“The University of Johannesburg’s (UJ) Study Abroad Programme is an opportunity to continue academic studies while living and travelling in a country outside of your own,” said Ms Noluthando Ngwenya, a fourth year BCOM Economics and Econometrics UJ student, who attended a summer school in Australia, hosted by Universitas21 in the beginning of August 2014.
​​​​​​UJ is the first and only African university admitted to Universitas21 – a highly respected consortium of 28 research-intensive universities in the world. “The opportunity to attend the 13th International Conference of Africanists at Russia in May 2014 was enriching. I’m truly grateful for the Study Abroad Programme and its partnership with the Institute for Africa Studies of the Russia Academy of Sciences,” said Mr Tafadzwa Mafembata, who is pursuing his Master’s in Sociology at UJ.

​​The Study Abroad Programme is an amazing and life-changing experience, as it offers students an opportunity to explore diverse cultures, learn new languages and enhance their employment prospects in a globalised world.

​​​The Programme, offered by UJ’s Division for Internationalisation, gives students opportunities to continue their academic studies, in a different country.

​​​​Says Mrs Lisle du Plessis, UJ’s Study Abroad Manager; “We have embarked on an awareness campaign with the aim to encourage students to join. The Programme not only offers the students an opportunity to discover themselves, but also to the opportunity to explore their careers opportunities in a global setting.”​​

According to Laurenz Langer, a BA Development Studies student, the progress he made as an individual was beyond measurement–thanks to the Programme. Langer attended the Science Po summer school in Paris, July 2013. Charity Chisoro, a BA Development Studies student, echoed Langer’s sentiments. “I had so much fun, we went on tour in the City Centre of Utrecht and also had a privilege of climbing the Dom Tower,” said Chisoro, who was an exchange student at University of Utrecht in Netherlands, in 2013.​​​

How do I get on the Programme?

In order for students to be considered for the Programme, students must have a solid academic record with 65% average score and meet the admission requirements as set out by the partner university. UJ further requires from prospective exchange students a letter of support from their faculty confirming that they have at least one year remaining at the University as a student upon their return to UJ.

“The Study Abroad Programme offers UJ students a unique opportunity to enrol for one semester abroad and still qualify for credits at UJ. Not only does this allow the student to experience studying in another country, but also exposes them to cross-cultural engagement, enabling them to be open minded in their day to day approaches. The University assists the students to apply to their partner universities as well as to apply for their visas,” says Mrs Du Plessis,

Where can I go?

UJ is part of the International Student Exchange Programs (ISEP) network- a student exchange and study abroad network. It is a non-profit membership organisation with a global network of more than 340 universities, which allows them to provide affordable, immersive study abroad opportunities to students all over the world. ISEP provides the ideal balance between independent immersion and supportive services, while maximizing personal growth and creating lifetime experiences. It furthermore offers a diverse range of programmes to choose from.

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How many students are on the programme?

Since its inception, the Study Abroad Programme saw an increase of both inbound and outbound students. In 2012, the programme had 38 inbound and 5 outbound students, 161 inbound and 95 outbound students in 2013. In 2014, 132 inbound students registered at UJ and 88 outbound students registered at the partner universities. saw an increase of both inbound and outbound students. In 2012, the programme had 38 inbound and 5 outbound students, 161 inbound and 95 outbound students in 2013. In 2014, 132 inbound students registered at UJ and 88 outbound students registered at the partner universities.

Who to Contact when interested

Make an Appointment with Mrs Lisle du Plessis, manager of Study Abroad at UJ.
Division for Internationalisation
Auckland Park Kingsway Campus
Email: Lduplessis@uj.ac.za ​