Wits Admission Requirements for 2028 Application

University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) Admission Requirements for 2028 Application

If you are planning to apply to the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) for the 2028 academic year, understanding the admission requirements should be one of your first steps.

Wits University, located in Johannesburg, South Africa, offers undergraduate programmes across five major faculties: Commerce, Law and Management; Engineering and the Built Environment; Health Sciences; Humanities; and Science. Admission requirements are not identical across these faculties. Your required Admission Point Score (APS), English result, Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy result, Physical Sciences result and other programme-specific requirements depend on the qualification you choose.

Wits also uses additional selection measures for certain programmes. These can include the National Benchmark Tests (NBTs), auditions, portfolios, application exercises, interviews, job-shadowing certificates and other selection procedures.

This guide explains the University of the Witwatersrand admission requirements for 2028, how the Wits APS works, important subject requirements, faculty-specific examples, NBT requirements, requirements for international applicants and how to prepare for your 2028 application.

What Are the Wits Admission Requirements for 2028?

The exact requirements for a Wits programme depend on the degree you want to study.

Generally, South African school-leavers applying for undergraduate study need:

• A recognised National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent school-leaving qualification.
• A Bachelor’s degree pass where required.
• The minimum Wits Admission Point Score (APS) for the programme.
• The required achievement level in English.
• Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy where applicable.
• Physical Sciences or other specific subjects where required.
• Any required National Benchmark Tests.
• Additional selection requirements applicable to the programme.
• Supporting documentation required by Wits.

Wits currently recognises NSC qualifications issued by the Department of Basic Education (DBE), Independent Examinations Board (IEB) and South African Comprehensive Assessment Institute (SACAI), subject to the university’s admission requirements.

One important point for 2028 applicants is that there is no single Wits APS score that applies to every programme. A programme such as a Bachelor of Arts may have a considerably different APS requirement from Medicine, Engineering, Commerce or Law.

Wits APS Score Explained

The Admission Point Score (APS) is an important part of the Wits undergraduate admission process.

Wits calculates APS using the applicant’s best seven subjects, including Life Orientation, while faculty-specific subjects must be included. Wits also states that it does not distinguish between designated and non-designated subjects when calculating the admission points score.

However, Wits applies a special points system to English and Mathematics and Life Orientation.

Wits APS Table

Important: Wits’ current APS table awards additional points to English and Mathematics at the relevant achievement levels, and Life Orientation has its own points scale. Applicants should use the university’s official APS calculation rather than relying on an APS calculator from another university.

Because the Wits scoring system is different from the APS systems used by some other South African universities, prospective applicants should not assume that their Wits APS is the same as their APS calculated elsewhere.

Does Wits Require Mathematics?

For many Wits programmes, Mathematics is an important or compulsory subject.

Wits states that Mathematics is a core and compulsory subject for all numerate programmes in Commerce, Law and Management, Engineering and the Built Environment, Science and most programmes in Health Sciences. Mathematical Literacy may be accepted for certain programmes in Law, Education and Humanities, although there are exceptions.

This means that learners should carefully consider their Grade 10–12 subject choices if Wits is one of their target universities.

If you want to study areas such as:

• Engineering
• Computer Science
• Science
• Accounting
• Economics
• Financial Sciences
• Quantitative programmes
• Many Health Sciences programmes

you should expect Mathematics to be an important part of the admission requirements.

Wits Admission Requirements for BCom

The Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) is one of Wits University’s popular undergraduate programmes.

The current Wits BCom General entry requirements include:

• APS: 38+
• English Home Language or First Additional Language: Level 5
• Mathematics: Level 5

Applicants with an APS of 35–37, together with English Level 6 and Mathematics Level 6, may be considered for wait-listing depending on available places.

For the 2028 application, students interested in Commerce should aim to achieve results comfortably above the minimum rather than targeting the minimum APS alone.

This is particularly important because Wits emphasises that meeting minimum requirements does not automatically result in admission.

