Blackboard is the UJ LMS used for online learning and teaching. It offers tools for hosting class materials, assignments, online quizzes, discussion forums, and more. It is also the platform for students and staff to receive important academic announcements and updates.
To access Blackboard, you must first authenticate using your uLink credentials (which are the same for accessing other UJ portals).
Logging in Through uLink
- Navigate to uLink:
Visit the UJ portal (https://ulink.uj.ac.za) and log in using your UJ username and password. - Access Blackboard through uLink:
Once logged in to uLink, you can find the link to Blackboard under the “Academics” tab, where you’ll be able to access your learning modules.
This is the most straightforward way to access Blackboard at UJ.
How to Log into Blackboard Without Using uLink
If for some reason, you are unable to access Blackboard through uLink, you can directly log into Blackboard by following these steps:
- Open the Blackboard Login Page: In your browser, type in https://uj.blackboard.com.
- Agree to the Terms and Conditions: On the landing page, click on the Agree & Continue button.
- Sign In with a Third-Party Account: Rather than entering your username and password immediately, you will need to log in with a third-party account. To do this, click on the Sign in with a third-party account option.
- Select “UJ Staff/Students”: After selecting the third-party login option, choose UJ Staff/Students: Login here (use your uLink credentials).
- Proceed to the Login Page: Next, click on the Advanced option and then click Proceed to cas.uj.ac.za (unsafe).
- Enter Your uLink Credentials: Finally, enter your uLink username and password on the next page to log in to Blackboard.
Features of Blackboard at UJ
Once logged into Blackboard, you will be able to access various academic tools that enhance the learning experience. Some of the features include:
- Class Presentations and Documents: Easily download lecture slides and reading materials.
- Assignments and Online Tests: Submit your coursework and take assessments online.
- Plagiarism Tools: Check your assignments for plagiarism before submission.
- Wikis and Reflection Diaries: Participate in collaborative projects and reflective learning activities.
- Community Spaces: Engage in course-related discussions and share resources with your peers.
Need Help? Technical Support for Blackboard
If you experience any difficulties logging into Blackboard or need assistance with navigating the platform, UJ provides support through the Centre for Academic Technologies (CAT). You can visit the Services page for more information on training and technical support.
Overview of Public Universities in South Africa
Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.
University of Pretoria
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
- Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.
University of Cape Town
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
- Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.
Stellenbosch University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
- Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.
University of the Witwatersrand
- Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
- Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.
University of Johannesburg
- Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
- Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.
University of the Free State
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.
University of Venda
- Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
- Application Period: Usually from May to September.
University of Fort Hare
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
- Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.
University of the Western Cape
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
- Application Period: Generally from May to September.
North-West University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
- Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.
Rhodes University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
- Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.
Nelson Mandela University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
- Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.
University of Limpopo
- Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
- Application Period: From April to September.
University of Zululand
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
- Application Period: Usually between April and November.
Central University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
- Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.
Vaal University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
- Application Period: Typically from May to September.
Walter Sisulu University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
- Application Period: From April to September.
This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.