Wits Fees for 2028 Application: Tuition and Accommodation Costs

University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) Fees for 2028 Application: Tuition, Accommodation and Other Costs

If you are planning to apply to the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) for the 2028 academic year, understanding the expected cost of studying is an important part of your application planning. Wits fees vary according to the qualification, faculty, courses registered, student status and whether you require university accommodation.

This guide explains the University of the Witwatersrand fees for the 2028 application, including tuition fees, international student fees, residence costs, first payments, payment arrangements, additional expenses, scholarships and how to obtain an accurate fee estimate.

Applicants should Also Check Out:

University of the Witwatersrand Scholarships and Bursaries

University of the Witwatersrand Prospectus

University of the Witwatersrand Fees 2028: What Applicants Should Know

The University of the Witwatersrand does not charge one fixed tuition fee for all students.

Instead, the amount you pay depends largely on:

• Your programme or degree
• The courses you register for
• Your faculty
• Whether you are an undergraduate or postgraduate student
• Whether you are a South African or international student
• Your immigration or residency status
• Whether you live in university accommodation
• Additional course-related charges

Wits explains that tuition fees are payable for each course in which a student is registered. Charges such as course notes, excursions and certain other ancillary costs may be added separately to a student’s account. Students should therefore avoid relying on a single advertised figure when preparing a complete study budget.

For 2028 applicants, the best approach is to use the published 2028 Fees Book and Wits’ online Fee Estimator once they become available.

How Much Are Wits University Fees for 2028?

The 2028 Wits University fees have not yet been officially published. However, the university’s 2026 fee information provides a useful indication of the cost structure.

For example, Wits’ official 2026 average tuition-fee schedule lists the following first-year undergraduate averages:

These figures are 2026 averages and exclude additional charges. They should not be presented as the official 2028 fees. The university specifically advises students to consult the detailed Fees Book or online Fee Estimator for the actual amount applicable to their programme.

Because university fees are revised periodically, students applying for 2028 should expect the final amounts to be different from the 2026 figures.

Why Wits Fees Differ From One Programme to Another

A major reason prospective students sometimes find different Wits fee figures online is that the university calculates tuition according to registered courses.

For example, two students studying in the same faculty may register for different combinations of courses. Their total tuition could therefore be different.

The university’s Fees Book contains average tuition fees as well as detailed fees by faculty and programme. The 2026 Fees Book covers faculties including:

• Commerce, Law and Management
• Engineering and the Built Environment
• Humanities
• Health Sciences
• Science

It also includes general information on payments, international students, scholarships, bursaries and other charges.

This means that an article giving one “Wits tuition fee” for everyone can be misleading.

Wits University Fees for South African Students

South African citizens generally fall under the local student fee structure.

The same local fee category can also apply to certain students with permanent residence or recognised refugee status, depending on their circumstances.

For 2026, Wits required new and returning local self-funded students to make an initial payment of R9,340 before registration. The university notes that this applied to South African citizens, permanent residence permit holders and refugee permit holders.

However, the 2028 first fee payment should not be assumed to be R9,340. The university can revise the amount for a future academic year.

Students applying for 2028 should therefore check the official 2028 registration and fees information before making any payment.

Wits University Fees for International Students in 2028

International students need to pay particular attention to Wits’ fee categories because tuition can differ significantly depending on citizenship and immigration status.

According to the university’s current international fee structure, international students are divided into categories that include:

• SADC students
• Students from the rest of Africa
• Students from the rest of the world
• Refugees
• Asylum seekers
• Diplomats and dependants
• Wits employees and dependants
• Study-abroad or occasional students

The applicable category depends on the student’s circumstances.

Students from SADC countries

For undergraduate students from SADC countries, Wits currently charges local tuition fees, together with an International Registration Fee (IRF).

The current IRF is R6,970 per year, and it is non-refundable.

The SADC countries listed by Wits include countries such as:

• Botswana
• Eswatini
• Lesotho
• Malawi
• Mauritius
• Mozambique
• Namibia
• Tanzania
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe

The exact list should be checked against Wits’ current international student information when applying.

Students from Ghana and other non-SADC African countries

This is particularly important for applicants from countries outside SADC.

Wits currently classifies undergraduate students from Africa beyond SADC and the rest of the world under a different fee structure. Its current policy states that these undergraduate students pay double the local tuition fee, with no International Registration Fee under that particular category.

Therefore, an international applicant should not simply take a local Wits fee estimate and assume it represents the final amount payable.

Wits International Student Payment Requirements

International students should plan their finances well before arriving in South Africa.