Wits Admission Requirements for Law

The Wits Bachelor of Laws (LLB) has a relatively high admission threshold.

For the current four-year LLB stream, the requirements include:

• APS: 46+
• English Home Language or First Additional Language: Level 6
• Mathematics: Level 5 OR
• Mathematical Literacy: Level 6

Applicants with an APS of 40–45, together with the required English and Mathematics/Mathematical Literacy results, may be considered for wait-listing subject to available places.

The LLB can also be entered through graduate pathways. Students who have already completed an undergraduate degree may apply for the three-year LLB stream, while Wits students who complete certain law-related undergraduate degrees may qualify for the two-year LLB stream. These graduate-entry routes have different selection criteria and do not use the matric APS in the same way.

Wits Admission Requirements for Science

Students who want to study a Bachelor of Science (BSc) at Wits should pay close attention to both APS and Mathematics.

The current general BSc requirements include:

• APS: 42+
• English Home Language or First Additional Language: Level 5
• Mathematics: Level 5

Wits notes that BSc programmes can have APS requirements ranging from approximately 42 to 44 or higher depending on the specific field of study.

All Faculty of Science applicants must also write the National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) before they can be considered for admission. The required tests are the Academic and Quantitative Literacy (AQL) test and the Mathematics (MAT) test.

Therefore, students interested in Wits Science programmes should prepare for both their Grade 12 examinations and the NBTs.

Wits Engineering Admission Requirements

Engineering is another highly competitive area at Wits.

For Wits engineering programmes such as Aeronautical Engineering, the current requirements include:

• APS: 42+
• English: Level 5
• Mathematics: Level 5
• Physical Sciences: Level 5

Wits states that applicants achieving Level 6 in English, Mathematics and Physical Sciences generally have a greater chance of acceptance.

The same general pattern applies to several other engineering programmes. For example, the current BSc Engineering requirements include an APS of 42+, English Level 5, Mathematics Level 5 and Physical Sciences Level 5.

Applicants should therefore avoid treating 42 as a guaranteed admission score. Engineering places are limited and selection is competitive.

Wits Admission Requirements for Humanities

Humanities programmes generally have different requirements from Science and Engineering.

For example, the current Bachelor of Arts (BA) requirement is:

• APS: 36+
• English Home Language or First Additional Language: Level 5

Applicants with APS scores of 30–35 may be considered for wait-listing depending on available places.

Some Humanities programmes have additional requirements. This is especially important for applicants interested in:

• Audiology
• Speech-Language Pathology
• Film and Television
• Theatre and Performance
• Fine Arts
• Music
• Digital Arts

These programmes can require NBTs, auditions, portfolios, questionnaires or other selection activities.

Wits National Benchmark Test (NBT) Requirements

The National Benchmark Test is an important part of the Wits application process for selected programmes.

The requirement varies according to the faculty and programme.

Health Sciences

Applicants to the Wits Faculty of Health Sciences are required to write the NBT in person using the pencil-and-paper format under the current rules. Online NBT results are not considered for applicants residing in South Africa.

Health Sciences applicants generally need to complete the Academic and Quantitative Literacy (AQL) and Mathematics (MAT) tests.

Science

All Faculty of Science applicants must write the NBT. Science applicants need both the AQL and Mathematics tests, and Wits uses the results alongside Grade 12 results.

Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology

Applicants to Wits’ Bachelor of Audiology and Bachelor of Speech-Language Pathology are required to write the NBT.

The university states that only the first NBT attempt in the most recent year is considered for these selection processes, while NBT results are valid for three years. Applicants should also ensure that their identification details match on their Wits and NBT applications.

Because NBT requirements and deadlines can change, 2028 applicants should confirm the dates published for their specific application cycle.

Additional Wits Admission Requirements

Meeting the APS and subject requirements may not be enough for some Wits programmes.

Additional selection requirements can include:

Portfolios

Applicants to programmes such as Fine Arts, Digital Arts and other creative qualifications may need to submit a portfolio.

