The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) has catering and self-catering residences, and it places students mainly on academic merit and progression. Places are limited, so apply on time. The details below come from Wits's accommodation pages and its 2026 residence fees schedule.
When to apply
For 2027, residence applications opened on 1 April 2026 and closed on 30 September 2026. Wits does not accept late applications. You apply online, and current students apply through the student self-service portal.
If you receive an offer
You have three days to accept a residence offer. After that, the offer is automatically withdrawn.
Paying for residence
- Before you are admitted, pay an initial instalment of R5,000 towards your annual residence fees.
- The balance is due by 30 June.
- International students pay 75% of their total residence fees before admission.
- If you cannot pay the R5,000, apply for a residence payment postponement on the self-service portal.
NSFAS-funded students must have provisional or firm acceptance of their funding before Wits places them in a residence. Bursary students must provide proof of their bursary at registration. If your funding does not cover the full residence cost, you pay R5,000 of the uncovered portion in advance.
Catering residences
Wits's catering residences include Barnato Hall, David Webster Hall, Ernest Oppenheimer Hall, Girton Hall, Jubilee Hall, Knockando Halls, Medhurst Hall, the Men's Halls, Reith Hall and Sunnyside Hall. In 2026, a single room cost R70,400 a year, and a double room R66,000 per student, excluding meals. Meals are served in dining halls during the teaching terms, exams and the April and September study breaks. Meal plans range from 10 meals a week at R15,634 to 19 meals a week at R31,954, so a single room with meals cost about R86,034 to R102,354. You must take at least 10 meals a week.
Self-catering residences
Self-catering rentals vary by residence and room type, and exclude meals, so budget separately for food. The 2026 price per meal in catering residences was R34 for breakfast, R47 for lunch and R39 for supper, which gives a sense of food costs. Wits publishes the full list in its residence fees schedule.
Orientation
New first-year undergraduates receive free accommodation from 17 to 30 January. Meals during orientation are charged to your account.
Readmission
Readmission to a residence is not automatic. Wits reviews each application based on your academic performance and disciplinary record, and you must reapply online by 30 September. No discounts are given on residence rentals, meals or levies.
Getting help
Contact the Central Accommodation Office, on the ground floor of Solomon Mahlangu House, Room SH045. See also the Wits fees page.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do Wits residence applications close?
For 2027, they closed on 30 September 2026.
How long do I have to accept a Wits residence offer?
Three days, after which the offer is withdrawn.
How much is a catered Wits residence?
In 2026, a single room with meals cost about R86,034 to R102,354 a year.