Wits currently requires international students to pay 75% of annual tuition and applicable related costs before registration, with the remaining 25% payable by 30 June. University accommodation, where applicable, must also be included in the amount required before registration.

The university also advises international students to make sure payments clear into the Wits account before registration. It recommends allowing sufficient time for international transfers to be processed.

This requirement is important for students who need documentation for their South African study-visa process.

Does Wits Charge an Application Fee?

Applicants should distinguish between an application fee and tuition fees.

Applying to Wits does not mean that the amount you eventually pay for tuition is due at the application stage. Once admitted and registered, students become liable for applicable university fees according to Wits’ payment rules.

For 2028 applicants, always check the official Wits application portal for the applicable application fee, deadlines and payment instructions because these details can change between application cycles.

Do not rely on an old application guide when planning for 2028.

Wits University Accommodation Fees for 2028

Tuition is only one component of the cost of studying at Wits.

If you intend to live in a university residence, you will need to budget separately for:

• Residence accommodation
• Meals, where applicable
• Residence-related levies
• Personal expenses
• Books and stationery
• Transport
• Other living expenses

Wits’ 2026 residence information, for example, shows that some catered residences had annual accommodation and meal costs running into tens of thousands of rand. The exact amount depended on the residence and meal arrangement.

Accommodation fees for 2028 will need to be confirmed from the official 2028 residence fee schedule.

Students should not add an old residence figure to a 2028 tuition estimate and present the result as an official 2028 cost.

Other Costs to Budget for at Wits

When preparing a Wits University budget, remember that tuition does not necessarily cover every cost associated with studying.

Wits specifically notes that students should budget for expenses such as:

• Books
• Stationery
• Travel
• Pocket money
• Sundry expenses
• Course-related charges
• Excursion costs where applicable
• Course notes
• Accommodation

The university’s official student-fees information states that charges ancillary to tuition may be added to the student’s account.

For international students, additional financial considerations can include:

• Visa-related costs
• Medical aid
• International travel
• Currency exchange costs
• Accommodation
• Living expenses

Wits notes that international students must provide proof of appropriate medical aid before international registration clearance. Medical aid costs are paid to the medical aid provider rather than being included in Wits tuition.

How to Calculate Your Wits Fees for 2028

The safest way to determine your likely 2028 tuition is to follow these steps.

Step 1: Identify your programme

Find the exact Wits qualification you intend to study.

For example:

• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Laws
• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Engineering
• Health Sciences qualification

Step 2: Check the courses

Determine the courses you are expected to take in your first year.

Step 3: Check your student category

Determine whether you will be classified as:

• South African
• Permanent resident
• Refugee
• SADC international student
• Other international student
• Another recognised category

Step 4: Add accommodation

If you intend to stay in university residence, include the applicable accommodation and meal costs.

Step 5: Add additional expenses

Budget for books, transport, stationery, living costs and other expenses.

Step 6: Use the Wits Fee Estimator

Once you have a Wits student/person number, you can access the Student Self-Service Portal and use the online Fee Estimator.

Wits says the Fee Estimator can calculate tuition, the International Registration Fee where applicable and other costs.

This is much more reliable than relying on an estimated figure from an old article.

Wits Fees Payment Deadline

Wits’ current fee information states that local students are generally required to settle their tuition by the applicable deadline, with the university currently indicating that 100% of total tuition fees is due by the last working day in June, while provision is made for monthly payment arrangements, subject to applicable interest.

International students have different upfront requirements.

For the current international structure, 75% of annual tuition and applicable costs must be paid before registration, while the remaining 25% is due by 30 June.

Because payment policies can change, 2028 applicants should verify the final dates in the 2028 Fees Book.

Can Wits Students Pay Fees in Instalments?

Wits provides for payment arrangements in certain circumstances.

The university’s current student-fees information states that provision is made for monthly payment of fees, with interest charged on outstanding balances.

Students who cannot meet the initial payment requirement may also have options such as a first-fee-payment postponement where they meet the applicable conditions. Wits’ 2026 registration information confirms that eligible students who have accepted an offer could apply for such a postponement through the Student Self-Service Portal.

The rules applicable to 2028 should be checked once the university publishes the relevant registration information.

Wits Scholarships and Bursaries for 2028

Students who are concerned about Wits fees should investigate scholarships and bursaries early.

Wits’ Financial Aid and Scholarships Administration manages university and external funding opportunities.

