unique and inclusive university that serves a broad demographic, fostering unity and academic excellence.

In 2006, UJ held its first graduation ceremony, marking the beginning of our legacy in producing skilled graduates ready to contribute to the workforce. This milestone symbolised the success of the merger and the promising future of the newly formed institution.

The Centre was created to tackle pressing social issues facing South Africa and the broader African continent, focusing on research, capacity building, and policy advocacy. Since its inception, the CSDA has been committed to advancing social justice, reducing inequality, and improving the quality of life for vulnerable and marginalised communities.

Between 2007 and 2010, UJ launched several research centres, including the South African Institute for Advanced Constitutional, Public, Human Rights, and International Law (SAIFAC) and the Centre for Banking Law. These centres positioned UJ as a leader in research, contributing significantly to academic excellence in key areas of law and public policy.

UJ launched the Global Excellence and Stature (GES) strategy, aiming to position the institution as a globally recognised leader in education and research. This bold step underscored UJ’s dedication to making a meaningful impact on society.

In 2010, UJ was officially recognised as a comprehensive university, offering a wide range of academic programmes from diplomas to doctoral degrees. This status solidified UJ's role as a versatile institution catering to diverse educational needs.

In 2010, UJ, in partnership with the Gauteng Department of Education, established Funda UJabule in Soweto as the only university-affiliated teaching school in South Africa. It started with two Grade R classes, two teachers, and an acting principal. In 2023, a former learner, Ofentse Ntsoseng, enrolled as a BEd student at UJ. In 2024, UNESCO’s Director-General, Ms Audrey Azoulay, announced the school's inclusion in its network of associated schools.

UJ undertook a significant redevelopment of the Soweto Campus, transforming it into a modern, state-of-the-art educational facility. This redevelopment was a key step in UJ's commitment to providing high-quality education and improving access to tertiary education in historically underserved areas.

UJ entered international university rankings for the first time, including the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings and QS World University Rankings. This achievement marked UJ's growing reputation and recognition on the global stage.

Originally Metropolitan Raucall, the school became UJ Metropolitan Academy (UJMA) in 2012 and was launched as a School of Specialisation in STEM and Innovation in 2019. In 2024, it was rebranded as UJ Academy, strengthening its role in preparing students for careers in technology and innovation.

On June 29, 2013, U.S. President Barack Obama visited UJ's Soweto Campus, addressing young African leaders and engaging in discussions on the economy, trade in Africa, and U.S. foreign policy. During his visit, he received an honorary doctorate from the university

In partnership with Nanyang Technological University (NTU), UJ established the Johannesburg Institute for Advanced Study (JIAS) in 2015, focusing on interdisciplinary research and global academic collaboration. JIAS reflects UJ's commitment to fostering intellectual inquiry and global research partnerships.

In a groundbreaking move, UJ became the first university in Africa to introduce a course on Artificial Intelligence (AI), aligning with its broader focus on the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). This initiative underscored the institution's resolve to equip students with skills to drive innovation and address societal challenges.

UJ established the College of Business and Economics by merging the Faculty of Management and the Faculty of Economic and Financial Sciences, creating a comprehensive entity to enhance business and economics education.

UJ established the Johannesburg Business School (JBS) as part of its commitment to providing innovative business education tailored to the African context. JBS focuses on developing leaders adept in digital transformation and entrepreneurship.

UJ topped the global Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, taking the prestigious first spot for Sustainable Development Goal 1: No Poverty. This accolade highlights UJ’s unwavering focus on creating solutions that promote social equity and uplift communities.