Wits University

ABOUT US

Wits is a remarkable university that is internationally distinguished for its excellent research, high academic standards and commitment to social justice.

Our partners, networks and relationships serve as catalysts for the great ideas that help us to make the impossible, incredible. We invite you to join us on our extraordinary journey to effect meaningful change in society and pave the way for a bright future for generations to come.

Wits University offers a wealth of sightseeing and educational opportunities for tourists and first-time visitors.

Take a virtual tour of our campuses which are spread over more than 400 acres in Parktown and Braamfontein. Maps are easily accessible to help visitors navigate and enjoy our world-class facilities. Experience the arts by browsing through our current events or discover the diversity of our rich heritage by visiting one of our museums or centres here. 

About our venues

Looking for a venue to host your next event? Wits is centrally located in Johannesburg and has a wide range of venues to cater from conferences and workshops, to sporting, social and cultural events.

Our venues

• Great Hall
• Linder Auditorium
• Wits Club
• Wits Theatre
• WitsSport Venues

About Schools Liaison

The Wits Schools Liaison team forms the link between high school and university allowing a smooth transitional process for the student. The Schools Liaison Office gives the student a holistic understanding of what is expected of them at university level.

Request a visit

If your school would like a visit from Wits University, click through to the online form to request a visit. Please note that only educators may make appointment requests on behalf of a school.

STUDY AT WITS

Study at Wits

Wits offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes and degrees which are internationally recognised.

Undergraduate

Students applying to study at Wits apply through the Student Enrolment Centre (SEnC). All academic applications and enquiries related to; accommodation, sport and other bursaries, career education, curriculum planning and selection test information are dealt with here.

Postgraduate

Looking to enhance your career? Need the competitive edge? Join Wits, one of the leading research intensive universities in South Africa, to further your postgraduate studies.

It has come to our attention that a website unknown to Wits University (www.saadmissions.com) is promoting information on SA universities and inviting online applications into the South African public Universities. Please note that Wits University has no knowledge of this entity and has no association with it whatsoever. Anyone who transacts through this site does so at their own risk.

Wits has a distinct and proud reputation for its academic and research excellence, innovation, enlightened discourse and its ability to

provide a platform to allow differing voices to be heard. It has a proud record of standing up for social justice, freedom and democracy and is inspired to build on its current achievements to create a better future for all.

The University provides a platform for intellectual debate and critical thinking across many disciplines. Wits offers a comprehensive choice of postgraduate programmes across five faculties.

Our postgraduate students are afforded a platform to engage in real life research issues that affect not only the surrounding communities but the country, continent and the global village at large. Higher degree qualifications at Wits result from more mature teaching and learning requirements as well as a deeper and more academic focus.

Applications for Pure Research Degrees are considered throughout the academic year (PhD and Master’s by Research). Applicants are advised to consult the Faculty before submitting the application.

You can apply online and can only apply for a maximum of two programmes and two fields of study each, allowing a maximum of four postgraduate choices on the application.

Wits Plus, Centre for Part-Time Studies

The Wits Plus Centre at the University of the Witwatersrand offers quality undergraduate degree and certificate course classes on a part-time and after hours basis on the University campus, giving you the opportunity to combine study and career development with your working life.

Our BA and BCom degrees combine the most sought after courses in the faculties of Humanities and Commerce and our short certificate courses are career-directed and flexible.

Is Wits Plus for you?

If life and your career is a full-time job and you can’t study full-time but you need to learn more to earn more or advance yourself then Wits Plus is definitely for you!

We understand that professionals and more mature adults need their studies to fit in with their lifestyle or career. Lectures are held in the evenings (17:30-21:00), with certain courses requiring attendance on Saturday mornings (09:00-13:00). All our courses are offered in English.

