The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) admits students based on its own Admission Points Score (APS), along with minimum levels in key subjects. The Wits APS works differently from most universities, so the numbers look higher than elsewhere. The figures below come from the Wits entry requirements page and its online course entries.
How the Wits APS works
Wits adds up your best seven subjects, and unlike many universities, it includes Life Orientation. Any subjects that your faculty requires must be part of those seven. Further Studies subjects, previously called Advanced Programme subjects, count as well.
English and Mathematics carry a bonus. A score of 80% to 89% earns 7 points in most subjects, but 9 points in English or Mathematics. A score of 90% or more earns 8 points, or 10 in English or Mathematics. Life Orientation counts for less, with a maximum of 4 points for 90% or more. So use the Wits table, not a general APS calculator, to work out your score.
Minimum APS for popular Wits programmes
- Computer Science: APS 44 or more
- Law: APS 43 or more. Applicants with 40 to 42 may be wait-listed if places are available.
- Economic Science: APS 42 or more, with Mathematics at level 7
- Civil or Electrical Engineering: APS 42 or more
- BSc (General): APS 42 or more, with English and Mathematics at level 5
- Accounting: APS 38 or more. Applicants with 35 to 37 and level 6 in English and Mathematics may be wait-listed.
- Information Systems: APS 38 or more
- BEd Foundation Phase Teaching: APS 37 or more
Subject rules
You must take English as a home language or first additional language. Mathematics is compulsory for all numerate programmes in Commerce, Law and Management, in Engineering and the Built Environment, in Science and in most Health Sciences programmes. Wits accepts Mathematical Literacy for the LLB, Education and the Humanities, except for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology.
Health Sciences selection
The Faculty of Health Sciences uses a Composite Index score to select students. It includes your National Benchmark Test (NBT) results, which carry a 25% weighting. You must write the NBT in person, because Wits does not consider online NBT results, and it only counts your first attempt from the most recent year.
Other rules to know
You need a bachelor's degree pass on your National Senior Certificate. Wits considers only one attempt at upgrading or rewriting matric, so a second rewrite will make you unsuccessful. Meeting the minimum does not guarantee a place, because the number of first-year places is fixed and Wits makes its final selection on merit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Wits count Life Orientation in the APS?
Yes. Wits uses your best seven subjects including Life Orientation, which earns up to 4 points.
What APS do I need for Law at Wits?
You need an APS of 43 or more. Applicants with 40 to 42 may be wait-listed.
Do I need the NBT for Wits?
For Health Sciences, yes. The faculty uses NBT results, written in person, in its Composite Index.