The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) offers honours degrees, postgraduate diplomas, master's degrees and PhDs across its faculties. Postgraduate applications go through Wits's central online system, but each programme sets its own requirements and closing date. Here is how postgraduate study at Wits works, based on its official pages.
How to apply
- Find your programme in the Wits course finder, which lists its requirements and closing date.
- If you are applying for a PhD or a master's by dissertation, contact the school first to discuss your topic and find a supervisor.
- Apply online at www.wits.ac.za/applications, using the Wits PG Online Application Guide.
- Pay the R200 application fee. Current Wits students who apply online do not pay it.
- Submit any departmental forms, such as references or a confirmation of supervisor form. Wits does not consider incomplete applications.
- Upload documents certified within the last three months before you submit.
- Track your application on the self-service portal.
Your application goes to the relevant school, and there is no set decision timeframe. Most schools decide at the end of the academic year or at the start of the next one.
Paying and changing choices
You can pay the fee after you submit, through the self-service portal under Campus Finances. If you want to change your programme, do not submit a new application. Check that applications are still open for your new choice, and amend your choices on the portal. Wits may accept your offer without certified hard copies, but it verifies all documents and may cancel a registration if any are fraudulent.
Closing dates
Wits has no single postgraduate closing date. For 2027 study, for example, the MA in Clinical Psychology closed on 1 May 2026 and the MEd in Educational Psychology on 29 May 2026, while the MEd by coursework and research lists 30 November.
Fees in 2026
- BCom Honours: R52,100 to R59,260
- Master of Laws (coursework and research report): R77,660 to R90,560
- MBA: R333,360 to R427,890
- Engineering master's by research, full-time: R39,200 a year
Funding
The Wits Postgraduate Merit Award helps full-time students complete honours, master's or PhD degrees by research, or by coursework and research. It pays tuition up to R71,900, based on academic merit and available funds, and University Council funds are allocated by the end of March. NSFAS no longer funds postgraduate study, so Wits encourages students to apply to the National Research Foundation (NRF).
Other options listed by Wits include the Harold and Doris Tothill Scholarships for English-related master's and PhD study, which close on 31 March, and the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship for African citizens under 30.
Related pages
See Wits fees, Wits bursaries and how to apply to Wits.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Wits postgraduate application fee?
R200, but current Wits students who apply online do not pay it.
Does Wits have one postgraduate closing date?
No. Each programme sets its own date in the course finder.
How much is the Wits Postgraduate Merit Award?
Tuition up to R71,900 for qualifying full-time students.