The university currently lists scholarships including:

• Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship
• University Entrance Scholarships
• Equality Scholarships
• Sports Scholarships
• National Olympiad-related awards
• Other university and external funding opportunities

For 2026, Wits stated that the Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship could cover full tuition, accommodation up to a capped amount and allowances for selected first-time undergraduate entrants, subject to the scholarship’s conditions.

These awards and their values should not automatically be assumed to remain unchanged in 2028. Prospective students should check the latest scholarship information when applying.

Wits Fees and Financial Aid

Financial aid can make a significant difference to the overall cost of studying at Wits.

Wits reported that in 2025 it administered approximately R2.3 billion in financial aid, scholarships and bursaries, assisting about 29,871 students.

This demonstrates why applicants should investigate funding alongside their admission application.

Do not wait until registration to start looking for funding. Many scholarships and external bursaries have their own application deadlines and eligibility requirements.

Is Wits University Expensive?

Wits is a leading South African university, and the total cost of attendance can be substantial depending on the programme and living arrangements.

However, whether Wits is “expensive” depends on factors such as:

• The qualification you choose
• Your student category
• Number of courses
• Accommodation choice
• Meal arrangements
• Transport
• Personal spending
• Scholarships or bursaries received

For example, a student living at home may have substantially lower overall expenses than a student who pays for residence, meals and transportation.

Therefore, prospective students should consider the total cost of attendance, not tuition alone.

How to Save Money When Studying at Wits

Students can reduce their overall university expenses by planning carefully.

Apply for funding early

Search for Wits scholarships, bursaries and external funding before the application deadline.

Compare accommodation options

If you are eligible for residence, compare the costs and facilities of available options.

Budget for textbooks

Find out which books are compulsory before purchasing them and explore legitimate lower-cost options where permitted.

Monitor your fee account

Regularly check your Wits Student Self-Service account so that unexpected charges do not become a problem.

Plan transport

Students living away from campus should calculate transport costs over the full academic year.

Wits University Fees 2028: Important Advice for Applicants

If you are searching for “Wits University fees 2028”, remember that an exact 2028 amount should only be treated as official once Wits publishes its 2028 fee schedule.

The university’s current fee information confirms that fees can increase annually and that published amounts are subject to change.

Consequently, websites that publish a fixed 2028 Wits tuition fee before the official fee schedule is available should be treated carefully.

For the most accurate figure:

1. Find your Wits programme.
2. Check the applicable student category.
3. Consult the official 2028 Fees Book.
4. Use the Wits Fee Estimator when available.
5. Add accommodation and living expenses.
6. Check scholarships and bursaries.
7. Confirm payment deadlines before registration.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wits University Fees 2028

How much are Wits University fees for 2028?

The official Wits 2028 fee schedule has not yet been released. The latest official figures available are for 2026, and these show that tuition varies significantly by programme. For example, 2026 first-year average tuition ranged from R62,830 to R85,260 for BCom programmes and R47,930 to R83,760 for LLB.

How much does Wits cost for international students?

International fees depend on the student’s citizenship and immigration status. Currently, undergraduate SADC students pay local tuition plus the International Registration Fee, while undergraduate students from Africa outside SADC and the rest of the world pay double local tuition.

Are accommodation fees included in Wits tuition?

No. Accommodation is an additional cost. International students staying in university accommodation must include the applicable accommodation fees in their required upfront payment.

Can I get a Wits scholarship?

Yes. Wits offers several scholarships and bursaries, including university-funded opportunities. The eligibility requirements and funding amounts differ by award.

Does Wits increase fees every year?

Wits states that fees increase annually based on inflation and the university’s operational needs.

Where can I find the exact Wits fees for 2028?

Once released, the official Wits 2028 Fees Book and online Fee Estimator should be the primary sources for determining the applicable amount.

Final Thoughts on University of the Witwatersrand Fees for 2028

Planning for University of the Witwatersrand fees for 2028 should go beyond finding a single tuition figure. Wits charges tuition according to registered courses, and the total amount can vary according to your programme, student status and other circumstances.

The latest official Wits information shows that 2026 undergraduate average tuition fees varied considerably between programmes, while international students can face substantially different fee structures depending on their citizenship category. Accommodation, books, transport and other living costs must also be included when calculating the true cost of studying at Wits.

For 2028 applicants, the most reliable approach is to use the official Wits fee information when the 2028 schedule becomes available and then obtain a personalised estimate through the university’s Fee Estimator.

Prospective students should also investigate Wits scholarships, bursaries and financial aid at the same time as they prepare their admission application. This can substantially reduce the financial burden of studying at one of South Africa’s leading universities.