Hey Thabo, and all prospective students from Mpumalanga and beyond! Are you dreaming of a future where you solve real-world problems, from climate change to sustainable development, through cutting-edge science? Then the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) Faculty of Science might just be your perfect destination. For the highly anticipated 2027 intake, Wits offers a world-class education rooted in research and innovation, designed to equip you with the skills to make a tangible impact.
This comprehensive guide, based on the latest prospectus, is tailored to help you navigate the diverse undergraduate Bachelor of Science (BSc) programmes available. Remember, applications for 2027 close on 30 September 2026, and you'll need to write the National Benchmark Tests (NBT) by 31 October 2026. Let's explore your future in science at one of South Africa's most prestigious institutions!
Navigating Your Future: Why Choose Wits Science?
Hey Thabo, and all prospective students! Dreaming of tackling global challenges like climate change? Wits University's Faculty of Science offers a world-class education for the 2027 intake, focused on research and innovation. Applications close 30 September 2026, and NBTs must be completed by 31 October 2026 (register at www.nbt.ac.za).
A Wits BSc degree (typically 3 years full-time) requires a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a Bachelor's pass. You'll join a faculty renowned for interdisciplinary learning, with access to cutting-edge facilities like the Wits Anglo American Digital Dome and the Sterkfontein Caves. Wits boasts 97% international research publication and 96% graduate employment within six months.
General BSc admission requires an APS of 42+, with English 5 and Maths 5. An APS of 40-41 may lead to a waitlist. Remember, meeting minimums doesn't guarantee admission due to high demand. Programmes are flexible, allowing you to combine majors, requiring at least two Level III majors (one in Science) and 144 credits per level. International applicants should consult page 31 of the prospectus.
Dive into Biological Sciences: Understanding Life on Earth
If you're fascinated by living organisms, from the microscopic world of genes to the vastness of ecosystems, Wits' Biological Sciences programmes offer an enriching journey. Housed within the School of Animal, Plant & Environmental Sciences or Molecular & Cell Biology, these programmes generally require an APS of 43+, with English 5 and Maths 5. An APS of 41-42 might place you on the waitlist.
BSc in Biological Sciences (SBA11) - Various Majors
This flexible programme allows specialisation in several critical areas, combining foundational life sciences, chemistry, and mathematics with advanced, specialised coursework:
- Applied Ecology & Global Change: Focuses on ecological principles and their application to environmental challenges, preparing you for roles as a biodiversity planner, conservationist, or researcher.
- Biodiversity in a Changing World: Emphasises understanding and conserving the variety of life, leading to careers in biology education, veterinary research, or conservation.
- Applied Bioinformatics: Integrates biology with data science, equipping you for roles in biostatistics, genomics, drug discovery, or as a healthcare scientist, involving molecular biology and data analysis.
- Biochemistry & Cell Biology: Explores the molecular processes fundamental to life and cell function. Graduates can become biomedical scientists, forensic scientists, or nanotechnologists.
- Genetics & Developmental Biology: Unravels the mysteries of heredity and organism development, opening doors to genetic counselling, pharmacogenetics, and research science.
- Microbiology & Biotechnology: Concentrates on microorganisms and their industrial applications. Graduates find roles in brewing, food security, pharmacology, and water quality research.
Exploring Earth Sciences: Unveiling Our Planet's Secrets
The Earth Sciences programmes, from the Schools of Geosciences and Geography/Archaeology/Environmental Studies, explore our planet's processes, resources, and environment. These programmes provide unique field opportunities and practical skills. General requirements are APS 42+, English 5, Maths 5 (waitlist 40-41), though some have higher Maths/Physical Sciences requirements.
- BSc in Geographical & Archaeological Sciences (SBA10): Integrates human and physical geography with archaeology, covering Earth/atmospheric processes, GIS, and advanced geographical topics. Careers include tourism development, heritage management, and contract archaeology.
- BSc in Environmental Studies (SBA22): Focuses on environmental solutions, people-environment interactions in Africa, and sustainability. Prepares for roles as an environmental consultant, climate analyst, or tourism officer.
