WITS University Courses and Requirements (2025)

The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), located in Johannesburg, South Africa, is a globally respected institution known for its academic excellence and innovative research. With a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across five faculties, Wits attracts students eager to excel in fields like health sciences, engineering, and humanities. For those planning to apply for the 2025 academic year, understanding the courses offered and their admission requirements is essential for a successful application. This comprehensive guide details Wits’ 2025 programs, entry criteria, and application process, offering clear, practical information to help you navigate your academic journey with confidence.

WITS University Courses and Requirements

Wits organizes its academic offerings across five faculties: Commerce, Law and Management, Engineering and the Built Environment, Health Sciences, Humanities, and Science. Each faculty provides qualifications from Bachelor’s Degrees to Doctoral Degrees, designed to meet industry demands and foster critical thinking. Admission is based on the National Senior Certificate (NSC), Admission Point Score (APS), and subject-specific requirements, with a minimum APS of 30 for degree programs. Below, we explore the key courses and their entry criteria for 2025, ensuring accuracy based on official Wits sources.

Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management

This faculty prepares students for leadership roles in business, finance, and legal fields, blending theoretical and practical skills.

Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) in Accounting: Requires an NSC with Bachelor’s degree endorsement, APS of 39, English Home Language (HL) or First Additional Language (FAL) level 5 (60–69%), and Mathematics level 5. Prepares students for chartered accountancy and financial roles.
BCom in Economics: APS of 39, English HL/FAL level 5, Mathematics level 5. Focuses on economic theory and policy analysis.
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) (4-year): APS of 43, English HL/FAL level 6 (70–79%), Mathematics level 4 or Mathematical Literacy level 6. Ideal for aspiring legal professionals. Note: Wits students with a BA Law or BCom Law (60% average) can apply for the two-year LLB.
Bachelor of Economic Science (BEconSc): APS of 42, English HL/FAL level 5, Mathematics level 6 (70–79%). Suited for careers in actuarial science or econometrics.

Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment

Accredited by the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA), this faculty offers programs in engineering, architecture, and urban planning.

Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSc Eng) in Civil Engineering: APS of 42, English HL/FAL level 5, Mathematics level 6, Physical Sciences level 6. Covers infrastructure design and construction.
BSc Eng in Chemical Engineering: APS of 42, English HL/FAL level 5, Mathematics level 6, Physical Sciences level 6. Focuses on chemical processes and sustainability.
Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS): APS of 34, English HL/FAL level 5, Mathematics level 5, and a portfolio submission. Prepares students for architectural design careers.
Bachelor of Science in Urban and Regional Planning: APS of 34, English HL/FAL level 5, Mathematics level 5. Emphasizes sustainable urban development.

Faculty of Health Sciences

This faculty trains healthcare professionals with rigorous, research-driven programs.

Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBCh): APS of 44, English HL/FAL level 5, Mathematics level 5, Life Sciences level 5, and Physical Sciences level 5. Requires National Benchmark Tests (NBT) and a selection process.
Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSci) in Biomedical Sciences: APS of 40, English HL/FAL level 5, Mathematics level 5, Life Sciences level 5. Prepares students for medical research.
Bachelor of Nursing: APS of 34, English HL/FAL level 4, Mathematics level 4 or Mathematical Literacy level 6, Life Sciences level 4. Focuses on patient care and clinical practice.
Bachelor of Pharmacy: APS of 40, English HL/FAL level 5, Mathematics level 5, Life Sciences level 5, Physical Sciences level 5. Includes NBT and selection.

Faculty of Humanities

Humanities programs foster critical thinking and creativity, ideal for careers in education, media, and social sciences.

Bachelor of Arts (BA): APS of 34, English HL/FAL level 5. Offers majors like Psychology, Sociology, or International Relations.
Bachelor of Education (BEd) in Senior and Further Education and Training: APS of 34, English HL/FAL level 5, and subject-specific requirements (e.g., Mathematics level 5 for teaching maths). Prepares teachers for grades 7–12.
BA in Media Studies: APS of 34, English HL/FAL level 5. Covers journalism, digital media, and communication.
Bachelor of Social Work: APS of 34, English HL/FAL level 5, and an additional language at level 4. Includes a selection process.

Faculty of Science

This faculty drives innovation in mathematics, biology, and physics, offering programs for research and industry roles.

Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Computer Science: APS of 40, English HL/FAL level 5, Mathematics level 6. Focuses on programming, AI, and data science.
BSc in Biological Sciences: APS of 38, English HL/FAL level 5, Mathematics level 5, Life Sciences level 5. Includes courses like Molecular and Cell Biology.
BSc in Actuarial Science: APS of 42, English HL/FAL level 5, Mathematics level 7 (80–100%). Prepares students for actuarial exams.
BSc in Mathematical Sciences: APS of 40, English HL/FAL level 5, Mathematics level 6. Covers advanced mathematics and statistics.

General Admission Requirements

Wits has stringent entry criteria to ensure academic readiness:

National Senior Certificate (NSC): Must have a Bachelor’s degree endorsement.
Minimum APS: 30 for degree programs, with higher APS (34–44) for competitive courses like Medicine or Engineering.
English Requirement: English HL or FAL at level 5 minimum for most programs, with some requiring level 6.
Mathematics: Compulsory for all numerate degrees (e.g., Engineering, Science), typically at level 5 or 6. Mathematical Literacy is accepted for select programs (e.g., Nursing, LLB).
National Benchmark Tests (NBT): Required for Health Sciences and some other programs, assessing academic literacy and quantitative skills.
Application Period: Opens March 1, 2024, closes June 30, 2024, for Health Sciences, and September 30, 2024, for other programs.

