University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) Applications 2027 – Complete Guide
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University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) is one of South Africa’s leading universities, located in Johannesburg. Each year, thousands of local and international students apply for admission into its highly competitive programmes.
If you are planning to study at Wits in 2027, this guide breaks down everything you need to know — including application dates, requirements, fees, and how to track your admission status.
When Do Wits Applications for 2027 Open?
Applications for the 2027 academic year are expected to open on:
1 March 2026
The online application portal typically opens for all applicants at the same time, including:
- Undergraduate applicants
- Postgraduate applicants
- South African students
- International students
It is strongly advised to apply as early as possible to improve your chances, especially for competitive programmes.
Wits Application Deadlines for 2027
Application deadlines vary depending on your chosen programme:
Early Closing Programmes
The following programmes usually close on:
30 June 2026
- Health Sciences
- Architecture
- Audiology
- Speech-Language Pathology
- Film & Television
General Closing Date
All other programmes and residence applications close on:
30 September 2026
Late applications are rarely accepted, so missing these deadlines can mean waiting another year.
Undergraduate Admission Requirements at Wits
To qualify for undergraduate admission, you must meet the following criteria:
Academic Requirements
- A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with Bachelor’s degree endorsement
- An Admission Point Score (APS) calculated from your top 7 subjects (excluding Life Orientation)
APS Requirements by Faculty (Typical Range)
- Health Sciences: APS 40+ with Level 5 in Mathematics and Life Sciences
- Engineering & Built Environment: APS 42+ with strong Mathematics and Physical Science scores
Keep in mind that meeting the minimum APS does not guarantee admission. Wits uses a competitive selection process based on limited available spaces.
Postgraduate and International Requirements
Postgraduate Applicants
You must provide:
- A relevant completed undergraduate degree
- Official academic transcripts
- A CV (for certain programmes)
- A research proposal (for research-based degrees)
International Applicants
In addition to academic requirements, you must have:
- A SAQA evaluation certificate for foreign qualifications
- Proof of medical aid/health insurance
- A valid South African study visa
- Proof of English proficiency (if applicable)
How to Apply to Wits Online
Follow these steps to submit your application:
- Visit the official application portal:
www.wits.ac.za/applications/ - Register using:
- Your ID number (South Africans) or passport (international applicants)
- A valid email address
- Select up to three programme choices
(The order does not affect your admission chances) - Upload certified documents:
- ID or passport
- Academic results
- Additional supporting documents (if required)
- Pay the application fee
- Submit your application
After submission, you will receive:
- A student/person number
- Confirmation email
- Access to track your application status online
Wits Application Fees for 2027
Application fees are non-refundable and structured as follows:
- South African applicants: R100
- International applicants: R700
Payment Methods
- Online via the Wits self-service portal
- Bank deposit (EFT)
Always use your student/person number as the payment reference and upload proof of payment.
How to Track Your Application Status
Once your application is submitted, you can monitor progress through the Wits Student Self-Service portal.
Common status updates include:
- Application Received
- Under Review
- Offer Made
Important Notes
- Some offers are provisional, based on Grade 11 results
- Final admission depends on certified Grade 12 results
Accepting Your Offer at Wits
If you receive an offer:
- Log into the self-service portal
- Accept the offer online
- Sign the student contract
You can only accept one offer, so choose carefully.
Failure to accept your offer on time may result in losing your place.
Final Advice for 2027 Applicants
Applying to Wits requires careful planning and early action. Because of the university’s competitive nature:
- Apply as soon as the portal opens
- Double-check all documents before submission
- Track your status regularly
- Respond quickly to any offers
If you stay organized and meet all requirements, your chances of admission improve significantly.