- BSc in Geospatial Sciences (SBA20): Ideal for location intelligence, covering engineering surveying, geospatial programming, remote sensing, and spatial analysis. Leads to careers as a cartographer, GIS analyst, or remote sensing scientist.
- BSc in Geological Sciences (SBA09): Requires APS 42+, English 5, Maths 6, Physical Sciences 5. Delves into the Earth's structure, resources, and history through geology, mineralogy, and applied geology. Career paths include mining geologist, hydrogeologist, or palaeontologist.
Mastering Mathematical Sciences: The Language of Innovation
If you have a strong aptitude for numbers, logic, and problem-solving, Wits' Mathematical Sciences programmes, delivered through the Schools of Mathematics, Computer Science/Applied Maths, and Statistics/Actuarial Science, will equip you with highly sought-after skills in data, algorithms, and modelling.
- BSc in Actuarial Science (SBA03): A rigorous programme requiring APS 44+, English 7, Maths 7, Physical Sciences 7. Specialises in actuarial science, mathematical statistics, and economic principles, leading to careers in banking, consulting, and risk management.
- BSc in Computational & Applied Mathematics (SBA21): Requires APS 44+, English 5, Maths 6. Combines theoretical mathematics with practical applications in computation and modelling. Graduates work in analytics, forecasting, operations research, or as data scientists.
- BSc in Computer Science (SBA13): Requires APS 44+, English 5, Maths 6. Provides a strong foundation in computer science, mathematics, and computational applications. Prepares for roles in software development, data science, cybersecurity, and AI engineering.
- BSc in Mathematical Sciences (SBA08): A comprehensive programme requiring APS 44+, English 7, Maths 7, Physical Sciences 7. Focuses on mathematics, computational & applied mathematics, and mathematical statistics, leading to careers in banking and statistics.
Unpacking Physical Sciences: Exploring Matter, Energy, and the Cosmos
Delve into the fundamental principles governing the universe with Wits' Physical Sciences programmes, offered through the Schools of Chemistry and Physics, providing a robust foundation for understanding the natural world.
- BSc in Physical Sciences (Chemistry) (SBA12): Requires APS 42+, English 5, Maths 6, Physical Sciences 5. Covers general, applied, and advanced chemistry, preparing for careers in biotechnology, forensic science, and the petrochemical industry.
- BSc in Chemistry with Chemical Engineering (SBA04): A unique interdisciplinary programme with higher requirements (APS 43+, English 5, Maths 6, Physical Sciences 6). Combines chemistry with engineering analysis, design, and process fundamentals for roles in process engineering and biotechnology.
- BSc in Astronomy & Astrophysics (SBA15): For those fascinated by the cosmos, requiring APS 43+, English 5, Maths 6, Physical Sciences 6. Focuses on physics, mathematics, computational methods, and astrophysics. Leads to careers as an astrophysicist or physicist.
- BSc in Physical Sciences (Physics) (SBA12): Requires APS 42+, English 5, Maths 6, Physical Sciences 5. Provides a strong foundation in physics, mathematics, and chemistry. Graduates pursue diverse fields like education, environmental science, and software engineering.
The University of the Witwatersrand's Faculty of Science offers an unparalleled academic experience, preparing you not just for a career, but for a future of innovation and impact. Whether your passion lies in deciphering the complexities of living organisms, exploring Earth's geological wonders, mastering the intricacies of data, or understanding the fundamental laws of the universe, Wits has a programme tailored for you.
Remember to mark your calendar: applications for the 2027 intake close on 30 September 2026, and NBTs must be completed by 31 October 2026. Don't miss this opportunity to join a vibrant academic community in Johannesburg. For more in-depth information, visit www.wits.ac.za/science or email the Faculty at science.ug@wits.ac.za. Wits also administers approximately R1.5 billion in scholarships annually, so be sure to check pages 33-36 in the prospectus for funding opportunities. Good luck, Thabo, and all prospective students—your journey into science awaits!