Quick Summary
Public in Johannesburg, South Africa — University of the Witwatersrand, est. 1922. Ranked #267 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 40250 students including 9.5% from outside South Africa. Known for strengths in Mineral & Mining Engineering, Development Studies, Archaeology, it maintains an acceptance rate of 25%.
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
Ranked among the best in Africa, Wits offers a world-class research environment in the heart of Africa's economic powerhouse, Johannesburg.
Subject Strengths
Mineral & Mining EngineeringDevelopment StudiesArchaeologyAnatomy & PhysiologyLaw & Legal Studies
Founded1922
TypePublic
Total Students40250
Intl Students9.5%
Faculty Ratio23
CampusUrban
Campus Size400 hectares
Affiliated HospitalsChris Hani Baragwanath Hospital,Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital,Helen Joseph Hospital,Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital
AccreditationCouncil on Higher Education (CHE) South Africa, AACSB (Business), AMBA (Business)
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#267
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#401-500
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#301-400
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Bachelor's,Master's,Doctorate,Postgraduate Diplomas,Advanced Diplomas
Programs
Available
PhD Programs
Available
Online Programs
Origins Centre,Wits Institute for Social and Economic Research (WISER),Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience,Centre for Health Policy,Evolutionary Studies Institute
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
Council on Higher Education (CHE) South Africa, AACSB (Business), AMBA (Business)
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate25%
IELTS7
TOEFL94
Min GPAVaries (Uses APS Score; 36-40+ typically required for competitive programs)
GRENot required for most; recommended for some PhD tracks
GMAT600 for MBA
SATAccepted for international conversion (approx 1250+)
ACTNot required
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · September 30
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Wits relies heavily on the Admission Point Score (APS). Focus on high achievement in Mathematics and Physical Science for STEM and Health fields. International applicants must apply through the Wits International Office for grade conversion.
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Cost Ledger
Amounts in South African Rand
UG Tuition
R60,000/yr
per year · ZAR
Living Cost
R120,000/yr
per year · ZAR
PG Tuition
R52,000/yr
per year · ZAR
Application Fee
$10
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
R185,000/yr
tuition + living + essentials · ZAR
Scholarships AvailableAvailable
Avg Scholarship$2,500
Financial AidNSFAS, University Merit Awards, National Research Foundation (NRF)
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Bachelor's,Master's,Doctorate,Postgraduate Diplomas,Advanced Diplomas programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Mining Engineering | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Medicine | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Bachelor of Commerce | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Bachelor of Laws (LLB) | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Evolutionary Studies | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$18,000
Average Salary After Graduation
82%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong connections with JSE-listed companies and major hospitals
Industry Connections
Anglo AmericanStandard BankSasolDiscovery LimitedIBM Research Africa
Notable Alumni
Nelson Mandela,Sydney Brenner,Nadine Gordimer,Patrice Motsepe,Aaron Motsoaledi
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Wits Football Stadium,Cricket Ovals,Olympic-size Swimming Pool,High-Performance Gym,Indoor Sports Halls
Student Clubs
Over 100 clubs including Wits Debating Union, Siluma Cultural Club, and Various Sports Clubs
Library Resources
Wits Library System (11 libraries) including Cullen Library and Health Sciences Library
Exchange Programs
Available
Summer Programs
Limited