The University of the Witwatersrand assesses undergraduate applications on a composite score calculated from your National Senior Certificate results, with several faculties also weighting National Benchmark Test results. Requirements are published per programme rather than university-wide.
Wits is among the most competitive universities in South Africa, and for oversubscribed programmes the score that actually secures a place is set by the strength of the applicant pool rather than by the published minimum.
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
Wits offers degrees across faculties including Commerce Law and Management, Engineering and the Built Environment, Health Sciences, Humanities and Science. Each faculty publishes its own admission requirements and calculates its own composite score.
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
Subject requirements are programme specific and are where most applications fail. Science, engineering and health science programmes require Mathematics and Physical Sciences, and do not accept Mathematical Literacy.
Several Wits faculties require or weight National Benchmark Test results alongside school results. Establish whether your programme does, and book test sittings early, since dates are limited.
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
Conditional offers are commonly made on Grade 11 or mid-year results and confirmed on final matric results. A conditional offer is not a place until confirmed.
Apply early and to more than one institution. Wits closing dates for competitive programmes fall earlier than for others, and late applications are rarely accommodated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Wits require the NBT?
Several faculties require or weight National Benchmark Test results. Check whether your programme does and book sittings early.
How does Wits calculate its score?
Each faculty calculates its own composite score from your NSC results. Work it out using the specific faculty published method.
Does meeting the minimum guarantee admission?
No. For oversubscribed programmes the effective standard is set by competition rather than the published minimum.
Can I study with Mathematical Literacy?
Not for science, engineering or health science programmes. Some humanities and commerce programmes accept it.
Confirm faculty-specific requirements and NBT expectations against the current Wits prospectus. See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.