Wits Fees 2027: Initial Payment and Tuition Breakdown

The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits University) fees include initial payments before registration, tuition cost structure per programme, payment instructions and the provisions for NSFAS funded students. 

Wits is a major research university in South Africa and tuition is charged per course or module, with first fee payments required before registration for many students. 

Students should check the official Wits University fees page or Fees Booklet once the 2027 update is released.

Application Fee 2027 (Non-refundable)

For undergraduate and postgraduate applications to Wits University, prospective students may be required to pay an application fee when submitting their application online. 

In earlier years, the South African application fee at many South African universities has been around R100 for South African citizens and higher for international applicants. 

Students must verify the exact application fee amount when applying for 2027 through the official Wits Self-Service application portal, as the university typically lists the current application fee during the online application process.

The application fee is non-refundable even if the offer is not made or the student decides not to attend. 

Payment of the application fee is separate from registration or tuition fees and is required to process your admission. 

Students should refer to the official Wits application portal for confirmed amounts when applying for the 2027 academic year.

Registration Fee 2027 (Initial Payment)

Wits University requires a first fee payment before students can register for their courses.

According to the official 2026 fees information, this initial payment is R9 340 for South African citizens, South African permanent residence permit holders and recognized refugees. 

The payment must reflect in your student fee account before you are permitted to complete registration.

This amount is part of your total annual tuition liability and is not refundable if you cancel your registration after making payment. 

The same initial payment requirement applies to returning students who are self-funded. 

Students who are unable to make this payment before registration have the option to apply for a First Fee Payment Postponement through the Wits Self-Service portal, provided you have an offer of admission.

International students may not be required to make the same initial payment of R9 340. Instead, they generally must pay a substantial portion of fees upfront.

For example, undergraduate and postgraduate international students are expected to pay 75 percent of total tuition and related fees before registration with the remaining 25 percent by the end of June, according to official guidance for international fee structure.

Tuition Fee Structure per Faculty

Wits University charges tuition fees based on your course or module enrolment rather than a single annual flat fee. 

The total cost you will pay as a student is the sum of the fees for all the modules you register for in that academic year.

The 2026 Wits University Fee Booklet indicates that tuition fees vary widely between faculties and programmes. 

The official university does not publish one central list online of all module fees, but students can access the online Fee Estimator through the Wits Self-Service Portal to calculate their anticipated fees for 2026 and likely similar amounts for 2027 once updated.

• Undergraduate tuition: Costs depend on faculty and number of modules taken. Faculties such as Commerce, Engineering, Humanities, Health Sciences and Science have different ranges. Students should use the online Fee Estimator or consult the fees booklet for their specific programme codes.
• Postgraduate tuition: Postgraduate fees also vary based on the level of study (honours, masters, doctoral) and the number of modules or research credits. International postgraduate students pay an international registration fee and must pay 75 percent of fees before registration and the balance by the due date.

Additional charges that may appear on your fee account include costs for course notes, excursions, laboratory usage and exam costs. 

These are listed separately in your fee statement and are part of your total amount payable.

How to Pay Your Fees (Bank Details)

Wits University provides designated bank details for students and funders to pay tuition and other student fees. 

When making a payment, you must use your student number as the payment reference so that the transaction is linked to your student account.

Here are the official banking details used for fee payments:

Account Name: University of the Witwatersrand – Student Fees
Bank: Standard Bank South Africa
Branch: Braamfontein
Branch Code: 004 805
Account Number: 002 891 697
SWIFT Code: SBZAZAJJ

For applications and other fee categories, separate accounts may be provided (for example, the application fee account). 

Always confirm the correct account number and reference on the official Wits Self-Service portal or Fees Office communications before making a payment.

Payments can be made via electronic funds transfer (EFT) or at the Cashiers Office on campus. 

If paying via EFT, ensure the funds clear at least four days before registration deadlines.

Fees for NSFAS Funded Students

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) provides funding support for eligible South African students from lower income households. 

If you qualify for NSFAS, the scheme will pay your tuition fees directly to the university.

NSFAS funding also covers allowances for accommodation, books and learning materials if approved.

NSFAS students do not need to make the first fee payment of R9 340 if the university has been informed of their approved funding status and there are no outstanding historical debts. 

It is important that your NSFAS application and funding confirmation are complete before registration so that your student account is cleared.

If you have outstanding debt from a previous year, you may be required to enter into an acknowledgment of debt or make arrangements with the Fees Office in order to register. 

This process is managed through the Wits Financial Aid and Scholarships Office and the Fees Office.