How to Apply at University of the Witwatersrand 2025

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How to Apply at University of the Witwatersrand 2025

How do I apply?

STEP 1 – Apply Online

To apply online, go to: www.wits.ac.za/applications/

  1. You may apply for a maximum three degrees (order of choice does not matter).
  2. If you apply for two programmes within one Faculty, you are advised to apply for one programme in a less restricted faculty (e.g. Humanities, Commerce or Science).
  3. Try to keep your options open, especially when applying for programmes in Faculties such as Health Sciences or Engineering.
  4. A non-refundable application fee of R100 for South African citizens, and R700 for international applicants, is required.

Closing dates

30 June – Faculty of Health Sciences (all programmes); Bachelor of Architecture; Bachelor of Audiology, Bachelor of Speech-Language Pathology30 September – All other University programmes; Residence applications Please note that residence applications will only be available from April.

Additional forms

Does your degree programme have additional selection procedures? Some degrees have additional selection requirements such as portfolio and essay submissions, auditions or National Benchmark Testing. Please click on Additional Forms below to see if this applies to you.

Pay Application Fee

  • Non-refundable application fee of R100 for South African citizens
  • Non-refundable application fee for International citizens of R700
  • Payments to be made before closing dates.

How to pay
Deposit exact amount into the University’s Application fee account:

  • Standard Bank, Account name: Wits University – Application Fees. Current Account Number: 200 346 385, Branch code: Braamfontein 004 805. CI Number 074A. (International payment swift code: SBZAZAJJ). Use the unique payment number as a reference
  • Pay by cash or credit card at the Wits Fees Office, Ground Floor, Solomon Mahlangu House (Senate House), Braamfontein Campus East, Jorissen Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, South Africa
  • EFT – Use unique payment number as a reference.

STEP 2 – Acknowledgement of ApplicationSTEP

  1. You will receive an email from the University acknowledging receipt of your application.
  2. The acknowledgment email will contain a person number (which will become your student number).
  3. All records of correspondence from the University will be available on the student self-service portal https://self-service.wits.ac.za
  4. Check the status of your application and to do items on the student self-service portal regularly.

To view all correspondence generated on the Self Service Portal page, go to the Main Menu > Self Service > Wits Student Self Service > Communication History

To check your Application Status on the Self Service Portal go to the Main Menu > Self Service > Student Centre > Admissions > View Academic Application Status

3 – Upload Supporting Documents

  1. To upload supporting documents, go to the student self-service portal: https://self-service.wits.ac.za
  2. Log in with your person number and the first six digits of your ID.
  3. Current Matriculants: Upload your final Grade 11 Results. The results must be certified and bear your school stamp.
  4. Already Matriculated: Upload your matric certificate/foreign school leaving certificate. A physical copy of the certificate, certified, must be handed into the Wits Student Enrolment Centre (SEnC), Ground Floor, Solomon Mahlangu House (Senate House), Wits University.
  5. Attending Another Tertiary Institution: Upload a certified copy of your academic record and certificate of good conduct, stamped by the institution’s registrar.

STEP 4 – Acceptance of Offer

  • Current Matriculants may be made a conditional offer (depending on Grade 11 results). Please note that certain programmes have additional selection criteria (interview/audition/NBT)
  • Offers can only be confirmed after receiving final matric results
  • Each choice of degree is treated as a separate application. The order of choice makes no difference
  • Successful applicants will receive communication offering a firm place and information about registration and orientation programme
  • Communcation will include further instructions (e.g. pay deposit or attend interview)
  • Places are limited, therefore you may only accept one offer. You are required to respond to the offer within a few days to secure your place.

Changed your mind about your choice of study?

  • Do not submit a new application
  • Check with the Student Enrolment Centre (SEnC), if applications are still open for your new selection
  • Contact your Admissions Consultant
  • Should your contact details change (e.g. email, residential or postal address or contact numbers) update your new details on the student self-service portal: https://self-service.wits.ac.za

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.