Wits University Scholarships and Bursaries for 2028 Application

University of the Witwatersrand Scholarships and Bursaries for 2028 Application

If you are planning to study at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits University) in 2028, the cost of tuition, accommodation, books and other study-related expenses is an important consideration. Fortunately, Wits offers a range of scholarships, bursaries and other financial assistance opportunities for qualifying students.

Wits University has a dedicated Financial Aid and Scholarships Office (FASO) that administers university-funded awards as well as funding provided by donors and external sponsors. The university also provides information about external bursaries and maintains a postgraduate funding portal containing opportunities from Wits and outside organisations.

This guide explains the University of the Witwatersrand scholarships and bursaries for 2028 applications, including undergraduate scholarships, postgraduate funding, merit awards, sports bursaries, external bursaries, discretionary funding and funding opportunities for international students.

Important: The 2028 funding amounts, closing dates and eligibility requirements may change. The information below is based on the latest official Wits information available and should be used as a planning guide. Applicants should confirm the final 2028 requirements directly with Wits when the 2028 funding cycle opens.

What Scholarships and Bursaries Does Wits University Offer?

Wits provides several categories of financial support, including:

• Undergraduate scholarships
• University Entrance Scholarships
• Vice-Chancellor’s scholarships
• University Council Merit Scholarships
• Sports bursaries
• Postgraduate Merit Awards
• Discretionary funding
• Faculty and school funding
• Donor-funded scholarships
• External company bursaries
• Government funding
• National Research Foundation (NRF) funding
• International scholarships and fellowships

The university distinguishes between awards that are automatically considered based on academic performance and opportunities for which students must submit an application.

This distinction is important because not every Wits scholarship requires a separate application.

Wits University Scholarships for Undergraduate Students

Wits offers several scholarships to academically strong undergraduate students.

Some of the major university-funded opportunities include the Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship, University Entrance Scholarships (UNES) and University Council Merit Scholarships.

1. Wits Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship

The Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship is one of the most prestigious undergraduate scholarships at Wits.

According to the current university information, the scholarship is awarded to the top 20 first-time entrants registered for an undergraduate degree.

The scholarship can cover:

• Full tuition
• Accommodation, subject to the applicable cap
• Allowances

The award can be renewed for each year of the student’s first undergraduate degree, provided the student maintains a high standard of academic performance.

One important advantage is that students do not have to submit a separate application for this scholarship. Eligible students are automatically considered after registration.

How are recipients selected?

Wits ranks candidates using their school subjects. The current criteria list:

1. English
2. Mathematics
3. Physical Sciences
4. The next best three designated subjects

Because this is a highly competitive award, students hoping to enter Wits in 2028 should aim for excellent Grade 12 results across their relevant subjects.

2. Wits University Entrance Scholarships (UNES)

The University Entrance Scholarship (UNES) is another important funding opportunity for first-time undergraduate students.

The current Wits criteria are based on the applicant’s NSC Admission Points Score (APS) from their first matric results. Life Orientation is excluded from the calculation.

Based on the current published thresholds, the awards are:

These amounts are based on the current published information and should not be assumed to be the final 2028 amounts. Wits may revise scholarship values or criteria for future academic years.

Important UNES conditions

The university currently states that:

• The calculation covers a maximum of six NSC subjects.
• Life Orientation is excluded.
• Matric remarks must be submitted to the Student Enrolment Centre by the specified deadline.
• A gap year of up to one year may be recognised, subject to proof or an affidavit explaining what the student did during the gap year.
• Students cannot receive both the Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship and University Entrance Scholarship simultaneously.
• The award is applied to tuition fees.

Students who completed certain international school-leaving qualifications, including Cambridge International Education and International Baccalaureate qualifications, may also qualify for scholarship awards under Wits’ applicable rules.

3. University Council Merit Scholarship

Returning undergraduate students should also know about the University Council Merit Scholarship.

The current Wits criteria make this award available to full-time returning undergraduate students who achieve an overall average of 75% or higher.

