Wits 2026 Applications

The University of the Witwatersrand, commonly known as Wits University, is one of South Africa’s leading institutions of higher learning. Renowned for its academic excellence, world-class research, and vibrant student life, Wits attracts thousands of applicants each year.

If you’re planning to apply for the 2026 academic year, it’s important to stay informed about the application process, deadlines, and entry requirements. Applying early gives you the best chance of securing a spot in your desired program and preparing for your university journey.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Wits 2026 applications, from opening and closing dates to faculties, courses, financial aid, and accommodation options.

Wits 2026 Application Opening and Closing Dates

Applications for the 2026 academic year at Wits University open on 1 March 2025. Prospective students must take note of the strict closing dates, as late applications are not accepted. The deadline for applications to all Health Sciences courses, as well as the Bachelor of Architectural Studies, Bachelor of Audiology, Bachelor of Speech-Language Pathology, and Bachelor of Arts in Film and Television, is 30 June 2025. For all other courses and residence applications, the closing date is 30 September 2025. To avoid missing out, applicants are encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadlines.

Overview of Faculties and Courses Offered at Wits 

Wits University offers a diverse range of undergraduate courses across five faculties, catering to students with various academic interests and career aspirations. Here’s an overview of the faculties and the courses they offer:

1. Faculty of Commerce, Law, and Management

This faculty is ideal for students interested in business, finance, law, and economics. Some of the popular courses include:

• Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) – with specializations in Accounting, Information Systems, Politics, Philosophy & Economics (PPE), and more.
• Bachelor of Accounting Science (BAccSci) – for students aiming to become Chartered Accountants.
• Bachelor of Economic Science (BEconSci) – focusing on advanced economics and mathematics.
• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) – offered as a four-year undergraduate course or as a two- or three-year postgraduate qualification for graduates.

DOWNLOAD WITS 2026 PROSPECTUS

2. Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment

This faculty trains students in various engineering disciplines and built environment professions. Some key courses include:

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSc Eng) – in fields such as Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Aeronautical, Mining, and Chemical Engineering.
• Bachelor of Engineering Science in Biomedical Engineering (BEngSc BME) – combining engineering with medical applications.
• Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) – for those interested in architecture and urban planning.
• Bachelor of Science in Construction Studies (BSc CS) – leading to careers in project management and quantity surveying.

3. Faculty of Health Sciences

Wits is renowned for its medical and health science courses, producing some of the country’s top healthcare professionals. courses include:

• Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBCh) – a six-year medical degree.
• Bachelor of Dental Science (BDS) – for aspiring dentists.
• Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) – training pharmacists for healthcare roles.
• Bachelor of Nursing (BNurs) – focusing on patient care and hospital management.
• Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy – preparing students for careers in rehabilitation and therapy.

4. Faculty of Humanities

This faculty offers a broad selection of degrees in arts, education, and social sciences. Popular courses include:

• Bachelor of Arts (BA) – a flexible degree with various majors such as Psychology, Political Science, Sociology, and Languages.
• Bachelor of Arts in Digital Arts, Film and Television, Theatre and Performance, and Fine Arts – ideal for students interested in creative industries.
• Bachelor of Education (BEd) – for those who want to become teachers in foundation, intermediate, and senior phases.
• Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) – focusing on social welfare and community development.

5. Faculty of Science

For students passionate about scientific exploration, innovation, and research, Wits offers:

• Bachelor of Science (BSc) – with streams in Biological Sciences, Physical Sciences, Earth Sciences, and Mathematical Sciences.
• Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Science – preparing students for careers in risk analysis and financial modeling.
• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science – for those interested in programming, AI, and data science.
• Bachelor of Science in Astronomy and Astrophysics – a specialized course for students fascinated by space and celestial phenomena.

Wits provides world-class education across all faculties, ensuring students gain the skills and knowledge needed for successful careers. Each faculty has specific admission requirements, so applicants should review the detailed criteria for their chosen course.

Wits 2026 Applications Admission Requirements

Applying to the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) for the 2026 academic year requires careful attention to the institution's specific entry requirements. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission, as selection is subject to the availability of places, academic results, and other entry requirements where applicable.

National Senior Certificate (NSC) Requirements:

Applicants must possess one of the following qualifications:

• National Senior Certificate (NSC) offered by the Department of Basic Education (DBE)
• Independent Examinations Board (IEB) certificate
• South African Comprehensive Assessment Institute (SACAI) certificate

Additionally, a Bachelor's degree pass is required. It's important to note that only one Matric upgrade or rewrite attempt is considered; applicants upgrading or rewriting Matric subjects for a second time will be unsuccessful.

Wits Admission Points Score (APS):

Wits calculates the APS based on the best seven subjects, including Life Orientation. Key considerations include:

• English: Must be taken as Home Language or First Additional Language.
• Mathematics: A core and compulsory subject for all numerate programs in the Faculties of Commerce, Law and Management, Engineering and the Built Environment, Science, and most programs in the Health Sciences Faculty.
• Mathematical Literacy: Considered for LLB, Education, and Humanities (except for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology).

