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University of the Witwatersrand

Braamfontein, South Africa

The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) is a leading public research university located in Johannesburg, South Africa. It is known for its academic excellence, research innovation, and strong programs in science, engineering, medicine, business, and the humanities.
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Tuition Fees, Cost of Living & Accommodation at University of the Witwatersrand

Cost Of Living at University of the Witwatersrand

Cost Of Living

R 15000
Undergraduate Fees International Students at University of the Witwatersrand

Undergraduate Fees International Students

R 47930
Post Graduate Fees International Students at University of the Witwatersrand

Post Graduate Fees International Students

R 58570

Bachelors

  • R 62830
  • R 52050
  • R 61480
  • R 47930
  • R 66000
  • R 68310

Masters

  • R 58570
  • R 64870
  • R 135970
  • R 92270

University of the Witwatersrand Departments

  • Department of Accountancy
  • Department of Business Sciences
  • Department of Economics and Finance
  • Department of Law
  • Department of Architecture and Planning
  • Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
  • Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering
  • Department of Construction Economics and Management
  • Department of Electrical and Information Engineering
  • Department of Mechanical, Industrial and Aeronautical Engineering
  • Department of Mining Engineering
  • Department of Biomedical Sciences
  • Department of Pathology
  • Department of Public Health
  • Department of Therapeutic Sciences
  • Department of Fine Arts
  • Department of Music
Why study at University of the Witwatersrand

Unique Selling Proposition (USP) of University of the Witwatersrand

The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) stands out for its strong research culture, academic excellence, and commitment to innovation and social impact. Located in Johannesburg, South Africa’s major economic hub, Wits offers students opportunities to connect with leading businesses, research institutions, and healthcare organisations. The university is internationally recognised for its contributions to medicine, engineering, science, mining research, and the humanities. Its diverse academic community, advanced research facilities, and emphasis on addressing real-world challenges make it a leading destination for higher education in Africa.

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Distinguished Alumni of University of the Witwatersrand

Sydney Brenner

Biologist and Nobel Prize laureate in Physiology or Medicine for discoveries concerning genetic regulation and organ dev... View More

Aaron Klug

Chemist and Nobel Prize laureate in Chemistry, recognised for developing crystallographic electron microscopy.

Thuli Madonsela

South African lawyer and former Public Protector, known for promoting accountability and constitutional justice.

Infrastructure & Facilities at University of the Witwatersrand

The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) has extensive infrastructure across its campuses in Braamfontein and Parktown, Johannesburg. Its facilities include modern lecture halls, smart classrooms, research laboratories, specialised simulation labs, 11 libraries, student residences, sports facilities, museums, galleries and a digital innovation precinct. The university also provides campus Wi-Fi, digital learning systems, healthcare services, counselling facilities and dedicated study spaces. Its Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre supports medical education and clinical training, while the Wits Rural Facility provides accommodation, laboratories and research facilities for rural-focused studies.

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University of the Witwatersrand Student Life

Student life at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience, combining academic learning with social, cultural and recreational activities. Students can join clubs and societies, participate in sports, attend campus events, engage in community outreach and develop leadership skills through student organisations. The university offers residence life, student governance through the Student Representative Council (SRC), and opportunities for entrepreneurship and cultural exchange. Its museums, art galleries and digital innovation precinct further enrich campus life, encouraging students to build friendships, explore interests and gain experiences beyond the classroom.

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Student life at University of the Witwatersrand
Careers after studying at University of the Witwatersrand

University of the Witwatersrand Career support

The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) provides career support through its Counselling and Careers Development Unit (CCDU). Services include career counselling, psychometric assessments, CV and job-search guidance, employability workshops, mentorship and the Journey to Employability and Economic Participation (JEEP) programme. The university also organises graduate recruitment events and career exhibitions that connect students with employers offering internships, graduate positions and other employment opportunities. Students can access its Student Employment Portal for part-time, vacation and casual jobs, along with internship opportunities.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Admission Requirements at University of the Witwatersrand

The below information is required while
completing the university application :

Academic Qualification: A recognised secondary school-leaving qualification equivalent to South Africa’s National Senior Certificate (NSC), with a Bachelor’s degree pass.

Minimum Percentage / APS: Varies by programme. For example, BA requires APS 36+, while BCom generally requires APS 40+.

