The University of Witwatersrand (Wits) stands as one of Africa’s leading research universities, located in the vibrant heart of Johannesburg, South Africa. Wits has been recognized as the top-ranked university in sub-Saharan Africa for innovation performance in the 2025 Global Innovation Index, cementing its position as a beacon of intellectual advancement and research excellence.
Wits University is home to 381 NRF-rated researchers and 400 award-winning researchers. The institution ranks among the top 1% of universities worldwide, earning recognition in QS World University Rankings (291st globally) and US News Best Global Universities (265th).
Located in Johannesburg, Africa’s economic powerhouse, Wits provides students with unparalleled access to industry leaders, professional networks, and practical learning opportunities in healthcare, engineering, mining, and social development.
Prospective students planning to enroll at Wits University in 2026 should note these critical application deadlines:
- Faculty of Health Sciences: Applications close 30 June 2026
- Bachelor of Architectural Studies, Bachelor of Audiology, Bachelor of Speech-Language Pathology: Close 30 June 2026
- BA Film and TV: Close 30 June 2026
- All other undergraduate programs: Close 30 September 2026
- Residence applications: Open 1 April 2026, close 30 September 2026
Early submission is recommended as certain programs may fill quickly. International applicants should begin well in advance of these deadlines. Contact the Wits Student Call Centre for personalized guidance.
For international undergraduate students from outside the SADC region, annual tuition fees typically range from ZAR 120,000 to ZAR 180,000 per year depending on the program. SADC country students benefit from reduced rates and must pay an International Registration Fee (IRF) of R6,970.
For South African students, tuition fees vary by program and faculty. Application fees are R100 for South African citizens and R700 for international applicants. Additional costs include textbooks, study materials, laboratory fees, and student accommodation.
Students should use the online Fee Estimator tool on the Wits website to calculate exact costs for their specific program. The Fees Office provides detailed fee schedules and supports students in understanding their financial obligations for 2026.
Admission to Wits University is competitive and merit-based. Prospective undergraduate students must possess a strong National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent qualification, with emphasis on mathematics, science, and English depending on the program.
Applicants to engineering, health sciences, and science programs typically require higher grades in mathematics and science subjects. Commerce, law, and management programs require competency in mathematics and English. Some programs require portfolio submissions, entrance examinations, or additional assessments.
International applicants must provide English language proficiency evidence through TOEFL or IELTS if their previous education was not in English. All applicants must complete the formal application through the official Wits online portal.
Wits University operates from a historic main campus in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, divided into two main locations.
East Campus: Houses the faculties of Science and Humanities, with state-of-the-art laboratories, research centers, extensive library collections, and technology-enhanced classrooms.
West Campus: Home to the faculties of Engineering and the Built Environment, and Commerce, Law and Management. Features specialized laboratories, maker spaces, design studios, modern courtrooms, trading floors, and business simulation labs.
Both campuses feature student accommodation, recreational facilities, dining services, and support centers. Johannesburg’s location provides unparalleled internship opportunities and industry connections with major corporate offices, financial institutions, and healthcare facilities.
The application process for Wits University is conducted entirely online through the official Wits portal.
- Visit the Wits University website and navigate to the applications section
- Create an account and enter personal and academic information
- Select up to three preferred programs in order of preference
- Upload required documents (academic transcripts, NSC results, ID, motivation letter)
- Pay the application fee (R100 for South African citizens, R700 for international applicants)
- Submit before the deadline and note your reference number
- Monitor your application status via email and the online portal
For technical assistance, contact the Wits Student Call Centre at +27 (0) 11 717 1888.
Wits University Student Call Centre:
Phone: +27 (0) 11 717 1888
Email: ask.wits@wits.ac.za
Financial Aid & Scholarships:
Phone: 011 717-1566 / 7579 / 1582 / 7181
NSFAS Email: nsfas@wits.ac.za
Location: Solomon Mahlangu House, Ground Floor, Braamfontein Campus East
Main Campus Address:
1 Jan Smuts Avenue, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, South Africa
Website: www.wits.ac.za
For specific departmental inquiries, contact individual faculties directly through the Wits website.
Wits University offers over 3,000 courses organized within five major faculties. The Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management prepares graduates for leadership in business, law, and public administration. The Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment offers degrees in aeronautical, chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, metallurgy, and mining engineering.
The Faculty of Health Sciences covers medicine, nursing, audiology, and speech-language pathology. The Faculty of Humanities leads in arts, social sciences, education, and literature. The Faculty of Science offers mathematics, physics, chemistry, biological sciences, and environmental studies.
Students may apply for a maximum of three programs. Wits provides pathways to professional success with particular strength in deep-level mining, healthcare innovation, and fundamental science research.
Wits University is an NSFAS-eligible institution, meaning South African students from disadvantaged backgrounds can access government funding through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). NSFAS funding covers tuition fees, and many recipients also receive living allowances.
Financial Aid and Scholarships Administration:
Location: Solomon Mahlangu House, Ground Floor, Braamfontein Campus East
Phone: 011 717-1566 / 7579 / 1582 / 7181
NSFAS Email: nsfas@wits.ac.za
In addition to NSFAS, Wits offers various institutional bursaries and scholarships based on academic merit, financial need, and field of study. Students are advised to explore all available funding options early in their application process for 2026.