How to Apply and Register as an International Student at Wits University

This guide is for international students planning to study at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits). By following these steps, you will successfully navigate the application and registration process, ensuring you meet all academic, immigration, and financial requirements. Before you begin, ensure you have identified your desired program of study and have access to your academic transcripts and qualifications.

Step 1: Choose Your Program and Check Academic Requirements

The first step is to select the specific undergraduate or postgraduate program you wish to study at Wits. Once you’ve chosen, carefully review the academic admission requirements for that program on the Wits website. This will help you understand the academic qualifications needed to be considered for your chosen course. A common mistake is applying to a program without confirming you meet the minimum academic entry criteria.

Step 2: Submit Your Wits Application

After identifying your program and its requirements, you need to complete and submit your official Wits application form online. Make sure to do this before the specified closing date. It’s important to ensure all sections of the application are filled out accurately. The expected outcome is that your application is officially lodged with the university. A key mistake to avoid is missing the application deadline, which can result in your application not being considered. Always double-check the application deadline.

Step 3: Upload International Academic Documents

Once your application is submitted, you will likely need to upload certified copies of your international school reports, previous academic results, and foreign school-leaving certificates. These documents are required by the application portal to assess your academic background. The expected outcome is that the university receives all the necessary documentation. Be careful not to submit uncertified copies or incomplete academic records, as this can cause delays. Ensure all uploaded documents are clear and legible.

Step 4: Arrange Matriculation Exemption or SAQA Evaluation

This step is crucial for international applicants. If you are applying for undergraduate study with non-South African school qualifications, you must begin the process to have your qualifications evaluated for matriculation exemption by the Matriculation Board. For postgraduate study, if required, you will need to initiate the SAQA evaluation for your foreign qualifications. The expected outcome is that you will have official confirmation that your qualifications meet the South African university entrance standards. A significant mistake to avoid is delaying this process, as it can take time and may impact your admission. Start this early to avoid delays.

Step 5: Await and Accept Your Wits Admission Decision

After submitting your application and documents, you will need to monitor your application status. Wait for Wits to communicate their admission decision. If you are accepted, follow the instructions provided to formally accept your offer of admission. The expected outcome is that you have officially accepted a place at Wits University. A mistake to avoid is failing to respond to an offer by the deadline, which may lead to the offer being rescinded. Ensure you understand any conditions attached to your acceptance.

Step 6: Obtain Study Visa Supporting Documents

Once you have accepted your offer, you need to gather all the necessary documents that Wits requires to support your South African study visa application. This typically includes your official acceptance letter and a Wits Letter of Undertaking. The expected outcome is that you have all the documents Wits needs to issue the official letter required for your visa application. A mistake to avoid is not obtaining the correct supporting documents from Wits, which can significantly delay your visa application. Always refer to the Wits International Students Office for the most accurate list of required documents.

Step 7: Apply for Your South African Study Visa

With your Wits supporting documents in hand, you can now apply for your South African study visa. You must apply at the South African Embassy, High Commission, or Consulate in your country of residence. Submit all required documentation, including your Wits offer and the supporting documents obtained in the previous step. The expected outcome is that you have successfully submitted your application for a study visa. A critical mistake to avoid is applying too late, as visa processing can take six to eight weeks or even longer. Start this process as soon as you receive your Wits offer.

Step 8: Arrange South African Medical Aid

Most international students are required to have comprehensive medical aid cover. You need to secure a medical aid plan from a South African-registered medical scheme that will be valid for the entire academic year. The expected outcome is that you have proof of medical aid, which is a mandatory requirement for both your study visa and Wits registration. A mistake to avoid is choosing a medical aid plan that does not meet the validity requirements or is not from a registered South African provider. This is a mandatory requirement for most international students.

Step 9: Calculate and Estimate Your Wits Fees

Once you have received your student number from Wits, you can use the Wits Fee Estimator tool on the Student Self-Service Portal. This tool will help you calculate your expected tuition fees, the International Registration Fee (if applicable), and accommodation costs. The expected outcome is that you have a clear estimate of the total costs for your studies. A common mistake is relying on outdated fee information or not factoring in all potential costs like accommodation and books.

Student Category	Tuition Fees	International Registration Fee	Accommodation Fees
SADC Undergraduate	Local tuition fees	R6,970 per year	Separate
Non-SADC Undergraduate	Double local tuition fees	Not applicable	Separate
Postgraduate	Local tuition fees	R6,970 per year	Separate

Note: Fees are subject to change. Always confirm current amounts with Wits.

Step 10: Pay Required Upfront Fees

Before you can register, you must pay at least 75% of your annual tuition fees, the International Registration Fee (if applicable), and any university accommodation charges. It is essential to ensure these funds clear in the university’s account before the registration deadline. The expected outcome is that you have met the initial financial obligations for registration. A major mistake to avoid is paying late, as funds must clear before registration can be finalized. Make payments early to account for international bank transfer times, and always use your student number as the payment reference.

Step 11: Obtain International Clearance from Wits

With your payments made and your visa secured, you need to obtain international clearance from Wits. Present your valid study visa, proof of medical aid, proof of fee payment, and any other required documents to the Wits International Students Office (ISO) and the Fees Office. The expected outcome is that you have received official clearance from Wits, confirming you have met all non-academic requirements. A mistake to avoid is not having all necessary documents ready for clearance, which can delay your registration. This step ensures all administrative and immigration requirements are met.

Step 12: Complete Your Registration

You have reached the final step! With your international clearance secured, you can now proceed to complete your official registration as a student at Wits University. The expected outcome is that you are officially registered for your chosen program of study at Wits. A mistake to avoid is attempting to register without having completed all prior steps, especially obtaining international clearance. Congratulations on reaching this final step!

Frequently Asked Questions