University of the Witwatersrand Overview
The University of the Witwatersrand, commonly known as Wits University, is a prestigious public research university located in Johannesburg, South Africa. Founded in 1922, Wits is recognized for its strong emphasis on research, innovation, and academic excellence. It offers a wide variety of undergraduate and postgraduate programs and is considered one of the leading universities on the African continent.
University of the Witwatersrand Offered Programs
- Bachelor of Arts (BA)
- Bachelor of Commerce (BCom)
- Bachelor of Science (BSc)
- Bachelor of Engineering (BEng)
- Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc)
- Bachelor of Law (LLB)
- Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBChB)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Public Health (MPH)
- Master of Science (MSc)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Postgraduate Diplomas and Certificates across various fields
University of the Witwatersrand Tuition Fees
| Program Level | Estimated Annual Tuition (ZAR) |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 40,000 – 60,000 |
| Postgraduate | 45,000 – 70,000 |
University of the Witwatersrand Required Documents and Admission Requirements
- Completed application form
- Certified copy of South African ID or passport
- National Senior Certificate (NSC) with required APS score depending on the program
- Academic transcripts from previous studies
- Proof of English proficiency if applicable
- For postgraduate programs: relevant undergraduate degree
- Motivation letter and/or letters of recommendation for certain programs
University of the Witwatersrand Deadlines
| Application Stage | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|
| Application Opens | March |
| Application Deadline | September |
| Registration Period | January (following year) |
| Academic Year Start Date | February |
University of the Witwatersrand Scholarships Offerings
- Merit-based scholarships for outstanding academic achievement
- Financial aid and need-based bursaries
- Faculty-specific scholarships in health sciences, engineering, and humanities
- National research foundation scholarships for postgraduate research
- Leadership and diversity scholarships
University of the Witwatersrand Rankings
| Ranking Body | Country Rank | World Rank |
|---|---|---|
| QS World University Rankings | 2nd in South Africa | 400-450 |
| Times Higher Education (THE) | 2nd in South Africa | 501-600 |
| Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) | Top 2 in South Africa | 401-500 |
University of the Witwatersrand Acceptance Rate
Wits University has an estimated acceptance rate of approximately 60%, reflecting a competitive but accessible admissions process for a range of programs.
University of the Witwatersrand Student Campus Life
Wits offers a rich campus life with numerous student clubs, cultural groups, and sporting facilities. The university encourages student involvement in social justice, arts, and leadership activities. Facilities include libraries, gyms, cafeterias, and health centers.
Accommodation options:
- On-Campus Residences: Various halls and apartments, mostly shared rooms with communal facilities
- Off-Campus Housing: Private apartments and shared housing options in Johannesburg
University of the Witwatersrand Cost of Living
Living expenses in Johannesburg vary, but students typically budget for accommodation, food, transport, and personal costs. The city provides a balance of affordability and urban lifestyle.
| Expense Category | Estimated Monthly Cost (ZAR) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | 4,000 – 7,000 |
| Food and Groceries | 2,500 – 3,500 |
| Transportation | 700 – 1,200 |
| Personal Expenses | 1,500 – 2,500 |
University of the Witwatersrand Contact Informations
- Website: wit.ac.za
- Phone Number: +27 11 717 1000
- Email Address: info@wits.ac.za
- Address: 1 Jan Smuts Avenue, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2000, South Africa
University of the Witwatersrand Online Application
Applicants can apply online via the university’s application system. It is important to prepare all required documents and meet specific program criteria. Early application is advised to increase chances of acceptance and scholarship consideration.