University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) Late Applications Link 2026

The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) is one of South Africa’s top research universities.

Every year thousands of students apply to study there in undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. 

The application process for the 2026 academic year had firm closing dates. 

Many students who miss those deadlines search for a late applications link to still apply. 

It is important to know that Wits has a strict admissions timeline and does not accept late applications once the deadline has passed. 

What were the official Wits application dates for 2026?

Wits opened online applications for 2026 on 1 March 2025. Prospective students could submit applications for their chosen programmes through the official Wits online application portal.

The final closing dates for applications were published by the university:

1. 30 June 2025 – Closing date for the Faculty of Health Sciences and specific programmes such as Bachelor of Architectural Studies, Bachelor of Audiology, Bachelor of Speech-Language Pathology, and BA Film and TV.
2. 30 September 2025 – Closing date for all other undergraduate programmes and residence applications.

These closing dates are definitive. Once the portal closed on those dates, new applications were no longer accepted for the 2026 academic year.

Does Wits accept late applications for 2026?

No. The University of the Witwatersrand does not accept late applications for the 2026 academic year after the official closing dates. 

This applies to undergraduate study and also separately to residence applications. 

Once the portal shut down on 30 September 2025, the system stopped accepting new submissions.

This policy is consistent across official admissions guidance and independent application summaries which confirm that the closing dates for Wits are final and that late applications are not accepted once they pass.

There is no official late applications link or portal for Wits admission for 2026. 

Prospective students cannot submit applications through an alternate official online link after the deletion of the previous application cycle.

Why are late applications excluded?

Wits receives a high volume of applications each year. 

The university sets closing dates to allow time for academic faculties to assess completed applications, make placement decisions, and prepare for registration ahead of the academic year. 

Once the closing dates have passed, the admissions system is shut down, and no new applications are processed.

This ensures fairness and that all applicants are assessed on an equal basis within the set timeframe.

What is the official Wits application link?

All Wits applications for the 2026 intake were submitted online through the official Wits application portal on the university website. 

There was no separate portal for late or extended submissions.

Applicants had to register an account, upload supporting documents, select up to three programme choices, and submit everything before the closing date.

How to apply online

To apply for study at Wits (before the deadline):

1. Visit the Wits official website and go to the Apply section.
2. Create an online profile with your email address and South African ID number or passport number if you are an international applicant.
3. Complete the application form with personal and academic details.
4. Upload all required certified supporting documents including your academic results and identification.
5. Choose up to three degree programmes you wish to study.
6. Pay the non-refundable application fee and submit before the deadline.

Once submitted, Wits sends a confirmation email and an application reference number. 

You can then log in to the university’s student self-service portal to track the status of your application.

What if I missed the Wits application deadline?

If you missed the official closing date of 30 September 2025:

1. You cannot submit a late application for the 2026 intake. Wits does not provide a late applications link after the closing date.
2. You should prepare to apply early for the 2027 academic year, when the portal is expected to open again in March 2026.
3. Consider applying to other universities that accept late applications for 2026, as some institutions have specific late windows or space-available applications early in the new year.
4. Contact Wits Admissions Support to confirm any exceptional cases or appeals that might be available, although these are rare and not guaranteed.

How to check application status

After submitting before the deadline, you can check your application status via the Wits student self-service portal using your login details. 

Wits also communicates admissions decisions and next steps via email.

Official Wits contact information

Admissions and Enquiries:

1. Student Call Centre (Admissions): +27 (0)11 717 1888 — to ask about application outcomes or deadlines.
2. General Email: ask.wits@wits.ac.za — for general application enquiries.
3. Official Website: https://www.wits.ac.za — primary source for application information and deadlines.
4. Application Portal: https://www.wits.ac.za/applications/ — where 2026 applications were made.
5. Postal Address: University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag X3, Wits 2050, South Africa.

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