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The University of the Witwatersrand is one of South Africa’s leading universities and has competitive admission standards for undergraduate programmes. Every applicant must meet specific APS scores, school subject requirements, and faculty criteria before being considered for admission.
Wits uses an Admission Point Score system called APS to evaluate school performance. Different faculties and degrees require different APS levels depending on programme demand and available space. Students can check official requirements through the Wits Entry Requirements Portal.
Wits Admission Requirements System
The Wits admission system is designed to assess whether applicants qualify academically for university study. The university reviews school subjects, APS scores, language performance, and programme-specific requirements during selection.
According to official Wits admission guidelines, applicants normally need:
- A National Senior Certificate
- A Bachelor’s Degree pass
- Required APS scores
- Faculty subject requirements
- English language competency
Some programmes may also include additional selection processes or competitive ranking systems because space is limited.
What It Is About APS Scores at Wits
APS stands for Admission Point Score. Wits uses this system to calculate academic eligibility for undergraduate programmes.
The university calculates APS using a student’s best seven subjects, including Life Orientation. Mathematics and English receive special weighting in some calculations.
The APS scale generally works as follows:
| Percentage | APS Points |
| 90 to 100% | 8 |
| 80 to 89% | 7 |
| 70 to 79% | 6 |
| 60 to 69% | 5 |
| 50 to 59% | 4 |
| 40 to 49% | 3 |
| 30 to 39% | 0 |
For Mathematics and English, Wits may add bonus weighting in certain faculties and numerate programmes. Life Orientation uses a lower APS contribution compared to other subjects.
What Are the Requirements for Different Wits Faculties?
Each faculty has different minimum APS and subject criteria.
Commerce, Law and Management programmes usually require Mathematics and strong English performance. Engineering and Science programmes often require high Mathematics and Physical Sciences marks. Health Sciences programmes are among the most competitive at Wits.
Examples of commonly referenced APS ranges include:
- Medicine: APS around 44+
- Engineering: APS around 37+
- Law: APS around 38+
- Commerce: APS around 35+
- Humanities: APS around 35+
These scores may change depending on competition and available places. Meeting the minimum requirement does not guarantee admission.
How to Apply After Meeting Wits Subject Criteria
Students who meet the academic requirements can apply online through the Wits admissions platform.
The normal application process includes:
- Creating an online applicant profile
- Selecting study programmes
- Uploading supporting documents
- Paying required fees where applicable
- Submitting the completed application
- Tracking application progress online
Applicants can apply through the official Wits Applications Page.
Students should apply early because some programmes close quickly due to high demand.
What It Is About Mathematics and Subject Requirements
Mathematics is one of the most important subjects for many Wits degrees. Numerate programmes in Engineering, Science, Commerce, and Health Sciences usually require pure Mathematics rather than Mathematical Literacy.
According to official Wits guidance:
- Mathematics is compulsory for most Science and Engineering programmes
- Mathematical Literacy may be accepted for selected Humanities, Education, and Law programmes
- English must be taken as Home Language or First Additional Language
Some programmes also require:
- Physical Sciences
- Life Sciences
- Accounting
- Geography
- Specific achievement levels
Faculty-specific requirements are listed in the official undergraduate guide and admissions pages.
What Are the Requirements for International Students at Wits?
International applicants must meet both Wits faculty requirements and South African matriculation exemption standards.
Wits states that international qualifications normally require evaluation through the South African Matriculation Board before admission decisions are finalized.
International students may need:
- Passport copies
- Certified academic records
- English proficiency proof
- Foreign qualification evaluation
- Study permits
Some international applicants may also need additional English language testing depending on their schooling system.
How to Calculate Your Wits APS Correctly
Many applicants calculate APS incorrectly because they misunderstand the Wits scoring method.
To calculate APS:
- Select your best seven subjects
- Include Life Orientation
- Convert percentages into APS points
- Include faculty-required subjects
- Add the scores together
Wits does not distinguish between designated and non-designated subjects during APS calculations. Advanced Programme subjects may also be included where applicable.
Students can also use the official undergraduate guide to compare programme-specific APS requirements before applying.
What It Is About Competitive Selection at Wits
Many applicants believe that meeting minimum APS requirements guarantees admission, but Wits clearly states that final selection depends on available space and competition levels.
Competitive programmes such as:
- Medicine
- Actuarial Science
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Law
often admit students with APS scores above the published minimums.