The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) has officially opened its online portal for 2027 applications, inviting both Grade 12 learners and graduates to apply for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
Wits is one of the top-ranked universities in Africa, located right in the heart of Johannesburg’s business and tech hub. Whether you are finishing high school and dreaming of your first degree, or you are a professional looking to specialize with further studies, this is your chance to secure a spot at a world-class institution.
The Reality Check: Why You Need to Be Fast
Last year, Wits received over 160,000 applications. Do you know how many first-year spots they actually had? Only 5,800.
That means for every 27 people who applied, only one person got a seat. Because so many students got Bachelor passes in matric recently, the competition has never been tougher.
Important Note: Meeting the "Minimum Requirements" (the APS score listed in the prospectus) does not mean you are automatically in. It just means the university will look at your application. To actually get a firm offer, you usually need to score higher than the minimum.
Don’t Miss These Deadlines!
The biggest mistake you can make is waiting until the last minute. Some courses close much earlier than others. If you miss the date, the system won't let you apply.
| Faculty / Course | Closing Date |
| Medicine, Nursing, & Health Sciences | 30 June 2026 |
| Architecture & Film/TV | 30 June 2026 |
| Speech Therapy & Audiology | 30 June 2026 |
| Most other degrees (Commerce, Law, Science) | 30 September 2026 |
| Wits Residence (On-campus housing) | 30 September 2026 |
Pro Tip: Apply for residence even if you aren't 100% sure you'll need it. It is much easier to cancel a room than to try and find one in February!
Three Steps to a Stress-Free Application
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Check Your APS: Every degree has an Admission Point Score (APS). Wits calculates this using your best seven subjects. Remember, Life Orientation is usually excluded or given fewer points depending on the faculty.
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Gather Your Documents: You will need a clear copy of your ID and your Grade 11 final results. If you have already matriculated, you’ll need your Matric Certificate.
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Pay the Fee: The application fee is R100. Your application won’t be processed until this is paid and the proof is uploaded.
What if I don't get in?
Don't panic. South Africa’s education landscape is changing. Because big universities like Wits are so full, many students are now looking at private universities or TVET colleges.
The government has also made it easier for private institutions to offer the same quality of degrees, so keep your options open and apply to at least three different places.
A Message from the Top
Wits Vice-Chancellor, Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, says the university is looking for students who want to use their skills to help society. He encourages the Class of 2026 to "strive for excellence" in their final exams, as those final marks are what secure your spot in January.
Good luck, Matrics! The race to 2027 has officially begun.