Wits Plus students are typically over 23 and professionals who are focused on making the most of the benefits of learning but still want the dynamic, spirited experience of studying at the University of the Witwatersrand. If you can manage the dual challenge of successfully combining work and study then Wits Plus offers you:

• Top lecturers - providing you with a top education,
• Professional respect,
• Multiple teaching methods - which provide a variety of study stimuli,
• An extended study period that is flexible and optimises learning,
• Smaller classes with peer interaction, enabling networking.
• The Wits Plus building is situated on the University of the Witwatersrand's Braamfontein Campus West and offers our part-time students a one-stop administration service, access to a 30 seat computer laboratory as well as refreshment facilities. Lectures are held in purpose-built lecture rooms and there are two libraries on the West Campus, with a professional librarian available on Saturdays to support part-time students. Secure, well-lit parking is provided and part-time students are encouraged to make use of other Wits facilities such as the Health and Wellness Centre, the Counselling and Careers Development Unit (CCDU) and the Writing Centre.

International Students

The University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg (Wits), is a leading research and postgraduate university in the commercial heart of Africa.

Checklist

Apply to Wits

Sign and return Letter of Acceptance from the University to validate acceptance or accept offer on the Student Self Service Portal.

Valid Passport

• Apply for Study Visa. (When collecting your Study Visa, check the date of issue and expiry. Ensure that the visa is issued for the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg or any of its variations
• Apply for South African Medical Aid Cover with a registered South African Medical Aid Provider until 31 December (Refer to Medical Aid section under "Applying to Wits")
• Travel arrangements to South Africa
• Please carry a set of clothing in your hand luggage
• Arrange for funds for fees and living expenses
• Arrange for shuttle transfer to Wits University or place of residence
• Undergraduate students should bring their Original School Leaving Certificates and /or Tertiary Qualifications for Matriculation Exemption

Welcome to the Schools Liaison Office

The Wits Schools Liaison Office is a dynamic team that forms the link between high school and university allowing a smooth transitional process for the student. The Schools Liaison Office offer students a holistic understanding of what is expected of them at university level.

National Benchmark Tests and the National Senior Certificate: Please click here for clarity.

Our Schools Liaison Officers visit a vast number of schools and advise learners about:

• Admission requirements
• Career opportunities
• The range of degree courses offered at Wits
• Fees and funding
• Student life on campus
• The University's core function
• Other activities of the unit include:
• Presentations to Grade 9, 10, 11 and 12 learners
• Participation in University open days
• Parents evenings
• Career exhibitions
• Career evenings
• Campus tours etc.

Short courses and part-time studies at Wits

Wits offers a wide array of short courses, part-time and online study options across a broad spectrum of disciplines.

Whether its time to brush up on your Mandarin or you are looking to reskill or keep up-to-date with developments in your profession, with courses that range from ethics and project management to mineral economics and human resources management, Wits may have a course for you.

Our short courses cater for a diverse market, ranging from young professionals and postgraduate students to private and public service executives and working professionals.

Wits accredited courses are taught by top university lecturers or sessional lecturers. Depending on the learning outcome, candidates will earn a certificate of attendance or competence, CPD recognition points or a degree or diploma qualification. Courses vary in length from a single day to over a year, and are delivered in a variety of modes, such as evening classes, seminars, single blocks of study or block-release sessions over a year.

Register online for the 2018 academic year

Registration is the process of enrolling for your academic programme at Wits.

All successful applicants and returning students are required to register with the University before beginning their studies.

Campus life

At Wits we know that there’s more to university life than just study. Find a platform to express your talents and find new friendships in a community rich in heritage and social interaction.

As an urban based university situated in the heart of the commercial hub of Johannesburg, Wits is a place where ideas, passions and questions can be fully explored.

With over 100 clubs and societies, various art events, exhibitions, and student-run productions, you'll always find something new to experience at Wits.

Take advantage of a variety of student resources on offer. Some services include:

The Counselling, Careers and Development Unit (CCDU) - provides services in Personal Counselling, Career Counselling, Psychometric Career Assessments, Graduate Recruitment and HIV-AIDS education and support.

Campus Health and Wellness - attends to your medical queries and problems.

Campus housing - offers the ultimate residence experience on campus.

The Disability Rights Unit – provides support to students with disabilities.

Faculties and Schools

Wits University has 5 faculties encompassing the Sciences, Commerce, Law, Management, Engineering, Health Sciences and Humanities with 33 schools offering over 3000 courses.

Research at Wits

A leading African research intensive university actively engaged in quality research in fields of natural science, medical & health science, social science, humanities and engineering.