Whether you’re a high school learner, a parent supporting your child’s dreams, or a working professional seeking a career change, choosing the right path in health sciences can feel overwhelming. In South Africa—where public health challenges are both complex and urgent—qualified professionals are always in demand. The University of Johannesburg’s (UJ) Faculty of Health Sciences offers world-class training grounded in the needs of South African communities.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about UJ’s Faculty of Health Sciences: from available qualifications and admission requirements to real-life career paths and application tips.
What Makes the UJ Faculty of Health Sciences Unique?
The Faculty of Health Sciences at UJ is known for blending theory with practice. Students are equipped with academic knowledge and hands-on skills to work in real-world settings, including clinics, hospitals, schools, and NGOs.
Key strengths of UJ Health Sciences include:
- A strong focus on community health
- Research-driven and socially responsive teaching
- Practical training in urban and rural areas
- A wide variety of accredited undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications
UJ’s emphasis on local impact means graduates are job-ready and can immediately contribute to the South African healthcare sector.
Undergraduate Programmes Offered at UJ Health Sciences
Whether you’re interested in direct patient care, public health, or behind-the-scenes health technology, UJ offers a wide selection of programmes tailored to real needs in South Africa.
Key Undergraduate Courses
1. Bachelor of Nursing (BNurs)
Qualifies you to become a professional nurse registered with the South African Nursing Council (SANC).
2. Bachelor of Environmental Health
Focuses on health inspections, food safety, and environmental regulations.
3. Bachelor of Complementary Medicine (Phytotherapy or Homeopathy)
UJ is the only university in South Africa to offer this qualification at a degree level.
4. Bachelor of Health Sciences in Medical Laboratory Sciences
Trains lab technologists who play a vital role in diagnostics.
5. Bachelor of Radiography in Diagnostic or Radiation Therapy
Prepares students to use imaging and radiation treatment in clinical settings.
Postgraduate Opportunities for Career Advancement
UJ supports continued learning with several postgraduate qualifications, including:
- Honours, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees in Nursing, Complementary Medicine, Environmental Health, and Radiography.
- Research-focused programmes aligned with national healthcare priorities.
Pro Tip: UJ’s postgraduate qualifications are designed to grow leadership and specialist skills for roles in academia, policy, and advanced clinical practice.
Admission Requirements and Application Tips
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor’s programmes usually require a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with admission to a bachelor’s degree.
- Core subjects such as Mathematics, Life Sciences, and Physical Sciences are crucial for most health science programmes.
- Each programme has specific APS (Admission Point Score) requirements, typically ranging between 28 and 36 points.
Tip: Always check the official UJ website or prospectus for updated APS scores and subject requirements: www.uj.ac.za
How to Apply to UJ Faculty of Health Sciences
Step-by-Step Guide
- Apply online via the UJ Online Application Portal
- Upload certified copies of your ID and results.
- Track your application status via the UJ portal.
- If applying for financial aid, complete your NSFAS application at www.nsfas.org.za
Important: Application deadlines vary, but typically close around September. Late applications are not accepted.
Financial Aid and Bursary Options
Many UJ Health Sciences students rely on NSFAS, government bursaries, or sector-specific funding (like Department of Health bursaries) to fund their studies.
Financial Support Options:
- NSFAS (for students from households earning under R350,000/year)
- UJ Merit Bursaries based on academic performance
- Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme (limited to teaching-related health subjects)
- Private healthcare bursaries (e.g., Netcare, Mediclinic, or NHLS)
Also check: SANParks Bursary 2026
Campus Facilities and Clinical Training
UJ students benefit from:
- Well-equipped simulation labs
- On-site clinics for hands-on training
- Access to clinical placements in both public and private health institutions
- Collaborative projects with NGOs, Gauteng Department of Health, and international institutions
Example: A 3rd-year nursing student at UJ might spend a semester rotating between a Johannesburg hospital and a rural clinic in Mpumalanga.
Career Paths After Graduation
Graduates from the UJ Faculty of Health Sciences are highly employable and often serve in vital healthcare roles across South Africa.
Potential Career Options:
- Professional Nurse
- Environmental Health Practitioner
- Diagnostic Radiographer
- Medical Laboratory Scientist
- Public Health Officer
- Homeopathic or Phytotherapy Practitioner
Some go on to further specialise or even run private practices.
FAQs: What South Africans Ask About UJ Health Sciences
Q: Does UJ accept Higher Certificate graduates into Health Sciences?
A: Entry into degree programmes is competitive. Bridging programmes or enrolling in a science-related Higher Certificate at a TVET college may help.
Q: Can I study part-time or online?
A: Most health sciences programmes are full-time and require practical clinical hours.
Q: Is UJ Health Sciences accredited?
A: Yes. All programmes are accredited by DHET, CHE, and relevant professional councils like SANC and HPCSA.
Read more: Can You Change Courses Mid-Year? What You Need to Know
Health science careers are not only rewarding but deeply needed in South Africa. Whether you dream of working in public hospitals, rural communities, or running your own practice, the UJ Faculty of Health Sciences offers the training, tools, and support to get you there.
Take the next step:
Visit the official UJ Faculty of Health Sciences page to explore programmes, download the latest prospectus, or apply online.
