How to Apply to the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) for 2026: Complete Online Application Guide

The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), a top South African public research university in Johannesburg, opens its online portal for 2026 applications in early 2025. 

This guide provides essential information on application windows, admission requirements, document uploads, fees, and status tracking.

When do Wits applications for the 2026 academic year open?

The online application portal opened on 1 March 2025 for all applicant types (undergraduate, postgraduate, domestic, and international).

What are the Wits application deadlines?

• Health Sciences programmes, Architecture, Audiology, Speech‑Language Pathology, and Film & TV close on 30 June 2025.
  
• All other programmes and residence applications must be submitted by 30 September 2025.
  Late applications are generally not accepted.

What are the admission requirements for Wits undergraduate programmes?

Admission is determined by:

1. A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with Bachelor’s endorsement
   
2. An Admission Point Score (APS) calculated from your top seven subjects (including Life Orientation)
   
3. Minimum APS thresholds vary by faculty: e.g. Health Sciences usually requires APS ~40 plus level 5 in Mathematics and Life Sciences; Engineering and Built Environment require APS around 42 and high subject levels.
   Meeting the minimum does not guarantee selection, as admission is competitive and limited by capacity.

What are the requirements for postgraduate and international applicants?

• Postgraduate applicants must have a completed relevant bachelor’s degree, academic transcripts, and, if applying for research programmes, a CV or research proposal.
• International applicants also require SAQA evaluation of foreign qualifications, proof of medical cover, a valid study visa, and evidence of English proficiency.

How do I apply online through Wits?

1. Go to www.wits.ac.za/applications/ and register using your ID/passport number and email.
   
2. Applications allow up to three programme choices (order doesn’t influence admission).
   
3. Upload certified documents and pay the application fee via the portal or bank deposit using your personal/student number as reference.
   
4. After submission, you receive a confirmation email with a person number (student number) and the admissions consultant’s details. Status updates are visible via Wits Student Self-Service.

How much is the application fee and how do I pay?

1. South African citizens pay a non-refundable fee of R100.
   
2. International applicants pay R700.
   
3. Payments can be made via the self-service portal or EFT to the Wits bank account; you must use your personal number as a reference. Upload proof during the application.

How can I track the status of my Wits application and accept an offer?

• Use the Wits Student Self-Service portal to monitor status (e.g., “Application Received”, “Offer Made”).
  
• Provisional offers may be based on Grade 11 results; final offers require certified Grade 12 results.
  
• If you receive an offer, you must accept via the portal and sign the student contract to reserve your place. Only one acceptance is allowed per applicant.