Students who qualify do not normally need to submit a separate scholarship application because the award is automatically considered.

The current scholarship is calculated by applying a 25% reduction to the full tuition charge.

The award is intended for students completing their first undergraduate degree. Certain students completing a second degree where the second qualification is required as a prerequisite may also qualify under the university’s rules.

4. Wits Sports Scholarships and Bursaries

Wits also provides sports-related funding.

Students who have demonstrated high-level sporting ability and have represented their province or South Africa may be eligible for a sports bursary, provided they also demonstrate appropriate academic potential.

Sports bursaries can be supported through funding from:

• Wits University
• Wits alumni
• Businesses
• Non-profit organisations
• Former Wits sports achievers

The current Wits scholarships page states that applications for sports bursaries open on 1 April and close on 30 September, although applicants for 2028 should verify the dates when the relevant application cycle opens.

Students applying for sports funding should prepare evidence of their sporting achievements, participation and representation.

Wits Postgraduate Scholarships and Bursaries

Wits also provides funding opportunities for postgraduate students pursuing qualifications such as:

• Honours
• Master’s degrees
• Doctoral degrees

Postgraduate funding can come from Wits itself, faculties, research units, donors, government agencies and external organisations.

One of the most useful resources for prospective postgraduate students is the Wits Postgraduate Funding Portal.

The portal is a live database of scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities. Students can search the database using filters such as funding type, degree level and faculty. The portal currently lists hundreds of opportunities and is regularly updated.

This makes it particularly useful for students applying for postgraduate studies in 2028.

5. Wits Postgraduate Merit Award

The Postgraduate Merit Award (PMA) is designed to assist graduates studying toward:

• Honours degrees
• Master’s degrees
• PhD degrees

The current award is available to students studying full-time, either through research or through a combination of coursework and research.

Under the currently published 2026 rules, the award provides tuition funding up to a maximum of R71,900, subject to academic merit and available funding.

However, this amount should not be presented as the confirmed 2028 value. Wits can change funding amounts and conditions from one academic year to another.

The university also states that the Postgraduate Merit Award does not fund every type of course.

6. Wits Discretionary Funding

Another option worth investigating is Wits’ Donation Discretionary Fund.

This fund is supported by donors and provides potential financial assistance to registered undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Students who require financial assistance can apply through the student self-service system. Their applications are placed into a database, which can be used to identify students who match the criteria attached to available donor funding.

However, students should understand that:

Submitting a discretionary funding application does not guarantee that you will receive funding.

Funding depends on available donations and whether the student’s circumstances match the applicable donor criteria.

External Bursaries for Wits Students

Students should not limit their search to scholarships offered directly by Wits.

The Wits Financial Aid and Scholarships Office also provides information about external bursaries offered by companies, government departments and other organisations.

Examples of external funding sources may include:

• Corporate bursaries
• Government bursaries
• Provincial bursaries
• Company-sponsored scholarships
• Research funding
• Industry-specific bursaries

Wits currently lists external opportunities on its website as they are received. Students are advised to check regularly because opportunities and closing dates change throughout the year.

For example, Wits currently lists corporate opportunities for students studying fields such as:

• Computer Science
• Software Engineering
• Statistics and Data Science
• Actuarial Science
• Mathematical Sciences
• Engineering
• Related quantitative disciplines

Some external bursaries may require students to have already completed a particular year of study and may have minimum academic averages.

Government Funding and NSFAS

South African students should also investigate government financial assistance.

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is an important source of financial support for qualifying South African students.

However, students should carefully distinguish between NSFAS funding and Wits-funded scholarships.

Wits currently states that students eligible for a University Council Scholarship or Postgraduate Merit Award who also receive NSFAS funding will not receive the university funding, although the university award may be recorded on their academic transcript.

The rules governing funding can change, so students should check the applicable Wits and NSFAS requirements for the 2028 academic year.

NRF Funding for Wits Postgraduate Students

Postgraduate students should also investigate the National Research Foundation (NRF).

