Does Life Orientation count for APS at Wits?

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.

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

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.

How competitive is admission to Wits?

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.

Does Wits require the NBT?

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.

Does Wits accept Mathematical Literacy?

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.

What are extended programmes at Wits?

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.

When do Wits applications open and close?

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.

Can I change my programme choice after applying to Wits?

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.

What documents do I need to apply to Wits?

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.

Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

University of the Witwatersrand

In South Africa

#301-350

In the world

Wits is where you go if you want to study in Joburg and aim high. Some courses need 44+ APS and Maths, so bring your A-game if you want in.

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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.

Important Disclaimer

This APS calculator is for information only. We aim to be accurate based on public university requirements, but admission decisions are made by each university and may consider factors beyond APS scores.

We do not guarantee admission based on our calculations. Requirements may change, and universities may consider additional criteria such as:

Portfolio submissions, interviews, or entrance tests
Specific subject requirements and combinations
Language proficiency requirements
Availability of spaces in programs

Always verify admission requirements directly with the universities you're applying to. Use this tool as a starting point, not a definitive guide for applications.

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University of the Witwatersrand APS questions, answered.

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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?+

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