Auditions

Theatre, Music and certain performance-related programmes may require an audition.

Application Exercises

Some Engineering and Built Environment programmes can have additional application exercises.

Job Shadowing

Selected Health Sciences programmes require job-shadowing certificates. Wits currently lists job-shadowing requirements for areas including Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Dentistry and Oral Health Sciences.

NBTs

As discussed above, selected programmes require NBT results as part of the selection process.

Students applying for 2028 should therefore look beyond the APS and check the complete admission and selection requirements for their intended programme.

Wits Admission Requirements for International Students

International students can apply to Wits, but applicants with foreign school-leaving qualifications have additional requirements.

Wits states that international qualifications require matriculation exemption from the South African Matriculation Board for undergraduate admission.

The Matriculation Board evaluates foreign school qualifications and issues an exemption certificate to applicants who meet the applicable requirements.

International applicants may need to provide:

• Certified copies of school qualifications
• Passport or birth certificate
• Appropriate academic records
• Sworn English translations where necessary
• Matriculation exemption documentation
• Other documents required by Wits or the Matriculation Board

Wits currently provides an option for international applicants to work through its International Students Office for the matriculation exemption process or apply directly to the Matriculation Board.

Applicants from countries such as Ghana, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Botswana and other countries should therefore not assume that their national high-school certificate automatically provides direct admission to Wits. Their qualification must satisfy the applicable South African university admission and exemption requirements.

Importantly, obtaining a matriculation exemption does not guarantee admission to Wits. The applicant must still meet the admission requirements for the specific degree.

Wits Admission Requirements for NC(V) Applicants

Wits also provides admission guidelines for applicants with a National Certificate (Vocational), NC(V).

The minimum legislative requirement for bachelor’s degree admission includes an NC(V) Level 4 and specified achievement levels in fundamental and vocational subjects. Wits additionally requires applicants to have taken English and Mathematics in the required components, alongside faculty- and degree-specific requirements.

NC(V) applicants should therefore check the requirements for their intended programme rather than assuming that an NC(V) Level 4 automatically qualifies them for every Wits degree.

Does Meeting the Wits Minimum APS Guarantee Admission?

No.

This is perhaps the most important point to understand when applying to Wits.

Wits explicitly states that its published admission requirements are guidelines and that meeting them does not guarantee a place. The university has a limited number of first-year undergraduate places, and final selection considers factors such as available places, academic results and other entry requirements.

For this reason, applicants should aim to achieve results significantly stronger than the minimum where possible.

For example, if a programme has an APS requirement of 42, an applicant should not assume that scoring exactly 42 guarantees admission.

How to Apply to Wits for 2028

The Wits application process is completed online.

The current application process follows these broad steps:

Step 1: Research Your Programme

Choose the qualification you want to study and check its exact admission requirements.

Step 2: Check Your APS

Calculate your Wits APS using the university’s scoring method.

Step 3: Check Subject Requirements

Confirm that you have the required English, Mathematics, Physical Sciences or other subjects.

Step 4: Check Additional Selection Requirements

Determine whether you need:

• NBTs
• Portfolio
• Audition
• Interview
• Application exercise
• Job-shadowing certificate
• Other supporting documents

Step 5: Prepare Your Documents

Applicants who have not yet matriculated may use their Grade 11 results for initial assessment. Wits also requires appropriate supporting documentation depending on the applicant’s circumstances.

Step 6: Apply Online

Complete your Wits application before the relevant closing date.

Step 7: Pay the Application Fee

Submit the applicable application fee and supporting documents according to Wits’ instructions.

Step 8: Monitor Your Application

After applying, Wits provides applicants with an acknowledgement and person number. Applicants can use the Student Self-Service Portal to monitor their application.

How Many Programmes Can You Apply For at Wits?

Wits currently allows undergraduate applicants to apply for a maximum of three programmes. The university advises applicants to keep their study options open, particularly when applying for highly restricted programmes such as Health Sciences or other competitive qualifications.