The NRF provides various funding opportunities, including bursaries and fellowships for postgraduate students.

Wits faculties direct students toward NRF funding as one of the potential sources of financial assistance for postgraduate study.

This can be particularly relevant to students undertaking research-based Master’s and doctoral programmes.

Applicants should check the NRF’s own eligibility rules, application deadlines and funding conditions because NRF funding is not the same as a Wits University scholarship.

Scholarships for International Students at Wits

International applicants should approach Wits funding differently from South African applicants.

The Wits International Students Handbook states that FASO offers bursaries and scholarships and administers funding on behalf of donors and sponsors. However, priority is given to South African citizens and permanent residents, meaning international students may have more limited access to Wits financial aid unless a specific opportunity allows non-South African applicants.

International students should therefore investigate:

• International scholarships
• Home-country government funding
• Foreign government scholarships
• Research grants
• Faculty-specific funding
• External foundations
• International development scholarships
• Scholarships specifically open to African students

For example, Wits currently lists opportunities such as the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship, which is available to eligible students from African countries studying toward certain postgraduate qualifications.

International students should not assume that admission to Wits automatically comes with financial assistance.

Wits Scholarships for African Students

Students from other African countries should investigate scholarships that specifically support African students.

One example currently listed by Wits is the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship, which is available to full-time students who are citizens of African countries and meet the relevant eligibility requirements. The Wits information indicates that registered students pursuing Honours or Master’s degrees and meeting the applicable age requirement may apply.

Wits also publishes other postgraduate opportunities that may be relevant to students from Sub-Saharan Africa. Its current bursary and awards information includes programmes such as DAAD funding and Wits-TUB-UNILAG Master’s scholarships for eligible Sub-Saharan African nationals.

Because international funding opportunities can have separate deadlines from the Wits admission process, students should start researching them well before applying.

Wits Scholarship Application Requirements

There is no single application process for every Wits scholarship.

Some awards are automatic, while others require students to submit applications.

Depending on the scholarship, applicants may need:

• Wits application or student number
• South African ID or passport
• Matric results
• Academic transcripts
• Proof of registration
• Proof of household income
• Motivation letter
• CV
• Proof of sporting achievement
• Research proposal
• Academic references
• Proof of citizenship
• Admission or offer letter
• Other supporting documentation

Always check the requirements for the particular scholarship rather than submitting the same documents to every funder.

How to Apply for Wits Scholarships and Bursaries for 2028

If you intend to apply for Wits funding in 2028, use the following approach.

Step 1: Apply for admission to Wits

First identify the programme you want to study and follow the appropriate Wits admission process.

Step 2: Research funding early

Do not wait until registration to begin looking for funding.

Wits itself advises students to make enquiries early in the year and apply to as many appropriate sponsors as possible.

Step 3: Check whether the scholarship is automatic

Some Wits scholarships, including certain merit-based undergraduate awards, do not require a separate application.

Step 4: Apply for scholarships that require applications

For sports bursaries, discretionary funding, external bursaries and other opportunities, follow the instructions provided by the specific funder.

Step 5: Prepare supporting documents

Keep your academic records, identification documents, motivation letters and other supporting documents ready.

Step 6: Watch the deadlines

Many external bursaries will not accept late applications. Wits specifically advises students to check closing dates carefully.

Step 7: Continue searching

Do not stop after applying for one bursary. Funding opportunities can become available throughout the year.

Tips for Winning a Wits Scholarship in 2028

Maintain excellent academic results

Academic performance is central to several Wits scholarships.

Students targeting prestigious awards should aim well above the minimum requirements.

Apply as early as possible

Some scholarships have limited funding and strict closing dates.

Apply for multiple opportunities

Wits itself recommends applying to as many suitable sponsors as possible to improve your chances of obtaining funding.

