University of Witwatersrand 2027 Intake Applications Officially Open

The University of Witwatersrand (Wits) has officially opened its doors for prospective students to apply for the 2027 academic year. This guide provides essential information, including application steps, crucial deadlines, and necessary documents, to help you navigate the application process smoothly.

Applying to Wits: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Apply Online

Applications for the 2027 intake at Wits will open in March 2026. It is important to note the varying closing dates for different programmes:

• June 30, 2026: All programmes in the Faculty of Health Sciences; Bachelor of Architectural Studies; Bachelor of Audiology, Bachelor of Speech-Language Pathology; and BA Film and TV.
• September 30, 2026: All other undergraduate programmes.
• September 30, 2026: Residence applications.

You can apply online at www.wits.ac.za/applications/. Applicants may apply for a maximum of three programmes; the order of choice does not affect your application. Ensure you meet the admission requirements for your chosen degree and apply before the respective closing date.

Always use your full names as they appear on your ID book/card or passport. In accordance with the POPI Act, applicants must complete their own applications; Wits will not engage with third-party agents.

Step 2: Pay Application Fee and Upload Supporting Documents

A non-refundable application fee of R100 is required. Payments must be made before the closing dates, using your person/student number as the reference.

How to Pay:

• Self-Service Portal: Log into the self-service portal using your person/student number and date of birth (YYMMDD). Click the 'Campus Finances' tile, then 'Make a Payment > Application Fee'.
• Bank Deposit (FNB): Deposit the exact amount into the Wits University - Application Fees account: Account Number 6307 5484 302, Branch code 251905. For international payments, use swift code: FIRNZAJJ.
• EFT: Use your person/student number as the reference.

Supporting Documents:

Upload all required documents at the time of application or via the student self-service portal (https://self-service.wits.ac.za) after submission. Click 'Documents and Communications' then 'Manage Documents'.

• Current Matrics: Upload your final Grade 11 results.
• Already Matriculated: Upload certified copies of all your matric certificates or foreign school leaving certificates.
• Other Tertiary Institutions: Upload certified copies of official academic records from all tertiary registrations, including a statement/certificate of good conduct.
• Previously Excluded Wits Students: Upload your ADM Motivation via the self-service portal.

Some degrees may have additional selection requirements such as a portfolio, essay, audition, or National Benchmark Test (NBT). Please check the specific programme requirements.

Step 3 & 4: Application Acknowledgement and Status Check

After applying, Wits will email you to confirm receipt of your application, providing a person number (which becomes your student number) and contact details for an Admissions Consultant. All correspondence will also be available on the student self-service portal (https://self-service.wits.ac.za).

Regularly check the portal for your application status and to ensure all required documents have been received. An incomplete application will not be considered. Keep your contact details up-to-date on the portal.

Offers of a Place:

Firm offers are confirmed after final matric results are received. Current Matric applicants may receive a provisional offer based on their Grade 11 results. If you receive a firm offer, you must accept it via the self-service portal and complete the student contract to register. A first fee payment is required, though postponement options are available. Places are limited, so you can only accept one offer.

If you are waitlisted, refer to the Wits website for more information on the waitlist process. If you wish to change your programme choice, do not submit a new application; amend your choices on the self-service portal, subject to closing dates.

Important Application Timelines for 2027 Intake

• March 2026: Applications open for all undergraduate programmes. Prepare documents (Grade 11 results, ID). International applicants verify matriculation exemption.
• April 2026: NBT bookings open via nbt.ac.za. Health Sciences applicants must write NBTs in-person.
• May 2026: Wits Sports Bursary applications open. BA General (Part-Time) July intake applications close on May 31. Residence applications open.
• June 2026: Applications close on June 30 for all Health Sciences programmes, BA Film and TV, Bachelor of Architecture, Audiology, and Speech-Language Pathology.
• July 2026: BAS Portfolio Submission deadline on July 31.
• August 2026: Job-shadowing certificates for some Health Sciences programmes due by August 1. Early NBT feedback begins for those who wrote by August 15. BAFT Portfolio Submission by August 31.
• September 2026: GEMP applicants write the WAPT on September 11. Applications close on September 30 for all other undergraduate programmes, Residence, and Wits Sports Bursary.
• October 2026: Motivation for Readmission after Academic Exclusion due by October 31. NBT results for Science and Humanities Mature Age applicants by October 31. Wits School of Arts submissions due by October 31.
• November 2026: Decisions on motivations for readmission are finalised.
• December 2026: Tertiary applicants must submit final academic records (Health Sciences by December 15; all other faculties by January 13, 2027).
• January 2027: Release of CIE, IB, and NSC Matric results. Registration for the 2027 academic year begins.

Need Help?

For quick assistance, refer to Kudubot on the Wits website. You can also contact the Wits Student Call Centre at +27 (0) 11 717 1888, email ask.wits@wits.ac.za, or log a query via https://www.wits.ac.za/askwits/.