Question 1

How does Wits calculate my APS score?

Accepted Answer

Wits uses a different system from most universities. It looks at all 7 matric subjects, including Life Orientation, and gives extra weighting to English and Mathematics. Other subjects usually score up to 7 points, while Life Orientation is capped lower. That is why your Wits APS is not comparable to your UP or UJ APS.

Question 2

Does Life Orientation count for APS at Wits?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Wits is one of the few universities that includes Life Orientation in APS. It still has less impact than your main academic subjects because LO is capped lower. A good LO mark can help, but it will not carry your application if your core subjects are weak.

Question 3

What APS do I need for the most popular courses at Wits?

Accepted Answer

Indicative Wits minimums on its higher-point scale are around 42+ for engineering, about 40+ for BCom Accounting, roughly 38+ for BA Law, and around 36+ for general BSc options. Medicine uses a composite index instead of straight APS. These are minimums, and real cutoffs are often higher because Wits is very competitive.

Question 4

How competitive is admission to Wits?

Accepted Answer

Very competitive. Wits receives far more applications than it has first-year places, and Medicine is one of the biggest pressure points. Meeting the published minimum does not guarantee a place, so it helps to apply early and include a realistic backup choice.

Question 5

Does Wits require the NBT?

Accepted Answer

Wits requires National Benchmark Tests for Health Sciences and some Science placement decisions. Medicine uses a composite index that combines school results and NBT performance. If you are aiming for a competitive health programme, you should register on nbt.ac.za and write early enough for your results to reach Wits.

Question 6

Does Wits accept Mathematical Literacy?

Accepted Answer

Wits accepts Mathematical Literacy for some programmes, including parts of Humanities, selected Education routes, Social Work, and a few diplomas. It does not work for Engineering, Medicine, most Science degrees, BCom Accounting, or IT-heavy options. A high APS still will not override a missing Pure Maths requirement.

Question 7

What are extended programmes at Wits?

Accepted Answer

Wits offers extended versions of some degrees for applicants who are close to the mainstream requirement but need more academic support. These usually add a foundation year before the rest of the degree. You still graduate with the same qualification, just over a longer timeline.

Question 8

When do Wits applications open and close?

Accepted Answer

Wits undergraduate applications usually open in March and the priority closing date is 30 September. Health Sciences applicants should not wait that long because competitive selection starts earlier in practice. The application fee is usually R100, and Wits uses the self-service.wits.ac.za portal.

Question 9

Can I change my programme choice after applying to Wits?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if the new programme is still open. You usually update your choices on the Wits self-service portal instead of starting a brand-new application. It helps to use your three choices carefully and keep at least one realistic option in a less restricted faculty.

Question 10

What documents do I need to apply to Wits?

Accepted Answer

You usually need a certified copy of your ID, your Grade 11 results if you are still in matric, proof of the application fee payment, and any extra documents required by your course. Wits may ask for more for certain programmes. Upload everything through the self-service portal and keep copies ready.

University of the Witwatersrand

Calculate your APS score

University of the Witwatersrand APS questions, answered.

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University of the Witwatersrand

Calculate your APS score

University of the Witwatersrand APS questions, answered.

Need help with University of the Witwatersrand?

How does Wits calculate my APS score?-

Does Life Orientation count for APS at Wits?+

What APS do I need for the most popular courses at Wits?+

How competitive is admission to Wits?+

Does Wits require the NBT?+

Does Wits accept Mathematical Literacy?+

What are extended programmes at Wits?+

When do Wits applications open and close?+

Can I change my programme choice after applying to Wits?+

What documents do I need to apply to Wits?+

Important Disclaimer