Wits does not distinguish between designated and non-designated subjects when calculating the APS. Further Studies (previously Advanced Course) subjects are also included in the APS calculation.

National Benchmark Tests (NBT):

Certain faculties require applicants to write the NBT: https://www.nbt.ac.za/

• Faculty of Health Sciences: Applicants must write the NBT in person by 18 August. No online test results will be considered.
• Faculty of Humanities: Applicants to the Bachelor of Speech-Language Pathology and Bachelor of Audiology must write the NBT by 18 August.
• Faculty of Science: Applicants to the Bachelor of Science must write the NBT by 31 October.

Only the first attempt of the NBT within the most recent year is considered, and results are valid for three years. Ensure that your ID number is correct on both your Wits application and NBT registration to avoid any discrepancies.

For detailed information, refer to the Guide for Undergraduate Applicants, which provides comprehensive insights into Wits' offerings, campus life, and specific program requirements.

By thoroughly understanding and meeting these requirements, prospective students can enhance their chances of securing a place at Wits University for the 2026 academic year.

Wits 2026 Applications Required Documents

When applying to the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) for the 2026 academic year, it's essential to submit all required supporting documents to ensure a complete and successful application.

Required Supporting Documents:

Certified Copies of Academic Records:

• Current Matriculants: Upload your final Grade 11 report, signed and stamped by your school principal. A hard copy is not required.
• Already Matriculated Applicants: Upload certified copies of all your matric certificates or foreign school leaving certificates.
• Applicants with Tertiary Education: If you've attended any tertiary institution other than Wits, submit certified copies of all academic records, including a certificate of good conduct, even if the qualification was not completed. Ensure that the institution sends your full academic record and certificate of good conduct directly to the Student Enrolment Centre (SEnC).

Certified Copy of Identification Document:

• South African citizens should provide a certified copy of their ID.
• International applicants must submit a certified copy of their valid passport.

Proof of Payment for Application Fee:

• A non-refundable application fee of R100 for South African citizens and R700 for foreign citizens is required. Payment details are available on the Wits application portal.

Additional Programme-Specific Documents:

• Certain programs may require additional materials, such as portfolios for design courses, motivational letters, or CVs. Check the specific requirements for your chosen program on the Wits website.

How to Apply to Wits for 2026

All applications for undergraduate studies at Wits University must be submitted online via:
🌐 www.wits.ac.za/applications

Follow these five steps to complete your application:

1. Choose Your Course(s)

• You can apply for a maximum of three courses (Wits does not rank choices).
• Each course application is considered individually, so one outcome does not affect another.
• If applying to two courses in the same faculty, consider choosing at least one in a less competitive faculty (e.g. Humanities, Commerce, or Science).
• Be strategic in your choices, especially for competitive faculties like Health Sciences or Engineering.
• Some degrees have additional selection requirements, such as:
  • Portfolios and essays
  • Auditions
  • National Benchmark Test (NBT)
  • For details, visit: Wits Additional Requirements

2. Upload Supporting Documents

📌 All documents must be certified within the last three months.

Current Matric Applicants (Grade 12 in 2025)

• Upload your final Grade 11 report when applying.
• Hard copies of Grade 11 results are not required.

Past Matric Applicants (Completed Grade 12)

• Upload all final Grade 12 results.
• If you are upgrading Matric subjects, indicate which subjects (only the first upgrade attempt is considered).

Applicants with Tertiary Experience

• Upload an official academic transcript of all tertiary registrations (whether completed or not).
• The transcript must include a statement of good conduct (confirming good academic and financial standing).
• Tertiary applicants should apply for first-year studies, unless applying for a graduate course.
• The Faculty of Health Sciences does not accept transfer applicants.

 If required to submit hard copies, send them to:
Student Enrolment Centre
Private Bag 4, Wits, 2050
OR
Braamfontein Campus East, Ground Floor, Solomon Mahlangu House, Jorissen Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2000

You can upload documents via the student self-service portal after submitting your application. Emailed documents are not accepted.

3. Pay Your Wits Application Fee

• South African citizens & permanent residents: R100
• Foreign citizens: R700

How to Pay:

• Log in to the Wits self-service portal and navigate to:
  Campus Finances → Make a Payment → Application Fee
• OR deposit the exact amount into the Wits application fee account

📌 Use your Temporary ID or Student Number as a reference when making the payment.

Other Payment Options:

• EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer)
• Credit card (via the self-service portal)
• Direct deposit at any FNB branch

4. Submit Your Application

After submission, you will receive a confirmation email from Wits with:

• Your personal number (this becomes your student number).
• Details of your assigned Admissions Consultant for queries.
• Further instructions (e.g. writing the NBT, attending an interview, or submitting additional documents).

Conclusion

Applying to Wits University is an exciting step toward your academic and professional future. To ensure a smooth application process, it's essential to submit your application on time and complete all necessary documentation. Meeting the deadlines for applications and supporting documents, as well as ensuring your residence application is submitted by the 30th of September, will increase your chances of securing a spot.

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