Build a strong motivation

For scholarships requiring a motivation letter, explain clearly:

• Why you want to study the programme
• Your academic achievements
• Your career goals
• Your financial circumstances, where relevant
• Your leadership or community involvement
• How the scholarship will help you achieve your goals

Keep your documents organised

Create a digital folder containing your:

• ID/passport
• Academic results
• Academic transcript
• CV
• Motivation letter
• Proof of income
• Proof of admission
• Certificates
• References

This can make it easier to respond quickly when applications open.

Important Things to Know About Wits Bursaries

A bursary should not automatically be assumed to cover every university expense.

Depending on the specific award, funding may cover:

• Tuition
• Accommodation
• Books
• Meals
• Living allowance
• Registration
• Other study-related costs

The coverage differs from one funding source to another.

Wits also has a maximum funding limit for undergraduate students under its current Council-funded scholarship rules. For 2026, the university states that the maximum limit is R205,000, and Council funding may be reduced or reversed where external or faculty funding causes the student’s total funding to exceed the applicable limit.

Because funding limits can change, 2028 applicants should check the latest Wits terms and conditions.

Wits Registration Assistance Is Not the Same as a Bursary

Students should also distinguish between scholarships/bursaries and Wits’ Registration Assistance Fund.

The Wits Registration Assistance Fund is designed to provide assistance with registration for eligible students experiencing socio-economic challenges. Wits explicitly states that this is not a bursary and that funding is limited and not guaranteed.

This distinction is important when planning your finances for university.

Where to Find Wits Scholarships and Bursaries for 2028

The best starting point is the official Wits Financial Aid and Scholarships Office.

The university provides information about undergraduate scholarships, postgraduate awards, external sponsors, discretionary funding and other financial assistance.

For postgraduate students, the Wits Postgraduate Funding Portal is particularly useful because it provides a searchable database of internal and external funding opportunities.

You should also monitor Wits’ external bursary page because opportunities are added throughout the year.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wits Scholarships and Bursaries

Does Wits offer full scholarships?

Yes. Some Wits scholarships can provide substantial or full financial support. For example, the current Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship covers full tuition, accommodation up to a specified cap and allowances for qualifying recipients.

However, not every Wits scholarship is fully funded.

What APS do I need for a Wits scholarship?

For the current University Entrance Scholarship, an NSC APS of 51 or higher, excluding Life Orientation, qualifies for 100% first-year tuition. Lower APS bands currently qualify for smaller awards. These thresholds and amounts should be confirmed for the 2028 intake.

Do I have to apply for the Wits Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship?

No. Under the current rules, the scholarship is automatically offered to the qualifying top first-time entrants after registration.

Does Wits offer postgraduate scholarships?

Yes. Wits offers postgraduate funding opportunities, including the Postgraduate Merit Award, while its funding portal lists many additional internal and external opportunities.

Can international students receive Wits bursaries?

Some opportunities may be available, but Wits indicates that priority for its financial aid is generally given to South African citizens and permanent residents. International students should look specifically for awards that permit non-South African applicants.

Can I apply for more than one bursary?

You can apply for multiple appropriate funding opportunities, but you must disclose other funding where required. Wits’ Council funding rules also address situations where students receive multiple awards covering the same cost category.

Final Thoughts: Wits Scholarships and Bursaries for 2028

The University of the Witwatersrand scholarships and bursaries for 2028 can provide valuable financial support to students who demonstrate academic excellence, sporting achievement, financial need or other characteristics required by particular funders.

For prospective undergraduate students, the key opportunities to investigate include the Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship, University Entrance Scholarships, University Council Merit Scholarships and sports bursaries. Postgraduate students should explore the Postgraduate Merit Award, Wits Postgraduate Funding Portal, NRF opportunities, faculty funding and external scholarships.

The most important strategy is to start early. Wits advises students to identify potential sponsors early, apply to multiple suitable opportunities and carefully monitor closing dates.

Since the 2028 funding cycle may introduce different amounts, deadlines or eligibility criteria, applicants should use the current information as a planning guide and confirm the final rules with Wits when the 2028 application and funding information becomes available.