This makes programme selection extremely important.

Before submitting your 2028 application, compare your academic results with the admission requirements of each programme and consider including alternatives where appropriate.

Wits Application Documents

The documents required depend on your applicant category.

For a school-leaver who has not yet completed matric, Wits currently requests a final Grade 11 report signed and stamped by the school principal for application purposes. International applicants may need to upload a certified recent school report and previous results.

Applicants who have already matriculated may need to provide certified copies of their matric certificate or foreign school-leaving certificate.

Applicants who previously attended another university must provide their school-leaving results as well as certified academic records and a certificate of good conduct.

Always check the 2028 document checklist before submitting your application because documentation requirements can change.

How to Improve Your Chances of Getting Into Wits in 2028

1. Aim Above the Minimum APS

The minimum requirement is not a guaranteed admission score. Higher academic results can make your application more competitive.

2. Choose the Correct High-School Subjects

Your subject selection can determine which degrees you can apply for.

3. Prioritise Mathematics Where Appropriate

Mathematics is essential or strongly relevant to many Wits programmes.

4. Take English Seriously

Many Wits programmes specify a minimum English achievement level.

5. Prepare for the NBT Early

If your programme requires an NBT, do not wait until the last moment to book and prepare.

6. Complete Additional Requirements

If your programme requires a portfolio, audition, job-shadowing certificate or application exercise, make sure you complete it correctly and before the deadline.

7. Apply Early

Do not wait until the final days before the closing date.

8. Keep Alternative Programmes in Mind

Wits permits applicants to apply for up to three programmes, making it important to choose your options strategically.

Wits Admission Requirements 2028: Quick Summary

These requirements are based on the latest Wits information available and should be checked again when the 2028 application cycle officially opens.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wits Admission Requirements for 2028

What APS score is required to study at Wits?

There is no single APS score for all Wits programmes. Current examples include APS 36+ for a general BA, APS 38+ for BCom, APS 42+ for BSc General and many Engineering programmes, and APS 46+ for the four-year LLB.

Does Wits accept Mathematical Literacy?

Yes, Wits considers Mathematical Literacy for selected programmes, including certain Law, Education and Humanities qualifications. However, Mathematics is required for many numerate programmes.

Do all Wits applicants have to write the NBT?

No. The NBT requirement depends on the programme. It is compulsory for all Faculty of Science applicants and applies to selected programmes in Health Sciences and Humanities, among others.

Can international students apply to Wits?

Yes. However, applicants with foreign school qualifications must meet the applicable South African matriculation exemption requirements in addition to Wits’ programme-specific requirements.

Does meeting the minimum Wits APS guarantee admission?

No. Wits clearly states that minimum requirements are guidelines and that admission depends on available places, academic results and other applicable selection requirements.

How many Wits programmes can I apply for?

Under the current application rules, applicants can apply for a maximum of three undergraduate programmes.

Final Thoughts on University of the Witwatersrand Admission Requirements for 2028

The University of the Witwatersrand admission requirements for 2028 will depend heavily on the programme you choose. There is no universal Wits APS requirement, and applicants need to look beyond their overall APS to understand the specific English, Mathematics, Physical Sciences and other subject requirements attached to their intended qualification.

The current Wits requirements demonstrate how significantly admission thresholds can differ. A general BA currently requires an APS of 36+, BCom requires 38+, BSc General requires 42+, while the four-year LLB requires 46+. Engineering programmes such as Aeronautical Engineering also currently require an APS of 42+ together with English, Mathematics and Physical Sciences at Level 5.

For 2028 applicants, the best approach is to start preparing early, understand the Wits APS system, select the right Grade 12 subjects, prepare for the NBT where required and complete every additional selection requirement.

Most importantly, do not treat the minimum published score as an admission guarantee. Wits has limited places, and final selection is competitive. Applicants should use the official Wits programme pages and application information as the final authority when the 2028 requirements and dates are released.