UJ Graduate School of Architecture
Architecting Africa's Future.
📍 Johannesburg, South Africa 🇿🇦
🏆 #1 in South Africa · QS World #312 · THE World #23 · ARWU #501
Quick Facts about UJ Graduate School of Architecture
- Type: Public
- Students: 50,000
- International: 6%
- Campus: Multiple Campuses
- Tuition: $7,000 – $14,000/year
- Language: English
- Intakes: Fall, Spring
About UJ Graduate School of Architecture
Academics
The GSA offers professional programs including the Bachelor of Architecture Honours (BArch Hons) and the Master of Architecture (MArch) degrees. These programs are accredited by the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP) and are internationally aligned with the Canberra Accord, ensuring global portability of qualifications. The school emphasizes an alternative curriculum strategy based on transformative pedagogy and a "Unit system," promoting hands-on, experiential learning through practical projects, site visits, and community engagement. This approach encourages students to explore diverse research and design methodologies, fostering critical and transformative thinking.
International Students
The University of Johannesburg is a diverse and pan-African university, with a significant international student population. The International Admissions and Welfare Office provides comprehensive support services for international students, including guidance on application processes, study visas, medical aid requirements, and registration clearance. They also offer liaison services with South African embassies and the Department of Home Affairs, alongside social integration through orientation and student activities. English is the primary language of instruction, making programs accessible to a wide range of international students.
Campus & Location
The Graduate School of Architecture is situated at the JBS Park, approximately 1.3km from the FADA building, which houses many of the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture's amenities. While the GSA building offers dedicated spaces for students, including a "chill out space", transportation between the JBS Park and FADA building can be a concern for students without private transport. Johannesburg, known as the "City of Gold," is a bustling economic hub in South Africa, offering a vibrant city life. The university's campuses provide a range of facilities, including libraries, laboratories, recreational centers, and health services, contributing to a rich student experience.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from UJ's architecture programs are well-prepared for diverse roles within the architectural profession, including licensed architects, architectural designers, and project managers. The programs are designed to meet the requirements for registration with professional bodies such as the South African Council for the Architectural Profession. The university's Centre for Psychological Services and Career Development (PsyCaD) offers extensive career guidance, assessment, and counseling services, including work-readiness programs, CV writing, and interview skills workshops. UJ also facilitates recruitment opportunities and networking between students and employers through career fairs and an online job portal.
Information for International Students at UJ Graduate School of Architecture
UJ Graduate School of Architecture in Johannesburg, South Africa welcomes international students, with 6% of the student body coming from abroad.
- 6% of students are international
- No visa support offered
- No on-campus work
- Student housing available (~$2000/month)
- Work placement / internship opportunities available
- Teaching languages: English
Admissions Requirements for UJ Graduate School of Architecture
Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to UJ Graduate School of Architecture:
- Selectivity: Very Selective (<20%)
- Application deadline: 31 October 2025
Programs at UJ Graduate School of Architecture (7 programs)
UJ Graduate School of Architecture offers 7 programs across Bachelor, Master, PhD levels.
Bachelor Programs (2)
- Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) (BArch) — 36 months · English · STEM
This program involves shaping the built environment, from low-cost housing to skyscrapers, focusing on design, technological resolution, and management of construction projects. Graduates can pursue careers as architectural professionals involved in design, technological resolution, and management of construction projects.
Field: Architecture
Career outcomes: Architectural Professional, Architectural Designer, Construction Project Manager - Bachelor of Architecture Honours (BArch Hons) (BArch (Hons)) — 12 months · English · STEM
This program is part of a joint program with the M.Arch, leading to SACAP (PrSArchT - Professional Senior Architectural Technologist) accreditation. It prepares graduates for accreditation as a Professional Senior Architectural Technologist (PrSArchT) with SACAP.
Field: Architecture
Career outcomes: Professional Senior Architectural Technologist (PrSArchT)
Master Programs (1)
- Master of Architecture (M. Arch) (M. Arch) — 12 months · English · $47,373/yr · STEM
This program is offered as a continuation of the professional MTech program in architecture and is part of a joint program with the BArch (Hons), leading to SACAP (PrArch - Candidate Professional Architect) accreditation. It aims to offer advanced architectural design, theory, and practice study, preparing candidates for a traditional academic career or a PhD.
Field: Architecture (Design, Theory and Practice)
Career outcomes: Candidate Professional Architect (PrArch), Academic Researcher
Deadline: October 31, 2026
PhD Programs (3)
- PhD in Quantity Surveying (PhD) — 24 months · English · On-Campus · STEM
Aims to develop an intellectual with the advanced ability to produce quantity surveying research that adds knowledge and growth to the sector, promoting interdisciplinary research and lifelong learning. It develops advanced capability to conduct interdisciplinary quantity surveying research and train other students in similar fields.
Field: Quantity Surveying
Career outcomes: Quantity Surveying Researcher, Academic - PhD in Civil Engineering (PhD) — 24 months · English · On-Campus · STEM
Focuses on advanced research in Civil Engineering. Graduates typically pursue advanced research, academic, or specialized industry roles.
Field: Civil Engineering - PhD in Urban Studies (PhD) — 36 months · English
An advanced level of study requiring independent research and the production of a thesis that contributes to knowledge in the field of Urban Studies. It develops advanced ability to produce research and contribute to knowledge in urban studies.
Field: Urban Studies
Scholarships & Tuition at UJ Graduate School of Architecture
Annual tuition for international students: $7,000 – $14,000/year
✅ UJ Graduate School of Architecture offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.
Rankings of UJ Graduate School of Architecture
- National Ranking: #1 in South Africa
- QS World University Ranking: #312
- Times Higher Education (THE): #23
- Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU): #501
- Ranking tier: Unranked
- Research output: High
Campus & Facilities at UJ Graduate School of Architecture
- Student housing available
- Sports facilities available
- Disability support available
- Campus type: Multiple Campuses
- Housing cost: ~$2000/month
Key Highlights
- Accredited, internationally aligned programs
- Transformative, experiential "Unit system"
- Strong international student support
- Vibrant Johannesburg urban location
Accreditation
- British Accreditation Council (for IIE qualifications)
Fields of Study at UJ Graduate School of Architecture
- Architecture
- Urban Design
Notable Alumni
- Aissata Balde
- Israel Ogundare Olawale
Frequently Asked Questions about UJ Graduate School of Architecture
What is UJ Graduate School of Architecture?
UJ Graduate School of Architecture is a public university located in Johannesburg, South Africa. It has approximately 50,000 students, with 6% being international students.
How much does it cost to study at UJ Graduate School of Architecture?
Tuition fees at UJ Graduate School of Architecture for international students range from $7,000 – $14,000/year. Student housing costs approximately $2000/month. Scholarships are available for international students.
What are the admission requirements for UJ Graduate School of Architecture?
Selectivity: Very Selective (<20%). Application deadline: 31 October 2025.
What language are courses taught in at UJ Graduate School of Architecture?
Courses at UJ Graduate School of Architecture are taught in English.
How many programs does UJ Graduate School of Architecture offer?
UJ Graduate School of Architecture offers 7 programs: 2 Bachelor's, 1 Master's, and 3 PhD programs across various fields of study.
What is UJ Graduate School of Architecture ranked?
#1 in South Africa · QS World #312 · THE World #23 · ARWU #501.
Does UJ Graduate School of Architecture offer scholarships?
Yes, UJ Graduate School of Architecture offers scholarships for international students. Visit the university's official financial aid page for current opportunities, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.
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