The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) has officially opened its application portal for the 2027 academic year. For students aiming to join “Witsies” in Johannesburg, the clock is already ticking. Unlike many other institutions, Wits enforces strict early deadlines for its most competitive degrees. If you are eye-ing a career in Medicine, Architecture, or Film, your application must be submitted by mid-year.
Quick Facts: Wits 2027 Intake
- Institution: University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
- Applications Open: Now (March 2026)
- Residence Applications Open: 01 April 2026
- Application Fee: R100 for SA citizens (R700 for International)
- Maximum Choices: 3 Programmes
⚠️ Critical Closing Dates: Don’t Miss Out
Wits does not accept late applications for high-demand faculties. Mark these dates in your calendar:
1. Early Closing: 30 June 2026
- Faculty of Health Sciences: MBBCh (Medicine), Physiotherapy, Nursing, Pharmacy, etc.
- Architecture: Bachelor of Architectural Studies.
- Speech & Hearing: Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology.
- Arts: BA Film and Television.
2. General Closing: 30 September 2026
- All other undergraduate programmes in Engineering, Science, Commerce, Law, and Humanities.
- Residence Applications: Also closes 30 September.
🚀 Student Desk Expert Insight: The “Three-Choice” Strategy
Wits allows you to select three programmes. How you pick them determines your safety net.
- The “Mix” Strategy: If you are applying for a “Heavy” programme like Medicine (Health Sciences) or Aeronautical Engineering, do not waste all three choices on restricted degrees. Use your 3rd choice for a “General” degree in Science (BSc) or Humanities (BA). This ensures that even if you miss the high APS cutoff for Medicine, you still have a firm offer at the university.
- APS is King: Wits calculates your Admission Point Score (APS) based on your best six subjects (excluding Life Orientation). For degrees like Engineering and Science, your Maths and Physical Science marks carry the most weight.
- No Agents Allowed: Under POPIA regulations, Wits will only communicate with you, the student. Do not let an agency apply for you; if there is a problem with your documents, Wits will not talk to them.
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Step-by-Step: How to Apply for 2027
- Prepare Documents: Have clear PDF scans of your ID and your latest Grade 11 (or Final Matric) results.
- Access the Portal: Visit the Wits Self-Service Portal.
- Create a Profile: You will receive a student number—keep this safe!
- Submit Choices: Enter your three degrees. Remember, the order of choice does not matter at Wits; they treat all three as equal considerations.
- Pay the Fee: Your application will only be processed once the R100 fee is cleared.
Important Guidelines for a Successful Application
- Use Official Names: Enter your name exactly as it appears on your ID. No nicknames or initials.
- Year of Study: You are applying for “Year 1” (First year of study).
- Residence: If you live outside Johannesburg, apply for residence on 1 April. Space is limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis for qualifying students.
Final Thought: Wits is one of the most difficult universities to get into, not just because of the marks, but because of the administrative speed required. With the 30 June deadline for Health Sciences approaching fast, you should aim to have your application submitted before the end of April. Give yourself the best chance to be a part of the Wits Class of 2027!
