Securing a spot at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) is a dream for thousands of school leavers and mature students every year. As one of South Africa’s leading institutions, Wits is globally recognized for academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and producing world-class professionals.
If you are planning your tertiary education journey, understanding the application process, critical dates, available courses, and admission requirements is your first step toward success. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to navigate the Wits admissions landscape smoothly.
1. Important Wits Application Dates and Deadlines
Timing is everything when applying to a high-demand university like Wits. Missing a deadline—even by a day—can mean waiting another full year to apply.
Key Admission Deadlines
- Opening Date: Applications traditionally open on 02 March for the upcoming academic intake.
- Early Closing Date (30 June): This strict deadline applies to high-demand programmes, including all courses in the Faculty of Health Sciences, the Bachelor of Architectural Studies, Bachelor of Audiology, Bachelor of Speech-Language Pathology, and the Bachelor of Arts in Film and Television.
- Final Closing Date (30 September): All other undergraduate programmes across Humanities, Commerce, Law, Science, and Engineering close on this date.
- Residence Applications: Typically open in April and close on 30 September for new first-year students.
Pro Tip for Google Discover Readers: Bookmark the official Wits self-service portal and check your application status weekly. Wits operates on a rolling admissions basis, meaning offers are sent out as spaces fill up.
2. Overview of Wits Faculties and Popular Courses
Wits University is structured around five major faculties, housing hundreds of undergraduate degrees, diplomas, and professional certificates.
[Faculty of Health Sciences] ──> Medicine, Nursing, Physiotherapy (Close: 30 June)
[Faculty of Engineering] ──> Civil, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering
[Faculty of Commerce, Law] ──> Accounting, Economics, LLB
[Faculty of Humanities] ──> Law, Psychology, Fine Arts, Film & TV
[Faculty of Science] ──> Computer Science, Data Analytics, Biological Sciences
Faculty Highlights:
- Faculty of Health Sciences: Highly competitive. Home to the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBCh), Nursing, Physiotherapy, and Occupational Therapy.
- Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment: Offers world-class engineering disciplines (Mining, Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Aeronautical) alongside Architecture and Town Planning.
- Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management (CLM): Renowned for the Bachelor of Accounting Science (BAccSc)—the gold standard for aspiring Chartered Accountants (CAs)—alongside Economics and Finance.
- Faculty of Humanities: Features diverse programs ranging from Law and International Relations to Journalism, Dramatic Art, and the sought-after BA in Film and Television.
- Faculty of Science: Focuses on modern technological and analytical fields, including Computer Science, Actuarial Science, Data Analytics, and Environmental Sciences.
3. Step-by-Step Application Process
Applying to Wits is done entirely online. Follow this systematic roadmap to ensure your profile is error-free:
- Step 1: Choose Your Programmes wisely. You are allowed a maximum of three programme choices. Make sure you check the admission requirements (APS scores) for each choice before applying.
- Step 2: Register on the Wits Portal. Go to the official Wits undergraduate application page and create a profile using your full legal names exactly as they appear on your ID document or passport. Avoid using nicknames or initials.
- Step 3: Pay the Application Fee. Wits requires a non-refundable application fee (typically R100). Keep your proof of payment handy.
- Step 4: Upload Supporting Documents. Scan and upload clear, certified copies of your South African ID or passport, final Grade 11 results, or your latest Matric results (whichever is applicable).
- Step 5: Fulfill Additional Requirements. If you applied for Arts, Architecture, or Health Sciences, keep track of additional portfolios, National Benchmark Tests (NBTs), auditions, or interviews.
4. Minimum Admission Requirements (What You Need to Get In)
Wits evaluates candidates primarily using their Admission Point Score (APS), calculated from your performance in NSC (National Senior Certificate) subjects.
- Life Orientation Exclusion: Life Orientation is generally excluded from the primary APS calculation.
- Mathematics vs. Mathematical Literacy: Highly quantitative fields like Engineering, Health Sciences, Science, and Commerce strictly require Core Mathematics. Mathematical Literacy will limit your options primarily to select Humanities or Bachelor of Arts streams.
- Minimum Thresholds: While general university exemption requires a Bachelor’s pass, competitive courses like Medicine or Actuarial Science demand exceptionally high APS scores (often 43+), alongside high marks in Mathematics and Physical Sciences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I change my course choice after submitting my application?
Yes, minor adjustments can sometimes be requested through the student self-service portal, subject to faculty approval and available capacity. However, it is always safest to make your initial three choices final and strategic.
Does Wits accept late applications?
No. Wits has a strict policy against late applications—especially for high-demand areas like Health Sciences and Engineering. Always submit well ahead of the closing dates.
How do I check if my application was successful?
Log into the Wits Student Self-Service Portal using your assigned person/student number and date of birth. Status updates regarding provisional acceptance, waiting lists, or requests for missing documents will be posted there first.