University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg (Wits)

The University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg (Wits) is a public research university in the economic hub of the continent. Wits says it has been inextricably linked to the development of Johannesburg for more than 100 years, and it is renowned for academic excellence, research and a commitment to social justice.

Registered name

University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg (Wits)

Type

Public university (research-intensive)

Website

wits.ac.za

Seven campuses in Braamfontein and Parktown

Wits spans seven campuses in Braamfontein and Parktown, including its health sciences and education campuses and the Parktown management campus, and extends its reach through a digital innovation precinct. Wits offers undergraduate degrees in the arts, humanities, commerce, law, health sciences and sciences, and postgraduate study by coursework or research.

Museums and innovation on campus

Wits is unusually rich in public institutions. The Origins Centre houses palaeoanthropological and archaeological collections and the largest rock engraving archive on the continent. Wits Art Museum holds about 9 000 works in one of the finest collections of African art. Wits University Press is the oldest university press in South Africa, and the Life Sciences Museum and Adler Museum of Medicine support teaching and research.

The Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct in Braamfontein incubates start-ups, commercialises research and teaches digital skills to students, professionals and unemployed young people. Wits recently partnered with the Telkom Foundation, BCX and Alibaba Cloud to give about 165 third-year computer science students access to AI-powered development tools, and Wits has adopted a policy on responsible, ethical use of AI with academic integrity at its centre.

Support for students

Wits runs a 24-hour Student Crisis Line for students in emotional or psychological distress, a Counselling and Careers Development Unit, a student call centre for application and portal queries, and an integrity hotline for reporting unethical behaviour. Wits’ study pages explain financial aid, scholarships administered by the university and external funding for undergraduates and postgraduates.

Wits opens in March

Wits opened 2027 applications on 1 March 2026, earlier than most universities. Health sciences, architecture, audiology, speech-language pathology and film and television closed early, on 30 June 2026, and other programmes and residence applications close later in the year. The APS guide below explains how Wits adds bonus points for Mathematics and English.

Planning for Wits residence

Visit the Origins Centre or Wits Art Museum on an open day to get a feel for the campus. Apply early if you want a residence place, since demand in Johannesburg is high.

Unsure about your first choice of degree? Read our guide to changing courses at university before you accept an offer.