The ULink Student Portal is an essential online platform for students at the University of Johannesburg (UJ), offering easy access to academic resources, registration services, and student information. Whether you’re a new or returning student, understanding how to navigate ULink is crucial for a smooth academic experience. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about logging in, resetting your password, and using the portal’s key features.
What is ULink?
ULink is the University of Johannesburg’s primary student portal, designed to provide students with seamless access to important academic and administrative services. The portal acts as a hub for managing your academic progress, from course registration to viewing results, and more. It’s the platform you’ll use to interact with the university on multiple fronts throughout your academic journey.
Key Features of the ULink Portal
- Course Registration: ULink allows you to register for your courses each semester, view the available modules, and confirm your enrollment.
- Academic Information: Students can access their grades, academic transcripts, and progress reports directly from the portal.
- Financial Services: Pay fees, access invoices, and check account balances through the portal.
- Personal Information: Keep your contact details and other personal information up to date on the portal.
- Communication: ULink is where you can receive important announcements, notices from your faculty, and messages from the administration.
How to Log into the ULink Student Portal
Logging into the ULink portal is simple. Just follow these steps:
- Visit the official ULink Student Portal.
- Enter your Student Number and PIN/Password.
- Click on Login to access your dashboard and begin using the portal.
Resetting Your Password
If you’ve forgotten your ULink password or need to reset it, don’t worry! UJ provides a straightforward process for resetting your password.
- Visit the Password Reset Page.
- Enter your Student Number and Email Address associated with your ULink account.
- Follow the instructions sent to your email to reset your password and regain access to your account.
Creating a New Password for ULink
If you are creating a new account or need to set up a password for the first time, you can do so easily.
- Go to the Password Create Page.
- Enter your Student Number and other required details.
- Create a secure password and save it for future access.
How to Log into Blackboard Without Using ULink
While the ULink portal is your main academic hub, Blackboard is another essential tool for accessing course materials, participating in online classes, and engaging with your professors. If you need to access Blackboard without using ULink directly, follow these steps:
- Type https://uj.blackboard.com into the search tab and press enter.
- Click on Agree & Continue (important).
- Do not immediately enter your username and password.
- Click on Sign in with a third-party account.
- Select UJ Staff/Students: Login here (using your ULink credentials).
- Choose the Advanced option.
- Click on Proceed to cas.uj.ac.za (unsafe).
- Enter your ULink credentials to log into Blackboard.
Additional Resources for Students
- Self Help iEnabler: For quick self-service features such as registration and account management, visit the Self Help iEnabler.
- Student Services: Access student support services and resources directly from the portal, including academic advisories, counseling, and more.
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.