University of the Witwatersrand

The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) is one of South Africa’s most prestigious universities, known for academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and strong industry ties. Established in 1896, Wits has built a global reputation, consistently ranking among the top 250 universities worldwide and excelling in business, science, engineering, and health sciences.

Located in Johannesburg, the economic hub of Africa, Wits offers a prime location for students looking to connect with leading industries, multinational corporations, and research opportunities. Whether you want to be a doctor, engineer, lawyer, or entrepreneur, Wits provides the education, resources, and networking opportunities to help you succeed.

Popular Courses & Programs

Wits has five faculties, offering a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees that are highly regarded by employers.

Commerce, Law & Management

Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) – Finance, Accounting, Marketing
Bachelor of Business Science
LLB (Bachelor of Laws)
MBA (Master of Business Administration) through the Wits Business School

Engineering & Built Environment

BSc in Engineering – Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Mining
Bachelor of Architecture
Town and Regional Planning

Health Sciences & Medicine

MBChB (Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery)
BSc in Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy
Public Health and Medical Research Degrees

Humanities & Social Sciences

Bachelor of Arts (BA) – Politics, Sociology, Psychology
Bachelor of Education (BEd) – Primary and Secondary Teaching
Journalism and Media Studies

Science & Technology

BSc in Data Science, Biotechnology, and Environmental Science
Postgraduate research in Artificial Intelligence, Neuroscience, and Climate Science

Wits has produced influential leaders, Nobel Prize winners, and top industry professionals, making its graduates highly sought after worldwide.

Admission Requirements

Admission to Wits is competitive, especially for high-demand courses like Medicine, Engineering, and Law. Meeting the minimum Admission Point Score (APS) is essential.

General Admission Requirements:

National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a Bachelor’s Pass
Mathematics and Physical Sciences for Engineering and Science programs
English Home Language or First Additional Language (Level 5 or higher)
Life Sciences required for Health Sciences and Medical degrees
APS requirements range from 32 to 48, depending on the program

International students must meet equivalent academic and English language requirements.

Tuition Fees & Financial Aid

Tuition fees at Wits vary based on the program and level of study. Below are estimated annual costs:

Undergraduate programs: R60,000 – R120,000 per year
Postgraduate programs: R80,000 – R160,000 per year
MBChB and Engineering degrees tend to be more expensive due to lab and practical costs

Financial Aid & Scholarships

NSFAS Funding – Available for eligible South African students
Wits Scholarships & Merit Awards – For high-performing students
Government and Corporate Bursaries – Offered by companies like Standard Bank, Sasol, and Deloitte
Work-Study Programs – Allow students to work part-time on campus

Campus Life & Student Support

Wits offers a vibrant student life, with everything from student organizations to sports and networking events.

Accommodation & Housing

Wits offers residences on campus, with priority given to first-year students.
Private student housing is available in Braamfontein, Auckland Park, and Parktown.

Student Clubs & Societies

Over 100 student organizations, including Wits Debating Union, Drama Club, and Investment Society.
Active sports teams competing in rugby, soccer, and athletics.

Career & Student Support

Wits Career Services connects students with job and internship opportunities.
Mental health and academic counseling services available.
Entrepreneurial programs and innovation hubs for students interested in starting their own businesses.

Contact Information & How to Apply

Wits uses an online application system, and applications must be submitted before the deadlines.

Applications Open: April each year
Early Application Deadline: June 30
Final Deadline: September 30
NSFAS Application Deadline: November 30

Wits Contact Details

Website: www.wits.ac.za
Email: info@wits.ac.za
Phone: +27 11 717 1000
Address: 1 Jan Smuts Avenue, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, South Africa

Download WITS Prospectus 2025

If you’re looking for a university that offers high academic standards, strong research opportunities, and excellent industry connections, Wits is a top choice. The university is ideal for students who want to be at the heart of South Africa’s economic and innovation hub.

Ready to apply? Start your Wits application here | Need funding? Check available bursaries and scholarships | Want to compare Wits with other universities? Explore our rankings guide