Wits University 2027 Applications Now Open. If you are a South African student planning to pursue your tertiary education in 2027, now is the time to start. The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) has officially opened its online applications for the 2027 academic year, and with demand skyrocketing, getting your application in early is essential.
Last year, Wits received more than 160,000 applications but had space for only 5,800 first-year students. This staggering statistic highlights just how competitive admission has become. Applying early is critical but so is being realistic. Students are strongly advised not to pin their hopes on a single institution and to apply to multiple universities as a backup.
Wits University 2027 Applications Now Open
Why Choose Wits?
The University of the Witwatersrand is a multi-campus public university based in Johannesburg and is widely regarded as one of South Africa’s leading higher education institutions. Ranking in the top 1% of universities globally, Wits recently celebrated 100 years of academic excellence. It offers a diverse range of programmes across five faculties:
Commerce, Law & Management
Engineering & The Built Environment
Health Sciences
Humanities
Science
Applicants may apply to a maximum of three programmes. However, if you are applying to two programmes within a highly competitive faculty, you are advised to add a third choice from a faculty with lower entry barriers, such as Commerce, Humanities, or Science.
How to Submit Your Wits Application
The application process is straightforward, but attention to detail is key. Follow these steps to ensure your submission is successful:
Visit the official Wits applications page on the university website.
Complete the online application form with accurate information. Use the names exactly as they appear on your ID document or passport—no initials or nicknames.
Read and accept the university’s legal declaration of indemnity and undertaking.
Upload all required supporting documents and pay the application fee. If you cannot do this immediately, you may save your progress and return later via the student self-service portal.
After submission, you will receive an acknowledgement email from the university.
Track your application status online to monitor progress.
If you receive an offer, accept it before the specified cut-off date. Failure to do so may result in your place being offered to another student.
Application Fees
R100 for South African citizens
R700 for international students
The application fee is non-refundable, so ensure all your information is correct before submitting.
Wits Application Closing Dates
Deadlines vary by faculty, so it is vital to take note of the following cut-off dates:
30 June 2026
Faculty of Health Sciences (all programmes)
Bachelor of Architectural Studies
Bachelor of Audiology
Bachelor of Speech-Language Pathology
BA Film and Television
30 September 2026
All other University programmes
Make sure your application is submitted well before these deadlines and that all supporting documents are complete and accurate. Late or incomplete applications may not be considered.
With places limited and competition fierce, early preparation is your best chance at securing a spot at one of South Africa’s top universities.
