Wits online application, courses, and closing dates for 2026/2027

Wits online application, courses, and closing dates for 2026/2027

The University of the Witwatersrand, famously known as Wits, is a South African university in Johannesburg. Wits has five faculties encompassing 33 schools. Prospective students must complete the Wits online application process to be considered for admission. Applications are done through the official university portal.

Students sitting at the Wits auditorium.
The University of the Witwatersrand is ranked first in Sub-Saharan Africa for innovation performance. Photo: @Wits - University of the Witwatersrand (modified by author)
Source: UGC

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Key takeaways

  • The Wits application for the 2027 intake is expected to open on 2 March 2026.
  • The general application closing date for most undergraduate programs is 30 September 2026.
  • Applications for courses in high-demand faculties like Health Sciences, Engineering, and Law often close earlier, typically by 30 June 2026.
  • The non-refundable application fee is R100 for South Africans and R700 for foreign citizens.

Wits online application, courses, and closing dates for 2026/2027

Wits University applications are highly competitive, with approximately 85,000 undergraduate applicants vying for only 6,000 first-year spots.

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Admission requires strong academic performance, generally an Admission Point Score (APS) of 34 or higher for most degrees, though a 30 APS is the minimum, often with many applicants having over five distinctions.

Ensure you meet or exceed the minimum requirements for your chosen program, as meeting the minimum does not guarantee a spot. Offers are made to top achievers first, meaning competitive programs close quickly, and only a small fraction of applicants are accepted.

How do you register online at Wits?

Here is a simple guide to help you complete your Wits undergraduate application in 2026:

  • Visit the Wits self-service portal and select the relevant option.
  • You will be guided on how to create a profile.
  • Ensure you use your current email address and current cell number, as you will be sent numerous emails and text messages with important information during and after submitting your application.
  • Once your login credentials have been created, you will be asked to confirm your email address.
  • You will be directed to the student portal to start your application. A series of details is required (these include contact details, employment information, and academic qualifications)
  • You will be asked to upload your academic qualifications and any other additional documents required before you can apply.
  • Once you have submitted the application, an email will be sent to you confirming that the application has been submitted. A letter of acknowledgement should follow the next day.
  • The uploaded documents will undergo verification to complete the application, after which the application will be sent to the school for evaluation.
  • Successful applicants are required to respond to their admission offers within a few days to secure their place.
  • Once you respond to the offer, download the acceptance guide.

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Additional information for international applicants

Wits students on campus grounds
Ensure you meet or exceed the minimum requirements for your chosen program, as meeting the minimum does not guarantee a spot at Wits. Photo: @Wits University (modified by author)
Source: Facebook

All international applicants are reminded that they must undergo an evaluation by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). The evaluation must be carried out before one’s university application can be deemed complete and ready for review.

Points to note for all applicants

Here are some essential tips to keep in mind for all applicants.

  • You will receive an email from Wits acknowledging the receipt of your application. This will contain a letter with your number and a contact person for you to reach out to for any queries.
  • When applying, do not input the duration of the program.
  • One may only apply for a maximum of three programs. The order of choices does not matter.
  • If you apply for more than one program in one faculty, you are advised to apply for one program in a less restricted faculty, such as the humanities, commerce, or science.
  • Applicants are advised to keep their options open, especially when applying for programs in high-demand faculties such as engineering and the health sciences.
  • All records of communication from Wits will be available on the student self-service portal.

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How to check your Wits application status

After completing your online application, prospective students are advised to check the status of their applications regularly. For this, one is advised to keep their contact details up to date on the self-service portal.

To view all correspondence generated on the Self-Service Portal, navigate to the main menu, then the self-service tab, and click on communication history. You can also check your application status by clicking on the ‘View Academic Application Status’ tab.

When logging in, make sure to use your number (not your T number) and the first six digits of your ID as the login credentials.

What is the closing date for the Wits online application in 2026?

For the 2027 intake, Wits University online applications generally open in March 2026, with key closing dates on 30 June 2026 (Health Sciences, Architecture, Engineering, Dramatic Arts, Film and TV) and 30 September 2026 (all other undergraduate programs, including residences). It is highly advised to apply early, as many programs fill up quickly.

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Does Wits have an online application fee?

South African citizens are charged R100, while international applicants are charged R700. All applicants are required to pay a Wits application fee before submitting their duly filled forms.

The fee is non-refundable and must be paid before the application window closes. Use only your personal/student number as a reference.

Wits students in campus and graduates
Wits offers are made to top achievers first, meaning competitive programs close quickly, and only a small fraction of applicants are accepted. Photo: @Wits University (modified by author)
Source: Facebook

Wits online fee payment methods

Applicants have two payment options they can use to pay the fee mentioned earlier. Here is a look at how to pay the Wits application fee online.

Bank deposit

  • Bank: First National Bank (FNB)
  • Account name: Wits University - Application Fees
  • Account number: 6307 5484 302
  • Branch: Braamfontein
  • Branch code: Braamfontein 251 905
  • Swift Code: FIRNJJ (for international applicants)
  • Reference: Personal or student number

Cash or credit card

One can pay the application fee by cash or credit card at the Wits Fees Office. The office is located on the ground floor of the Solomon Mahlangu House on the Braamfontein campus.

