University of the Witwatersrand✓
🏛️ University Snapshot
📅
Founded
1922
🏫
Type
Public Research
👥
Students
40,000
🌍
Intl Students
10%
👩🏫
Faculty Ratio
22:1
📍
Location
Johannesburg
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), founded in 1922, is Africa's second-ranked university, ranked #309 globally by QS in 2026. Nelson Mandela studied law here, and the university has been at the heart of South Africa's political and intellectual history. Located in Johannesburg — Africa's largest city and economic capital — Wits has exceptional programs in mining engineering, geology, medicine, and commerce, deeply connected to South Africa's gold and platinum mining industries.
📋 Admissions Overview
Academic Requirements
Acceptance Rate15%
English LanguageIELTS 6.5 · TOEFL 90
Min GPA3
GRE RequiredNo
GMAT RequiredFor MBA
Documents Required
- ✓Academic Transcripts
- ✓CV / Resume
- ✓Statement of Purpose
- ✓English Language Test Scores
- ✓Letter of Recommendation
- ✓Passport Copy
Application Timeline
Fall Deadline
July 31
Document Deadline
After Application
Decisions Released
Mar – Apr
📝 SOP Guidelines
Your Statement of Purpose should be 500-1000 words covering your academic background, research interests, career goals and why you chose this university specifically.
💡 Application Tips
Apply early for better chances. Highlight research experience and leadership activities. Explain how your background aligns with the program's focus.
🌍 International Students
🛂
Visa Process Guidance
Step-by-step help to get your student visa on time
🏥
Health Insurance
Mandatory health coverage for all international students
✈️
Airport Pickup
Available for newly admitted international students
🎓
Orientation Program
Special welcome for international newcomers
10% of students are international at University of the Witwatersrand. The university offers comprehensive support including pre-arrival guidance, accommodation assistance and cultural integration programs.
🏠 Housing: Yes
🎭 150+ student clubs and societies
💰 Fees & Cost
Amounts in ZAR🎓
Tuition Fees
R5,000/yr
Per year · ZAR
🏠
Accommodation
R7,000/yr
Per year · ZAR
💳
Total Estimated Cost
R12,000/yr
Per year · All included · ZAR
💱 All amounts in ZAR (R)
Tuition FeesR5,000/yr
AccommodationR7,000/yr
Food & Dining~R4,000/yr (est.)
Health Insurance~R1,500/yr (est.)
Books & Supplies~R1,000/yr (est.)
Total EstimatedR12,000/yr
⚠️ Estimates only. Verify with official university website.
💰 Calculate Your Cost📚 Popular Programs
Official Site →| Program | Degree | Duration | Tuition/yr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering | Bachelor | 3-4 Yrs | R5,000/yr |
| Medicine | Master | 1-2 Yrs | R5,000/yr |
| Sciences | PhD | 3-5 Yrs | R5,000/yr |
| Humanities | MBA | 12-24 Mo | R5,000/yr |
| Commerce | Bachelor | 3-4 Yrs | R5,000/yr |
| Law | Master | 1-2 Yrs | R5,000/yr |
| Health Sciences | PhD | 3-5 Yrs | R5,000/yr |
| Education | MBA | 12-24 Mo | R5,000/yr |
| Architecture | Bachelor | 3-4 Yrs | R5,000/yr |
| Computer Science | Master | 1-2 Yrs | R5,000/yr |
| Mining Engineering | PhD | 3-5 Yrs | R5,000/yr |
| Geology | MBA | 12-24 Mo | R5,000/yr |
🎓 Scholarships
View All →🇿🇦
University of Pretoria Scholarship
University of Pretoria · Deadline: October-November
Partial Funding🇿🇦
North-West University Scholarship
North-West University · Deadline: October-November
Partial Funding🇿🇦
Nelson Mandela University Scholarship
Nelson Mandela University · Deadline: October-November
Partial Funding🇿🇦
UCT Masters Scholarship
University of Cape Town · Deadline: October-November
Partial Funding💼 Placements & Career
87%
Employment Rate
R20,000
Avg Starting Salary
10+
Top Recruiters
10%
Intl Students
🏢 Top Recruiters
Anglo AmericanGold FieldsAngloGoldBHP South AfricaStandard BankFirstRandDiscovery HealthSouth African GovernmentMcKinsey JohannesburgDeloitte SA Graduates from University of the Witwatersrand are highly sought after by leading global employers. The university's career services office provides dedicated support for job placement.
🏘️ Campus Life
🏛️
150+
Student Clubs
🏠
Yes
Housing
👩🏫
22:1
Faculty Ratio
📍
N/A
Campus Size
University of the Witwatersrand offers a vibrant campus life with a rich mix of academic, cultural and social activities throughout the year.
🌍 10% international students from 100+ countries
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is GRE required for admission?+
GRE is no for most programs. Check specific program requirements on the official website.
What is the minimum English requirement?+
Minimum English requirements: IELTS 6.5 · TOEFL 90. Some programs may have higher requirements.
What is the acceptance rate?+
The acceptance rate at University of the Witwatersrand is approximately 15%. Rates vary by program and intake.
Do you offer scholarships for international students?+
Yes, University of the Witwatersrand offers scholarships for international students. Visit our scholarships page for complete details.
What are the intake months?+
Most programs admit in Fall (Deadline: July 31). Check the official website for all available intakes.
Can I work while studying?+
International students on a valid student visa can typically work part-time (up to 20 hrs/week) during term and full-time during breaks. Check local immigration rules for your specific country.
✍️
Apply to University of the Witwatersrand?
Our experts craft a winning SOP and complete application package.
Get Expert Help →⭐ Why University of the Witwatersrand?
- 1Africa's #2 university
- 2QS #309
- 3Johannesburg — Africa's largest city
- 4Nelson Mandela studied here
- 5Strong mining and geology
📊 Quick Facts
Official Site →Fall DeadlineJuly 31
IELTS Min6.5
TOEFL Min90
GRENo
Avg Grad SalaryR20,000
Founded1922
QS Ranking#309
Times Ranking#251
Acceptance Rate15%
Faculty Ratio22:1
📞 Contact International Office
📧
Email
📞
Phone
+27 11 717 1000
🌐
Website
📍
Address
1 Jan Smuts Avenue, Braamfontein, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa
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