How do I apply to Wits?

Apply online through the official Wits application portal. Create a profile, choose your programme, upload certified copies of your ID and latest results, pay the application fee if there is one, and submit before the closing date. Keep the reference number you get at the end.

When do Wits applications open and close?

Most South African universities open applications between March and May and close between June and September for the next year. Selection programmes like medicine and actuarial science close earliest. Confirm the exact Wits dates on the official site before you apply.

Can I apply to Wits with my Grade 11 results?

Yes. Wits, like most South African universities, lets you apply using your Grade 11 final or Grade 12 mid-year results. Any offer is conditional until your final matric (NSC) results meet the requirements.

How much is the Wits application fee?

Application fees differ by university and change each year. Many universities waive the fee for South African citizens who apply online, while others charge about R100 to R250. Check the current fee on the Wits admissions page before you pay.

Do I apply for residence and funding separately at Wits?

Yes. Residence and NSFAS funding are separate applications from your academic application at Wits. Apply for all three at the same time, because residence places and funding deadlines fill up early.

How do I check my Wits application status?

Log in to the official Wits application or student portal with your reference number and ID number, and open the application status page. Many universities also let you check by SMS, WhatsApp or their call centre. Your status shows whether you are still in process, provisionally admitted, or not admitted.

How long does Wits take to respond?

Wits usually sends a conditional offer within a few weeks if you applied with Grade 11 marks. The firm offer comes after the final matric (NSC) results are released in mid-January, once the university can confirm you met the requirements.

What must I do if Wits makes me an offer?

Accept the offer in the portal as your firm choice, pay the registration deposit by the deadline to hold your place, and decline offers from other universities so someone on the waiting list can take them. Then confirm your registration and residence dates.

What if Wits does not accept me?

You still have options. Apply to another university that is still open, choose a TVET college, start with a Higher Certificate or a foundation programme that builds up to a degree, or upgrade your matric marks and apply again next year.

Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

University of the WitwatersrandAPS Calculator

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.

Calculate my APS See full university guide

Apps open02 Mar - 30 Sept 2026

Applications close on 30 September 2026, while Health Sciences closes on 30 June 2026.

How to apply to Wits

1
Go to the Wits application portal
Start at wits.ac.za/applications.
2
Prepare your documents
Upload certified Grade 11 results, your ID, and any extra programme documents.
3
Choose up to three programmes in order of preference
Rank your strongest option first and check faculty requirements early.
4
Pay the fee and submit before the deadline
Pay the non-refundable R100 fee and use your person number as the reference.

Fees & funding

Wits charges a non-refundable R100 application fee. Apply for NSFAS early, and keep an eye on merit and entrance scholarships too.

How to apply for NSFAS

Key dates

Applications open

2 March 2026

Applications close

30 September 2026

Residence applications due

30 September 2026

Go to Wits application portal

Similar to Wits: UJ, UP, UCT

You've submitted, now keep track of your response and your next admin steps.

Check your application status

See if Wits has responded.

Understanding your response

Wits can reply with accepted, provisionally accepted pending final results, waitlisted, or unsuccessful. Most students hear back within 4 to 8 weeks.

Got an offer?

Accept your offer on the Wits portal before the deadline. If you still need housing or funding, finish your residence and NSFAS steps too.

Didn't get in?

It's not the end. Here are your options:

Rewrite matric

Improve your marks and reapply.

Try other unis

See where your current APS still fits.

Gap year

Work, volunteer, and plan your next cycle.

Similar to Wits: UJ, UP, UCT

Applying to Wits: common questions

More on how to apply to university, and what happens next.

Full applying guide

Apply

University of the WitwatersrandAPS Calculator

How to apply to Wits

Fees & funding

Key dates

Understanding your response

Got an offer?

Didn't get in?

Applying to Wits: common questions

Related

Apply to university hub

How to apply to university

What happens after you apply

Check your application status

APS Calculator

Browse courses by university

University of the WitwatersrandAPS Calculator

How to apply to Wits

Fees & funding

Key dates

Understanding your response

Got an offer?

Didn't get in?

Applying to Wits: common questions

How do I apply to Wits?+

When do Wits applications open and close?+

Can I apply to Wits with my Grade 11 results?+

How much is the Wits application fee?+

Do I apply for residence and funding separately at Wits?+

How do I check my Wits application status?+

How long does Wits take to respond?+

What must I do if Wits makes me an offer?+

What if Wits does not accept me?+

Related

Apply to university hub

How to apply to university

What happens after you apply

Check your application status

APS Calculator

Browse courses by university