The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) is one of South Africa’s top research universities.
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Every year thousands of students apply to study there in undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
Wits sets firm closing dates for the 2027 academic year.
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 are the official Wits application dates for 2027?
Wits is taking applications for 2027 through its official online application portal until the last closing date on 30 September 2026.
The final closing dates for applications were published by the university:
- 30 June 2026 – all Health Sciences programmes, plus the Bachelor of Architectural Studies, Bachelor of Audiology, Bachelor of Speech-Language Pathology and BA Film and Television (now closed).
- 30 September 2026 – all other undergraduate programmes.
Wits treats these closing dates as final, and its portal stops taking new applications for the 2027 academic year after each date.
Does Wits accept late applications for 2027?
No. The University of the Witwatersrand does not accept late applications for the 2027 academic year after the official closing dates.
This applies to undergraduate study and also separately to residence applications.
When the portal closes on 30 September 2026, Wits stops accepting new submissions for 2027.
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.
Wits has no official late applications link or portal for 2027 admission.
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?
Submit Wits applications for the 2027 intake online through the official Wits application portal.
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):
- Visit the Wits official website and go to the Apply section.
- Create an online profile with your email address and South African ID number or passport number if you are an international applicant.
- Complete the application form with personal and academic details.
- Upload all required certified supporting documents including your academic results and identification.
- Choose up to three degree programmes you wish to study.
- 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 miss the closing date of 30 September 2026:
- You cannot submit a late application for the 2027 intake, because Wits provides no late applications link.
- Prepare to apply early for the 2028 academic year. Check the Wits timelines page early in 2027 for the opening date.
- Consider universities that close later for 2027, such as UJ (31 October 2026), or register with the Central Application Service (CAS).
- 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:
- Student Call Centre (Admissions): +27 (0)11 717 1888 — to ask about application outcomes or deadlines.
- General Email: ask.wits@wits.ac.za — for general application enquiries.
- Official Website: https://www.wits.ac.za — primary source for application information and deadlines.
- Application Portal: https://www.wits.ac.za/applications/ – where you submit applications.
- Postal Address: University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag X3, Wits 2050, South Africa.
FAQs
Is there a Wits late applications link for 2027?
No. Wits does not offer a late applications link for 2027, and applications close on the published dates.
When do Wits applications for 2027 close?
Wits closes most 2027 programmes on u003cstrongu003e30 September 2026u003c/strongu003e. Health Sciences and some specialised programmes closed on u003cstrongu003e30 June 2026u003c/strongu003e.
Can I apply for 2027 admission at Wits after the deadline?
No. Once the portal closed on the deadline, no new applications were accepted.
Where do I apply online to Wits?
Use the official application portal at u003ca href=u0022http://www.wits.ac.za/applications/u0022 data-type=u0022linku0022 data-id=u0022www.wits.ac.za/applications/u0022u003ewww.wits.ac.za/applications/u003c/au003e.
How many programmes can I choose when applying?
You may apply for up to u003cstrongu003ethree programmesu003c/strongu003e in one application.
What documents must I upload?
Certified academic results and a copy of your ID or passport are required.
Is there an application fee?
Yes. South African applicants pay a non-refundable fee (international applicants may pay a different amount).
How do I check my application status?
Use your login on the u003cstrongu003eWits student self-service portalu003c/strongu003e.
What should I do if I missed the deadline?
Prepare to apply for 2028 when Wits opens applications in 2027.
Who can I contact for help with my Wits application?
Call +27 (0)11 717 1888 or email u003ca href=u0022mailto:ask.wits@wits.ac.zau0022u003eask.wits@wits.ac.zau003c/au003e for support.
About the University of the Witwatersrand: If you are still weighing up your options, our University of the Witwatersrand profile explains the university’s history, campuses and funding.