Subject Requirements: English is required; Mathematics and other subjects depend on the chosen degree.

International Students: Must meet South African matriculation exemption requirements and provide certified academic documents.

English Proficiency: Proof of English proficiency may be required for international applicants.

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Campus
Recruitment By top Companies

The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) offers a Graduate Recruitment Programme (GRP) through its Counselling and Careers Development Unit (CCDU). The programme connects students with prospective employers through career fairs, company presentations, recruitment events, workshops, internships, bursaries, and graduate job opportunities. Students can access career guidance, job-search support, and an employment portal to explore opportunities across industries such as commerce, engineering, technology, healthcare, and law.

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Placements at University of the Witwatersrand
  • Deloitte
  • Boston Consulting Group (BCG)
  • BMW Group

University of the Witwatersrand Corporate Partnership

Corporate partners of University of the Witwatersrand
  • IBM : Industry engagement and collaboration in artificial intelligence, research, and technology innovation through the Wits MIND Institute.
  • Google : Industry partnership supporting AI research and innovation through the Wits MIND Institute. wits-au.org
  • Apple : Identified as an industry partner of the Wits MIND Institute, which promotes interdisciplinary AI research and technology innovation.
  • KPMG Enterprise : Participates in Wits graduate recruitment and career events, connecting students with employment opportunities.
  • Huawei : Participates in Wits student recruitment and career events, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields.
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Notable Achievements of University of the Witwatersrand

The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) is recognised for its academic excellence, research impact, and innovation. It achieved strong positions in global university rankings, including the 2026 QS World University Rankings, and has been recognised for its research contributions in medicine, engineering, science,

Achievements of University of the Witwatersrand

Achievements

01.
Ranked No. 1 in Africa by CWUR

Ranked 200th globally out of 21,291 universities, placing Wits among the top 1% worldwide.

Year
2026
02.
Top University for Innovation in Sub-Saharan Africa

Recognised as the region’s leading university for innovation performance in the Global Innovation Index 2025.

Year
2025
03.
Global Recognition for Research Excellence

Professors Derick Raal, Shabir Madhi and Andrew Forbes were named Highly Cited Researchers for their influential academic publications.

Year
2025

Notable Innovation, Research & Development University of the Witwatersrand

The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) promotes interdisciplinary research, technological innovation, and entrepreneurship to address challenges in healthcare, energy, environmental sustainability, urban development, and digital technology. Its research centres and institutes support discoveries in areas such as infectious diseases, vaccines, quantum technology, artificial intelligence, and advanced materials. Through the Wits Innovation Centre, the university helps researchers protect intellectual property, commercialise research, and transform innovative ideas into practical solutions with social and economic impact.

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Notable Innovation

01.
Light-Powered Brain

A system that uses structured light to recognise hidden information in light patterns, with potential applications in communications and optical computing.

Year
2026
02.
Local Production of Ionisable Lipids

A research innovation that uses cashew nutshell liquid to develop lipid ingredients for mRNA vaccines and gene therapies.

Year
2025
03.
Rhisotope Project

Radioisotope technology developed to help combat rhino poaching by enabling the detection and tracking of treated rhino horns.

Year
2024

Explore Programs & Courses at University of the Witwatersrand

Program name
Tuition Fees
Deadlines
BCom Accounting 3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
R51180
(Annual cost)
30th Sep
BSc Accounting Science 3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
R51180
(Annual cost)
30th Sep
BCom General 3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
R45610
(Annual cost)
30th Sep
BSc Economics Science 3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
R45610
(Annual cost)
30th Sep
View All Programs

University Ranking of University of the Witwatersrand

Times Higher Education
301
QS
291
Shanghai
301-400

Region: Emerging Economies

US News
2
US News
2
Times Higher Education
2
QS
40
Times Higher Education
11
QS World University Rankings
US News
Times Higher Education
Shanghai Ranking
Law LLB
251-300
-
201-250
201-300
Geography
151-200
230
-
101-150
Physics
401-450
198
-
201-300
Arts and Humanities
276
155
201-250
-
View All Rankings

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Connect With University of the Witwatersrand

  • 1 Jan Smuts Avenue, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2000, South Africa.
  • +27 (0)11 717 1000
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