✨ Should I Apply for Wits Postgraduate Merit Award (PMA)?
Instant AI-powered application intelligence
🌍 Overview
💰
Award Amount
Varies by degree level; usually equivalent to the standard tuition fee
⏱
Duration
1 year for Honours; Up to 2 years for Master's; Up to 3 years for PhD
🗓
Deadline
30 September (Annually)
🔬
Fields
All academic faculties including Humanities, Science, Engineering and the Built Environment, Health Sciences, and Commerce, Law and Management
🏆
Awards/Year
Varies based on annual faculty budget and applicant pool
🌏
Study Country
South Africa
🏛️
Provider
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
📊
Acceptance
Varies by Faculty
The Wits Postgraduate Merit Award (PMA) is the flagship merit scholarship offered by the University of the Witwatersrand. It is intended to support top-performing students in their postgraduate journey by alleviating the burden of tuition fees. The award is highly competitive and is awarded to students based on their academic transcript from their preceding degree.
👥 Who Should Apply
Open to both South African and International students. Applicants must demonstrate high academic achievement in their most recently completed degree and must be studying full-time at the University of the Witwatersrand.
🏛️ Host University
University of the Witwatersrand
🤝 Sponsor
University of the Witwatersrand Financial Aid and Scholarships Administration (FASA)
🔬 Fields of Study
All academic faculties including Humanities, Science, Engineering and the Built Environment, Health Sciences, and Commerce, Law and Management
✨ Key Benefits
The award primarily covers the tuition fees of the recipient. It does not cover the cost of living, books, transportation, or the international student levy for non-South African citizens.
🎯 Target Students
Domestic and International postgraduate students
🏷 Tags
Postgraduate
South Africa
Wits
Merit Award
Tuition Waiver
Master's
PhD
Honours
💸 Funding Breakdown
Tuition
Yes (covers tuition only, excluding international levies and registration fees)
Total Award
Varies by degree level; usua
✈️ Travel: No
🏠 Accommodation: No
💊 Health Insurance: No
🔄 Renewable: Yes
💳 App Fee: No separate fee for the scholarship; standard university application fee applies
🎓 Tuition Coverage
Yes (covers tuition only, excluding international levies and registration fees)
🎁 Other Benefits
Priority for faculty-specific research grants and tutoring opportunities
📋 Renewal Conditions
Subject to satisfactory academic progress, meeting minimum grade requirements, and supervisor recommendation for research students
✅ Eligibility Requirements
🌍 Eligible Nationalities
Must be a full-time student; Must have applied for or be registered for a postgraduate degree; Must have achieved an aggregate of at least 70-75% in the previous degree.
🎓 Academic Level
Honours, Master's, and PhD
📊 Minimum GPA
70% to 75% average (Distinction level in the South African system)
🗣️ English Requirement
Must meet the University's standard English language proficiency requirements for admission
💼 Work Experience
Not required
💰 Financial Need
Not required (Selection is based strictly on academic merit)
🎯 Target Students
Domestic and International postgraduate students
📝 Application Requirements
Rec Letters
No (though research proposals and supervisor support are required for PhD admission)
Application Fee
No separate fee for the scholarship; standard university application fee applies
Documents Required
- Academic Transcripts
- Passport / National ID
- No (though research proposals and supervisor support are required for PhD admission) Recommendation Letters
- CV / Resume
- Must meet the University's standard English language proficiency requirements for admission
- Interview: No
- Min GPA: 70% to 75% average (Distinction level in the South African system)
📋 Application Process
Ensure your university application is submitted well before the September deadline to be automatically considered or to access the scholarship portal. Focus on achieving the highest possible marks in your final year of study.
💡 Insider Tip: Check with your specific Faculty Office as some faculties (like Health Sciences) may have slightly different internal processes or additional small grants that complement the PMA.