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Which courses are available at Wits?

Wits offers numerous university courses spread across five faculties and 33 schools. Here is a look at the five Wits faculties.

  • Science
  • Humanities and Education
  • Health Sciences
  • Engineering and the Built Environment
  • Commerce, Law, and Management

Here is a look at its courses under each faculty.

Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment

  • Bachelor of Science in Urban and Regional Planning
  • Bachelor of Science in Property Studies
  • Bachelor of Science in Construction Studies
  • Bachelor of Science (Engineering)
  • Bachelor of Engineering Science in Digital Arts
  • Bachelor of Engineering Science in Biomedical Engineering
  • Bachelor of Architectural Studies - BAS

Faculty of Commerce, Law, and Management

  • Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
  • Bachelor of Economic Science
  • Bachelor of Commerce with Law
  • Bachelor of Accounting Science
  • Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting)
  • Bachelor of Commerce (General, Economics, Human Resource Management, Finance, Management)
  • Bachelor of Commerce (Information Systems)
  • Bachelor of Commerce (Politics, Philosophy and Economics)

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Faculty of Health Sciences

  • Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy
  • Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy
  • Bachelor of Pharmacy - B. Pharm
  • Bachelor of Nursing
  • Bachelor of Medicine
  • Bachelor of Health Sciences - BHSc (Biomedical Sciences, Biokinetics or Health Systems Sciences)
  • Bachelor of Dentistry
  • Bachelor of Clinical Medical Practice

Faculty of Science

Bachelor of Science students in the Climate Change department at the University of the Witwatersrand (WITS)
Wits is a premier, research-intensive institution with a strong emphasis on social justice, producing high-level skills in fields like health, science, engineering, and law. Photo: @WICUS
Source: Facebook

The different fields of study covered in the Bachelor of Science (BSc) Program include:

  • Physical Sciences
  • Mathematical Sciences
  • Earth Sciences
  • Biological and Life Sciences

Faculty of Humanities

  • Bachelor of Speech-Language Pathology
  • Bachelor of Social Work
  • Bachelor of Music
  • Bachelor of Education
  • Bachelor of Audiology
  • Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Performance
  • Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts
  • Bachelor of Arts in Film and Television
  • Bachelor of Arts in Digital Arts
  • Bachelor of Arts

Does Wits offer part-time studies?

Wits has part-time degrees selected from undergraduate courses for prospective students who want to combine study and career development. Here is a look at the degree programs available at the university on a part-time basis.

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  • Honours in Psychology
  • BCom/BA Degree with Law
  • Bachelor of Science in Engineering
  • Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
  • Bachelor of Commerce

The Wits student portal

he Wits student portal

The Wits self-service portal grants every student at the University of the Witwatersrand the opportunity to do some things with ease. These include viewing their residence status (for those to whom it applies), personal information, and financial aid status.

Residence applications are anticipated to follow the 30 September 2026 deadline for the 2027 academic year, which must be submitted online via the Wits self-service portal. It is advised to apply for accommodation as soon as the system opens, as spaces are limited and there may be waiting lists.

One can also check and print their fee statement, update their personal information, pay their fees online, and even check examination results on the Wits student portal.

For more details, check the Wits 2026 prospectus. The prospectus covers admission requirements, fees, and accommodation.

Wits contacts

Here are the different ways one can get in touch with the institution.

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  • Location: 1 Jan Smuts Avenue, Braamfontein 2000, Johannesburg, South Africa
  • General enquiries: +27 (0)11 717 1000
  • Admission enquiries: +27 (0)11 717 1888

Does Wits allow late applications?

Wits University maintains strict application deadlines and does not accept late course applications. Therefore, it's crucial to submit your application before the specified closing dates to be considered for admission.

What is the Wits application 2027 opening date?

The Wits online application 2026 opening date - for the 2027 intake - is expected to be 2 March 2026. You may apply for a maximum of three programs (order of choice does not matter).

What is the Wits online application 2026 undergraduate closing date?

Applications for most undergraduate programs close on 30 September 2026. Residence applications close on 30 September 2026.

How to cancel an online application at Wits

If you change your mind after submitting your application, do not submit a new one. Instead, fill in the Wits Undergraduate Amendment Form and revise your choice. All applicants are advised to avoid making multiple changes to their initial applications.

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Can you pay the Wits application fee online?

You can pay the fee online using the Self-Service Portal. Navigate to the homepage and enter your login details. Select "Application Fee" and follow the prompts to complete the payment.

Is Wits a private university?

Wits is an open public university. It was founded in 1896 and became one of the first universities that did not allow for discrimination based on race or any other grounds.

It is recommended to check the official Wits Apply to Wits page for the official announcements and posts regarding Wits online application, courses, and closing dates for 2026/2027.

The Wits online application process is quite straightforward and designed to make it easy to join the world-renowned institution. With this guide, prospective students have all the necessary information regarding the documents, processes, and fees required from applicants.

Briefly.co.za published the Makwarela TVET college online application process. Makwarela TVET College is a government institution located in Thohoyandou, South Africa. It is a top-rated institution offering a variety of courses.

The institution was previously known as the Vocational College of Venda, Finyazwanda. Prospective students can apply for admission into various programs using the online application portal.

Source: Briefly News

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