The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) offers merit scholarships to top first-year and returning students, and its Financial Aid and Scholarships Office (FASO) administers funds on behalf of the university, donors and sponsors, including NSFAS. The details below come from Wits's scholarships page and its 2026 fees book.
The Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship
Wits awards this scholarship to the top twenty first-time entrants registered for an undergraduate degree. It covers full tuition, accommodation up to a capped amount, and allowances, and it is renewable for each year of the first degree if the recipient keeps performing.
University Entrance Scholarships
First-time undergraduates receive a University Entrance Scholarship based on the APS of their first matric results, using a maximum of six NSC subjects and excluding Life Orientation:
- APS 51 or above: 100% of first-year tuition
- APS 48 to 50: R45,000
- APS 45 to 47: R25,000
- APS 43 to 44: R20,000
The award applies to tuition fees only. You cannot hold the Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship and a University Entrance Scholarship at the same time. Wits honours a gap year for one year only, with an affidavit or proof of what you did. Students with the Kombiabitur, Cambridge AS or A levels, or the International Baccalaureate may also be eligible.
University Council Merit Scholarships
Returning full-time undergraduates with an overall average of 75% or more receive a 25% reduction on their full tuition charge. No application is needed: if you qualify, your account is updated automatically. The scholarship applies to a first undergraduate degree, and students in their final year are not eligible for the following year.
NSFAS
NSFAS grant students do not pay the first fee payment, because NSFAS covers it. If your NSFAS funding is not confirmed when you need to register, apply for a first fee payment postponement on the self-service portal. Students who qualify for a Council scholarship but receive NSFAS funding do not receive the university funding, but the award is recorded on their academic transcript.
Funding limits
For 2026, the maximum funding for an undergraduate student was R205,000. If external or faculty bursaries take you over this limit, Wits reduces or reverses its Council funds. Where two awards cover the same cost, such as tuition, any amount above the cost is reversed.
Sponsored students
Sponsored student fees are due by 30 June. If a sponsor does not pay, you become liable, and interest accrues from 1 July.
More funding
Browse our bursaries for companies and SETAs that fund Wits students, and read about Wits fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
What APS do I need for a Wits entrance scholarship?
At least 43, excluding Life Orientation. An APS of 51 or above covers full first-year tuition.
Do I apply for a Wits merit scholarship?
No. Entrance and Council merit scholarships are awarded automatically if you qualify.
Do NSFAS students pay the Wits first fee payment?
No. NSFAS covers it.