Wits requires a National Senior Certificate with the endorsement matching the qualification you are applying for, together with the composite score and subject requirements published by the relevant faculty. Several faculties also weight National Benchmark Test results.
Because each Wits faculty publishes its own requirements and calculates its own score, there is no single Wits entry standard. Work out your position against the specific faculty rather than against a general figure.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
Applications are generally assessed on the following.
- A National Senior Certificate with the endorsement matching the qualification
- The points score the institution calculates by its own published method
- Subject requirements specific to the programme
- English or the language of instruction at the level required
- Available places, since popular programmes are oversubscribed
- Additional selection for some programmes, such as portfolios or interviews
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
Degree study requires a National Senior Certificate with bachelor degree endorsement. Wits also offers extended and foundation programmes for applicants who meet the endorsement but fall below the standard entry score, and these are a genuine route rather than a lesser one.
Programme-specific requirements are revised between intake years, so confirm them against the current prospectus for the year you are applying for rather than relying on figures published elsewhere.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
Mathematics is required for science, engineering, health science and commerce programmes, and Mathematical Literacy is not accepted for them. Physical Sciences is additionally required for engineering and most health science programmes.
Where National Benchmark Tests are weighted, results must be available before the faculty makes its decision. Book sittings as early as possible, since late results are a common avoidable cause of an application stalling.
Documents and Application Requirements
Applications normally require the following.
- A certified copy of your identity document
- Your National Senior Certificate or latest statement of results
- Proof of the application fee, where one is charged
- Your final matric results, used to confirm any conditional offer
- A SAQA evaluation certificate, if you hold a foreign qualification
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
Places at Wits are limited and competition is significant across most faculties. Meeting the published requirement puts you into the pool rather than securing a place.
If you are not admitted directly, ask about extended programmes and about articulation from other qualifications. Both are established routes into Wits degrees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a single Wits APS?
No. Each faculty publishes its own requirements and calculates its own composite score.
What are extended programmes?
Programmes for applicants who meet the endorsement but fall below standard entry, taken over a longer period. They are a genuine route into the degree.
Do I need to write the NBT?
Several faculties weight it. Check for your programme and book sittings early.
When should I apply?
As early as applications open. Closing dates for competitive programmes fall earlier than for others.
Confirm faculty-specific requirements against the current Wits prospectus for your intake year. See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.