The digital age has opened up many opportunities in education, especially in South Africa. Many universities now offer free online courses, allowing anyone with an internet connection to learn and grow without hefty fees.
This is a fantastic chance to gain new skills and knowledge, whether to advance your career or simply learn something new for personal enrichment.
Among these institutions, one stands out for its commitment to accessible education: the University of Johannesburg (UJ).
It’s exciting to see how learning is changing. So, if you’re curious about which UJ free online courses in South Africa you can take and how they can benefit you, keep reading!
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UJ
The University of Johannesburg, or UJ for short, is a vibrant public university in the heart of Johannesburg, South Africa.
It was formed on January 1, 2005, when several institutions merged, including the Rand Afrikaans University and Technikon Witwatersrand.
It’s pretty cool that UJ has a rich history while also being one of the largest universities in the country, with over 50,000 students.
That includes more than 3,000 international students from around 80 different countries! So, if you’re looking for a diverse and dynamic place to study, UJ offers a welcoming environment with plenty of opportunities for personal and academic growth.
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Does UJ offer free online courses?
Yes, the University of Johannesburg (UJ) offers free online courses accessible to anyone interested. They are the UJ free online courses without matric.
Also, if you’re looking for some UJ free online courses with certificates that you can take from the comfort of your home, you should consider some of the lists we will provide later in this article.
Upon completing these programs, students receive a digital certificate, which can be shared with potential employers or viewed by third parties through the UJ Digital Certificate platform.
This initiative is a fantastic way to gain knowledge and skills without financial burden, making education more accessible.
Which Courses are Free at UJ online?
Here are the UJ free online courses 2024:
- Artificial Intelligence in the 4IR
- African Insights
- Introduction to the Sustainable Development Goals
- Financial Literacy: Be Money Wise
1. Artificial Intelligence in the 4IR
One of UJ’s most relevant free online courses is Artificial Intelligence in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), designed to introduce students to AI and its role in modern life.
Launched in 2019, this course doesn’t dive into programming but rather gives a clear picture of AI, how it’s transforming industries, and the ethical questions surrounding it.
Created under UJ’s global initiative to prepare students and communities for 4IR, the course is part of UJ’s larger goal to foster an understanding of how AI can impact and even reshape our daily lives, careers, and economies.
With guidance from Prof. Tshilidzi Marwala, a key figure in 4IR, the course encourages learners to explore how technology can be harnessed as a positive force in African and global development.
Also, read: Top 15 Vocational courses in South Africa | 2025 Fee Structure
2. African Insights
Another popular free online course at UJ is African Insights, which gives students a unique introduction to African intellectual traditions and debates. This course explores the thoughts, ideas, and cultural discussions that shape the African continent.
It’s a fascinating exploration of African history and perspectives, helping students connect with African heritage and engage with the big questions that have influenced African societies.
With the AI in the 4IR course, African Insights offers a well-rounded understanding of technology’s impact and cultural roots. UJ encourages students to complete these valuable, fully online courses to enrich their academic journey.
3. Introduction to the Sustainable Development Goals
UJ offers another engaging and valuable free online course, Introduction to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This course explores the United Nations’ 17 goals for creating a better, more sustainable world. It’s designed to give students a solid understanding of the goals, such as ending poverty, promoting good health, and ensuring quality education for everyone.
This course covers why these goals matter, how they impact lives worldwide, and how we can contribute to achieving them. For anyone interested in making a positive difference, it provides a practical guide to understanding and supporting global sustainability.
4. Financial Literacy: Be Money Wise
UJ’s Financial Literacy: Be Money Wise course is another great free resource designed to help you take control of your financial future. This course covers the essentials, from budgeting to saving and managing debt, all in easy-to-understand language.
You’ll learn practical steps to make smarter money decisions, no matter where you’re starting from.
Perfect for students or anyone wanting to sharpen their financial skills, this course gives you the tools to feel more confident handling your finances. By the end, you’ll know how to build a solid financial foundation, making you more prepared for whatever comes your way.
These are the only free online courses UJ offers for free in South Africa. Below are some other courses you can take online at UJ in South Africa.
Other UJ Online courses
- Bachelor of Commerce in Accountancy
- Advanced Diploma in Logistics
- Advanced Diploma in School Leadership and Management
- Bachelor of Human Resource Management
- Advanced Diploma in Financial Markets
- Advanced Diploma in Transportation Management
- Bachelor of Education Honours in Education Leadership and Management
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Education in Educational Management
- Certificate in Digital Marketing
- Certificate in Project Management
Does UJ offer online teaching courses?
Yes, the University of Johannesburg (UJ) does offer online teaching courses. These programs range from full online short courses to full qualifications to develop essential skills for educators.
UJ’s online courses focus on effective teaching strategies, educational technology, curriculum design, and more, all tailored to help teachers enhance their skills for today’s digital and blended learning environments.
One of UJ’s key objectives is to make education accessible and flexible, meaning these courses are designed for those who may already be working or need a flexible schedule. Additionally, the courses often include digital certificates that can boost your qualifications.
Also, read: 20 Best Selling Online Teacher Training Courses
How much is Online application fee for UJ?
The UJ free online courses application 2024 requires no application fee. These fully online MOOCs, including “Artificial Intelligence in the 4IR” “African Insights” and the other above-listed free UJ online courses, are accessible to the public with no entry requirements.
The format is straightforward. Each course has eight units, each assessed through multiple-choice questions (MCQs). Once you complete the course, you receive a digital certificate through the UJ Digital Certificate platform, which can be shared with potential employers or third parties.
This is part of UJ’s commitment to making education accessible and providing lifelong learning opportunities in South Africa.
FAQs
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is a public university in South Africa. It is known for its commitment to accessible education and innovation in various fields, especially the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is ranked #357 in the Best Global Universities list. This ranking is based on UJ’s performance across several key academic excellence and global reputation indicators.
No, registration at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) typically requires a fee. This fee is part of the initial enrollment process and varies based on program specifics and other requirements.
Conclusion
Now, these UJ free online courses in South Africa make high-quality education accessible to everyone, offering a range of subjects you can explore for free. They’re designed to boost your skills, from career advancement to personal growth. With no fees, flexible online access, and no entry requirements, these courses let you learn at your own pace and gain certificates to showcase your achievements.
References
- en,wikipedia.org – University of Johannesburg
- news.uj.ac.za – UJ introduces 100% free fully online course
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