Admission Point Score (APS) Breakdown

The APS is calculated using the six best NSC subjects, excluding Life Orientation:

NSC Level	Percentage	APS Points
7	80–100%	7
6	70–79%	6
5	60–69%	5
4	50–59%	4
3	40–49%	3
2	30–39%	2
1	0–29%	1

For example, a student with English HL (70%, level 6), Mathematics (80%, level 7), and four other subjects at level 5 (60–69%) scores: 6 + 7 + 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 = 33 APS points. Note that Wits awards bonus points for high achievement in English and Mathematics (e.g., +2 points for Mathematics level 7).

Alternative Admission Pathways

Wits offers flexible entry options for non-standard applicants:

National Certificate (Vocational) Level 4: Accepted if equivalent to NSC Bachelor’s endorsement, with program-specific subject requirements.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): Applicants with relevant work experience can apply for RPL assessment, subject to faculty approval.
Matric Upgrade/Rewrite: Only one upgrade attempt is considered for admission.
International Qualifications: A-levels, IB, or IGCSE must be evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

Postgraduate Programs

Wits offers Honours, Master’s, and Doctoral Degrees across all faculties:

Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) in Finance: Requires a BCom with a 65% average in final-year subjects.
Master’s in Engineering (MEng): Requires a BSc Eng or equivalent with a 65% average and a research proposal.
PhD in Health Sciences: Requires a Master’s degree and a strong research background.
Postgraduate Diploma in Education: Requires a Bachelor’s degree with a 60% average and teaching subjects at level 4.

Application Process for 2025

Applying to Wits is streamlined but requires careful planning:

Online Application: Submit via the Wits website from March 1, 2024.
Required Documents: Certified copies of ID, NSC or equivalent results, and proof of application fee payment.
Application Fee: Approximately R100 for South African applicants, R700 for international students.
Selection Process: Competitive programs like MBBCh require NBT results, interviews, and biographical questionnaires.
Track Application: Monitor your status through the Wits Student Self-Service portal.

International Students

International applicants must meet additional criteria:

SAQA Evaluation: Non-South African qualifications require SAQA verification.
English Proficiency: TOEFL or IELTS scores for non-English-speaking applicants.
Study Permit: Required before registration.

Financial Aid and Funding

Wits offers various funding options to support students:

NSFAS: For South African students with a household income below R350,000 per year.
Wits Bursaries: Merit-based awards for top performers.
External Scholarships: Available through private organizations and government programs.
Postgraduate Funding: Research grants and fellowships for Master’s and PhD students.

Apply for funding early to align with admission deadlines.

Why Choose Wits?

Wits stands out for its:

Academic Excellence: Ranked among Africa’s top universities, with cutting-edge curricula.
Research Leadership: Home to research centers in AI, digital arts, and health sciences.
Vibrant Campus Life: Located in Johannesburg, offering cultural and professional opportunities.
Gateway to Success: A compulsory two-week orientation program for first-years, starting in January 2025, ensures a smooth transition.

Campus Life and Orientation

Wits’ Johannesburg campuses provide a dynamic student experience. The Gateway to Success orientation (January 2025) introduces first-years to academic resources, student societies, and campus facilities. Students can engage in:

Sports Facilities: Rugby, soccer, and swimming programs.
Cultural Events: Music festivals, theater productions, and art exhibitions.
Student Societies: Over 100 clubs for academic, social, and professional development.

Summary Table: Key WITS Courses and Requirements (2025)

Faculty	Course	APS	Key Requirements
Commerce, Law and Management	BCom in Accounting	39	English HL/FAL level 5, Maths level 5
Commerce, Law and Management	LLB (4-year)	43	English HL/FAL level 6, Maths level 4 or Maths Lit 6
Engineering and Built Environment	BSc Eng in Civil Engineering	42	English HL/FAL level 5, Maths level 6, Physical Sciences level 6
Health Sciences	MBBCh	44	English HL/FAL level 5, Maths level 5, Life Sciences level 5, NBT
Humanities	BA	34	English HL/FAL level 5
Science	BSc in Computer Science	40	English HL/FAL level 5, Maths level 6

FAQ: Common Questions About WITS Courses and Requirements

What is the minimum APS for Wits in 2025?
The minimum APS for degree programs is 30, but most programs require 34–44, depending on competitiveness. For example, MBBCh requires an APS of 44, while a BA needs 34.

Do I need the NBT for all Wits programs?
The National Benchmark Tests (NBT) are mandatory for Health Sciences programs (e.g., MBBCh, Pharmacy) and some other faculties, depending on the course. Check specific program requirements on the Wits website.

When do Wits applications close for 2025?
Applications close on June 30, 2024, for Health Sciences and September 30, 2024, for other programs. Early application is recommended due to high demand.

Conclusion

The University of the Witwatersrand offers a diverse range of programs for 2025, from Bachelor’s Degrees to Postgraduate Qualifications, designed to prepare students for global careers. By meeting the APS and subject requirements, you can pursue your passion in commerce, engineering, health sciences, humanities, or science. Start your application early, prepare your documents, and explore funding options to secure your place. With its academic prestige, vibrant campus life, and research opportunities, Wits is an excellent choice for your higher education journey.