University of the Witwatersrand

Univofwits

Johannesburg, or Jo’burg as it is usually called, is the largest city in sub-Saharan Africa. The thriving industrial and commercial hub sprawls in all directions in interminable suburbs and satellite towns. The enormous urban conglomerate of Soweto lies to the south, and the University of the Witwatersrand’s urban campus is located in the northern suburb of Braamfontein. The University of the Witwatersrand, or Wits as it is affectionately called, is divided into an East and West campus each accommodating different faculties and services and linked by a brick-paved walkway. As one of the largest English medium universities in the region, Wits has built up an enviable national and international reputation as one of the leading research universities in Africa. It’s longstanding commitment to non-discrimination has broadened access to the university for students from traditionally disadvantaged communities. Not surprisingly therefore, the campus has a lively and progressive atmosphere.
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Academic Info
 

      Due to scheduling difficulties, we recommend that you take your courses within no more than two faculties. You are free to enroll in a variety of departments within a faculty. Faculties include: Architecture, Arts, Commerce, Education, Engineering, Law, and Science.


    • Preferred application deadlines are: October 1st for Spring semester and April 15th for Fall semester. Call for availability after these dates.
    • At the time of application a student should normally have attained a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.  Students should hold a Sophomore, Junior, or Senior class standing at the time of study.
    • Students can take courses in a maximum of 2 departments.
    • Standard full-time credit load: 14-16 U.S. credits per semester. The total number of courses will vary depending on the credit weighting of each course.
    • Course pre-approval is not available in advance of arrival; final registration takes place on-site.
    • Click here for more information on course selection.
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Location

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Student Life
 
    • Location: Johannesburg
    • Student Population: 25,430
    • City Population: 3,225,309
    • In City Center
    • 15 Miles from Johannesburg Airport to Campus
    • 870 Miles from Johannesburg to Cape Town
    • Students’ Representative Council (SRC) coordinates student newspaper and more than 65 cultural, religious and sporting societies.
    • Services include a travel office, photo lab, radio station, cafeterias, coffee shops and pubs.
    • Counselling and Careers Unit, a free Campus Law Clinic, a free Campus Health Service, and a Student Advice Centre.
    • Two main libraries with 15 branch libraries, housing approximately one million items.
    • Students live in University residence halls in single apartment style accommodations with other international students.

Subject Areas

    • african languages
    • architecture
    • art history
    • biochemistry
    • biology
    • business
    • chemistry
    • classics
    • computer science
    • drama *
    • ecology/environmental science
    • economics
    • education
    • engineering
    • english
    • fine art
    • geography
    • geology
    • history *
    • international relations
    • law/prelaw
    • linguistics
    • mathematics
    • medical science
    • music
    • nutrition
    • philosophy
    • physics
    • political science *
    • psychology
    • public administration
    • resource development
    • social work/sociology


*Academic Highlights