What You Need to Know About Wits
Wits sits in the middle of Johannesburg and carries a reputation as one of SA's strongest research universities. It's ranked number one in Africa in global rankings, so competition for a spot is real. If your APS is on the lower side, you'll need to pick your programme carefully, because Wits doesn't hand out easy admission.
Some degrees like BA (General) are reachable with 36+ APS, but flagship programmes like LLB or Accounting Science ask for 44+ APS or higher. This isn't a university where you can wing it with average marks, but it's absolutely worth the shot if you're putting in the work now.
What APS Do You Need?
Wits doesn't use the standard out-of-42 APS scale. Wits calculates your APS from your best seven subjects, including Life Orientation, but LO counts for less than your other subjects. English and Maths carry bonus weighting, and the maximum possible score is 56.
Here's what that looks like per programme: BA (General) wants 36+ APS with at least English level 5. BEd (Foundation and Senior Phase) needs 37+ APS, English level 5, and Maths level 4 or Maths Literacy level 5. BCom (General) asks for 38+ APS with English level 5 and Maths level 5.
Civil Engineering wants 42+ APS, English level 5, Maths level 5, and Physical Sciences level 5. Accounting Science (BAccSc) needs 44+ APS, English level 5, and Maths level 6. LLB (four-year) is the toughest on this list at 46+ APS, with English level 6 and Maths level 5, or Maths Literacy level 6. If you're doing Maths Literacy, programmes like Accounting Science and Civil Engineering are not going to work for you.
Fees and Funding
Figuring out how you're going to pay for varsity is stressful, and Wits fees differ by faculty and programme. Wits publishes the exact breakdown in its annual Fees Book. You can also use the Fee Estimator on the Student Self-Service Portal for your specific course cost. Tuition for 2027 hasn't been published yet, so check the official Wits page for exact details once it drops.
If you're relying on NSFAS, you're not alone, since most Wits students need some form of financial aid. NSFAS covers tuition, accommodation, and a living allowance if you qualify, and applications typically open in late November and close on 31 January. Get your NSFAS application in as early as possible, because the queue only gets longer closer to the deadline.
Life on Campus
Wits sits right in Johannesburg, close to public transport routes if you're commuting from home instead of staying in res. Check the official Wits page for exact details on res costs, availability, and campus facilities, since specifics change often.
Not sure if your marks are enough to get in? Use our free APS calculator to check where you stand before you apply.
