How to Apply at University of Witwatersrand for 2027

Applying to the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) for the 2027 academic year requires careful planning and attention to detail. This guide will walk you through each step of the application process, from understanding key dates to accepting an offer, ensuring you have all the necessary information for a successful application.

Key Application Dates for 2027 Intake

It is crucial to be aware of the specific opening and closing dates for applications to Wits for the 2027 intake:

• Applications for the 2027 intake will open in March 2026.
• Closing Date: 30 June 2026
  • All programmes in the Faculty of Health Sciences
  • Bachelor of Architectural Studies
  • Bachelor of Audiology
  • Bachelor of Speech-Language Pathology
  • BA Film and TV
• Closing Date: 30 September 2026
  • All other undergraduate programmes
  • Residence applications

Step 1: Understand the Application Process and Requirements

Before you begin, ensure you meet the admission requirements for your chosen degree. You can apply for a maximum of three programmes. The order of choice does not matter. Remember to use your full names as they appear on your ID book/card or passport, avoiding initials or nicknames.

It is advisable to keep your study options open, especially when applying for programmes in competitive faculties like Health Sciences or Engineering. If you apply for two programmes within one Faculty, consider applying for one programme in a less restricted faculty such as Humanities, Commerce, or Science.

When completing the application, do not enter the duration of the programme; you are applying to go into the first year of study. In line with the POPI Act, applicants must complete their own applications and accept the University's legal declaration of indemnity and undertaking. Wits will not engage with third-party agents.

Step 2: Pay Application Fee and Upload Supporting Documents

A non-refundable application fee of R100 is required. Ensure this payment is made before the closing dates.

How to Pay Your Application Fee:

• Self-Service Portal: Log in using your person/student number and date of birth (YYMMDD). Click the Campus Finances tile, then select 'Make a Payment' > 'Application Fee'.
• Bank Deposit/EFT: Deposit the exact amount into the FNB Wits University - Application Fees account: Account Number 6307 5484 302, Branch code 251905. For international payments, the swift code is FIRNZAJJ. Always use only your person/student number as the reference.

Uploading Supporting Documents:

You can upload documents at the time of application or later via the student self-service portal (self-service.wits.ac.za). Click the 'Documents and Communications' tile, then the 'Manage Documents' button.

• Current Matrics: Upload your final Grade 11 results. Hard copies are not required.
• Already Matriculated: Upload certified copies of all your matric certificates or foreign school leaving certificates.
• Other Tertiary Institutions: Upload certified copies of official academic records from ALL tertiary registrations (even if not completed), including a statement/certificate of good conduct.
• Previously Excluded Wits Students: Upload your ADM Motivation via the self-service portal.

Some degrees may have additional selection requirements such as a portfolio, essay submission, audition, or National Benchmark Test (NBT). Check the specific course entry for these details.

Step 3: Acknowledgement of Application

After submitting your application, Wits will email you to confirm receipt. This email will include a person number (which will become your student number) and contact details for an Admissions Consultant to assist with queries.

All correspondence and updates from the University will be available on the student self-service portal (self-service.wits.ac.za). Regularly check your 'Communication History' and 'View Academic Application Status' on the portal, and keep your contact details updated.

Step 4: Application Status and Offers

The Wits student self-service portal is your primary resource for tracking your application. Regularly click the 'Manage Documents' button to ensure all required documentation has been received; an incomplete application will not be considered.

Offers of a Place:

• Provisional Offers: Current Matric applicants may receive a provisional offer based on self-reported Grade 11 results.
• Firm Offers: Firm offers are only confirmed after Wits receives your final matric results.

Each degree choice is treated as a separate application. If you receive a firm offer, you must access the self-service portal to accept it and complete the student contract to register. A first fee payment will also be required, though postponement options are available if you are awaiting NSFAS feedback. Places are limited, so you can only accept one offer before the stipulated cut-off date.

If you are waitlisted, refer to the Wits website for information on the waitlist process. Should you change your mind about your study choice, do NOT submit a new application. Instead, amend your choices on the self-service portal, ensuring applications are still open for your new selection.

Admission to Wits requires strong academic results. Initial assessments are based on your final Grade 11 results, with final decisions made once your official matric results are available.

Need Help?

For quick assistance, refer to Kudubot on the Wits website. You can also contact the Wits Student Call Centre at +27 (0) 11 717 1888, email ask.wits@wits.ac.za, or log a query via the 'Ask Wits' portal.