The University of the Witwatersrand, commonly known as Wits University, is one of South Africa’s premier institutions, renowned for its academic excellence and diverse program offerings. If you’re planning to apply to Wits for the 2025 academic year, understanding the admission requirements and application process is crucial. This guide provides a fresh and comprehensive overview to help you prepare a successful application.
General Admission Criteria
Wits accepts applicants with various school-leaving qualifications, including the South African National Senior Certificate (NSC), National Certificate Vocational (NCV), Senior Certificate, and recognized international qualifications.
- National Senior Certificate (NSC):
- Applicants must have a valid NSC issued by the Department of Basic Education, Independent Examinations Board, or South African Comprehensive Assessment Institute.
- A Bachelor’s degree pass is required, with specific achievement levels depending on the chosen faculty and program.
- English must be taken as either Home Language or First Additional Language.
- Mathematics is compulsory for numerate programs such as Commerce, Law, Engineering, Science, and Health Sciences. For some programs like LLB and Humanities, Mathematical Literacy is accepted.
- Wits calculates the Admission Point Score (APS) based on the best seven subjects, including Life Orientation and faculty-specific subjects.
- Only one matric rewrite attempt is considered; a second rewrite attempt disqualifies the applicant.
- National Certificate Vocational (NCV):
- Applicants with NCV qualifications may be required to attend interviews or additional assessments depending on the faculty.
- International Qualifications:
- Must be evaluated and deemed equivalent to South African standards.
- Proof of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS or TOEFL) may be required if previous education was not in English.
Application Process
- Online Application:
- Applications are submitted via the Wits online portal at www.wits.ac.za/applications/.
- Applicants can apply for up to three programs; the order of preference does not affect admission chances.
- It’s advisable to apply to a mix of competitive and less competitive faculties to maximize acceptance chances.
- The application fee is R100 for South African citizens and R700 for international applicants.
- All supporting documents, such as certified academic transcripts and identification, must be uploaded during application.
- Important Deadlines:
- Faculty of Health Sciences and certain specialized programs close on 30 June 2025.
- All other programs close on 30 September 2025.
- Residence applications also close on 30 September 2025.
Selection and Admission
- Meeting the minimum APS and subject requirements does not guarantee admission, as places are limited and selection is competitive.
- Wits considers academic results, availability of space, and additional faculty-specific criteria.
- Some programs may require interviews, portfolios, or aptitude tests.
Postgraduate Admission
- Applicants must hold a relevant undergraduate degree with the required academic standing.
- Research-based programs require submission of a research proposal.
- English proficiency documentation may be necessary for international candidates.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
- Wits offers various bursaries and scholarships based on academic merit and financial need.
- The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) supports eligible South African students.
- Sports bursaries and other specialized funding options are available.
Applying to the University of the Witwatersrand demands careful attention to academic requirements and deadlines. By understanding the APS system, subject prerequisites, and application procedures, prospective students can enhance their chances of admission. Wits’ commitment to academic excellence and diversity makes it a sought-after institution for students across South Africa and beyond.