University of the Witwatersrand (commonly called Wits) offers a wide range of undergraduate programmes across several faculties. These courses are designed to prepare students for professional careers in fields such as science, engineering, business, health sciences, humanities, and education. Most undergraduate degrees take 3–6 years to complete depending on the programme.
1. Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management
This faculty focuses on business, finance, economics, and legal studies. Students develop analytical, leadership, and management skills needed in the corporate and legal sectors.
Examples of programmes include:
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Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting)
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Bachelor of Commerce (Economics, Finance, Management, HR)
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Bachelor of Commerce (Information Systems)
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Bachelor of Commerce (Financial Services)
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Bachelor of Commerce with Law (BCom Law)
These degrees typically take 3 years, although some specialised programmes may take longer.
2. Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment
This faculty prepares students for careers in engineering, construction, and infrastructure development. Most programmes take 4 years and require strong Mathematics and Physical Sciences results.
Examples include:
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Chemical Engineering
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Civil Engineering
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Electrical Engineering
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Mechanical Engineering
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Industrial Engineering
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Aeronautical Engineering
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Mining Engineering
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Architectural Studies
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Urban and Regional Planning
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Construction and Property Studies
3. Faculty of Health Sciences
Health sciences programmes train students for careers in healthcare and medical research. These programmes often have strict entry requirements and may require additional tests such as the National Benchmark Test (NBT).
Some courses include:
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Medicine and Surgery (MBChB)
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Pharmacy
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Nursing
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Physiotherapy
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Occupational Therapy
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Dental Science
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Oral Health Sciences
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Biomedical Sciences
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Biokinetics
4. Faculty of Humanities
The Faculty of Humanities focuses on social sciences, arts, education, and communication studies. Students can study subjects such as psychology, politics, sociology, languages, and media.
Examples of programmes include:
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Bachelor of Arts (BA)
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Arts with Law
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Digital Arts
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Film and Television
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Theatre and Performance
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Fine Arts
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Music
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Social Work
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Speech-Language Pathology
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Audiology
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Bachelor of Education (Teaching programmes)
5. Faculty of Science
Science programmes allow students to specialise in fields related to mathematics, technology, natural sciences, and environmental sciences.
Examples include:
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Computer Science
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Actuarial Science
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Mathematics
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Physics
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Chemistry
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Astronomy and Astrophysics
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Biotechnology
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Genetics
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Environmental Studies
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Geological Sciences
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Geospatial Science
Key Application Dates for 2027 Entry
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Applications Open: 1 March 2026
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Health Sciences, Architecture & Fine Arts Closing Date: 30 June 2026
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All Other Programmes Closing Date: 30 September 2026
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Residence Applications Closing Date: 30 September 2026
Prospective students are encouraged to apply before the relevant closing dates to ensure their applications are considered.
2027 WITS University Application Process
Apply using your names as they reflect in your ID book/card or passport (do not use initials or nicknames). If you apply for two programmes within one Faculty, you are advised to apply for one programme in a less restricted faculty (e.g. Humanities, Commerce or Science).
Try to keep your study options open, especially when applying for programmes in faculties such as Health Sciences or Engineering.
Do not enter the duration of the programme. You are applying to go into 1st year of study. Ensure that you submit the application and receive a letter acknowledging that your application has been submitted.
A non-refundable application fee of R100 for South African citizens, and R700 for foreign citizens, is required and can be paid via the self-service portal (Campus Finances tile).
For assistance call the Wits Student Call Centre on +27 (0) 11 717 1888. In accordance with the POPI Act, applicants are required to complete their own applications and accept the University's legal declaration of indemnity and undertaking.
How to Apply
1. Before You Apply
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Check admission requirements for your chosen degree to ensure you’re eligible. Some programmes have additional entry requirements such as portfolios, auditions, or tests (e.g., National Benchmark Tests).
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Prepare soft copies of supporting documents (ID/passport, Grade 11 or Matric results, certificates from other institutions, etc.) before starting your application.
2. Submit Your Online Application
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Go to the Wits online application portal and apply before the programme closing date.
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You may select up to three programmes in one application. The order doesn’t affect how your choices are considered.
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Use your full name exactly as it appears on your ID or passport and ensure all details are accurate.
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Apply for a programme even if you’re awaiting results — Wits will assess your application and may make a provisional offer.
3. Pay the Application Fee
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An application fee (R100) must be paid before the closing date of your programme choices.
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Log into the self-service portal to make the payment, or use an EFT/deposit with your person/student number as the reference.
4. Upload Supporting Documents
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Upload all required documents either when applying or via the student self-service portal after submission.
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Final Grade 11 results if you’re a current matriculant.
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Certified Matric certificate if you’ve already completed school.
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Full academic transcripts from any other tertiary institutions.
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If your programme requires extra material (e.g., portfolio or audit), make sure you submit it by the required deadline.
How to View Courses You Qualify For
You can view courses you qualify for at WITS with your Grade 12/11 marks using the UniWise App
Application deadlines
- 30 June - Faculty of Health Sciences (all programmes); Bachelor of Architectural Studies; Bachelor of Audiology, Bachelor of Speech-Language Pathology; BA Film and TV
- 30 September - All other University programmes
- 30 September - Residence applications
WITS Application Link
To apply online, go to www.wits.ac.za/applications