Wits Admission Requirement Foreign School-Leaving Qualification
International Students
The University is a popular destination for international students. Our growing international student population provides the perfect mix of academic excellence and cultural diversity. If you intend studying at Wits, you will need to meet certain admission requirements and be in possession of a certificate of exemption, a study visa, South African based medical aid cover and that you have a good command of the English language.
Applying to Wits
- Matriculation exemption
All International students with non-South African qualifications require a certificate of exemption from the Matriculation Board of South Africa for admission into undergraduate studies.
Application forms for Matriculation Exemption should be sent to:
Student Enrolment Centre, Private Bag 4, WITS, 2050Email: studysa.international@wits.ac.za
Including the following supporting documentation:
- Form M30E (this form is included in the application package for study at Wits)
- Correctly Certified copies of your educational qualifications certified by a South African High Commission, Consulate, Trade Mission or a Public Notary in your home country
- A correctly certified copy of your passport or birth certificate certified by a South African High Commission, Consulate, Trade Mission or a Public Notary in your home country
- Exemption fee included in the non-refundable application fee charged to international applicants. This fee is applicable to all international applicants whether schooling in South Africa or not.
- Sworn English translations of documents are required.
Please note:
- Statements of results and high school transcripts are not accepted by the Matriculation Board
- Certification by police or any ordinary Commissioner of Oaths is not accepted by the Matriculation Board.
- Faxed and scanned copies are NOT acceptable
- Students are advised to send two sets of certified copies of documents, one for application for Matriculation Exemption and one for application to programme (degree) studies
For additional information on Matriculation Exemptions see the Matriculation Board website http://www.hesa-enrol.ac.za/exemption-process
To comply with the regulations, the University requires a membership certificate as proof of full Medical Aid cover with a South African based medical aid scheme for the full calendar year, until 31 December of that year.
To avoid unnecessary complications, please make the necessary financial arrangements with the medical aid provider prior to your entry into South Africa. Should you rely on sponsorship, please ensure that you advise your sponsor of this requirement as soon as you get sponsorship or acceptance. The required medical aid cover fee must be paid directly to the Medical Aid Company, separate to that of the tuition fees.
Students will not receive a Clearance Certificate unless they can show a membership certificate as proof of a valid and comprehensive medical aid cover for the duration of the academic year (until 31 December), without a Clearance Certificate they cannot register at the Institution.
Students who are members or dependents on a South African based parent/guardian/spousal/work medical aid are required to present a recent membership certificate for the annual registration. The membership certificate must reflect active membership for the current year.
Medical Aids with Weekly Consulting Hours at Wits Campus
- CompCare Wellness Medical Scheme
http://www.studentplan.co.za
0860 112 4636 - Discovery Health Medical Scheme
http://www.360students.co.za
0860 99 88 77 / +27 (0)11 529 6496 - Momentum Health
http://www.ingwehealth.co.za
0860 10 24 39 / +27 (0)12 671 8511
The above products have guaranteed that cancellation of coverage will not be refunded without written communication from the International Students Office confirming the student’s deregistration/completion status.
Factors to take into consideration when comparing and selecting medical cover options and benefits offered for your specific needs. Compare the benefits as summarised 2015 Medical Aid Cover Guide.pdf.
If you wish to use other SA Medical Aid Products you will have to ensure the following:
- The certificate/letter confirming membership must be for the current year
For more details about all Medical Aid providers in South Africa, contact:
SA Medical Scheme
http://www.medicalschemes.com
0861 123 267 / +27 12 431 0500
English language proficiency
- A pass in an examination equivalent to English at the Higher Grade (First or Second Language) at the South African matriculation level (or, for certain immigrants only, English at the Standard Grade [First Language] plus an A-level pass in the immigrant s home language);
- A pass in English Language at the GCSE/GCE/IGSCE Ordinary level (or equivalent examination);
- A pass in the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) with a score of at least 7.0. Information, including application forms and dates when tests are held, may be obtained from:
The Wits Language School (WLS) offers English training to students who wish to improve their language skills. WLS offers non-academic courses for adult learners. It offers public classes, corporate training and private tuition. WLS takes pride in its excellent services, high quality training programmes that have sound research and academic framework and the quality of its training personnel.
English as a Foreign Language (EFL) Courses are designed for foreign and second language speakers and consist of six levels from pre- beginners to advanced level. An assessment test determines at which level students would start the course.
Wits Language School
Contact details:
Wits Language School
Private Bag X3, Wits, 2050
Tel: +27 11 717-4208
Fax: +27 11 717-4219
E-mail: wls@wits.ac.za
Website: http://www.witslanguageschool.com/
British Council at the British Embassy or Consulate in your country or British Council in Johannesburg
British Council in Johannesburg
275 Jan Smuts Avenue, Dunkeld Corner, Dunkeld West
Tel: +27 11 560 9300
Fax: +27 11 560 9301
E-mail: ssa.enquiries@britishcouncil.org 
The University prefers the applicant to take the IELTS, however consideration will be given should an applicant have a pass in TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language ) which is equivalent to the IELTS 7.0
Foreign Qualification Entry Requirements
| Qualifcation | Commerce and Law | Engineering and the Built Environment | Humanities | Health Sciences | Science |
| Ordinary level (O-level) International General Certificate Secondary Education (IGCSE) (for mature age exemption only) |
(Commerce – not eligible) | Not eligible | Pass in English Language plus selection test. (Excluding BA Law & Bachelor of Arts in Speech and Hearing Therapy). | Not eligible | Not eligible |
| Advanced level (A-level) |
BAccSc, BEconSc = Maths Grade A, B.
BCom = Maths Grade A, B or C. Law = Pass in English and Maths. |
Engineering = Maths & Physics Grade A, B & C.Chemical Eng & Metallurgy also require Chemistry Grade A, B, C.
All Built Environ = Pass in Maths. |
Pass in English Language O/A level.(BA Law & Bachelor of Arts in Speech and Hearing Therapy including pass in Maths). | O-level English as well as three A-level subjects.Dental Science: Maths, Biology, Physics and Chemistry- Grade A, B & C.
All other: Maths and a choice of two from Biology, Physics or Chemistry Grade A,B & C. |
Maths and Physics (as per degree requirements)Grade A, B or C. |
| Advanced Subsidiary (AS-level) | BAccSc & BEconSc = Maths Grade ABCom = Maths Grade A or B Law = Pass in English and Maths. |
Physics, Maths Grade A, B or C.Built Environment = Pass in English & Maths. | Pass in English Language.(BA Law & Bachelor of Arts in Speech and Hearing Therapy including pass in Maths). | O-level English as well as four AS-level subjects.Dental Science: Maths, Biology, Physics and Chemistry – Grade A & B.
All other: Maths and a choice of two from Biology, Physics or Chemistry Grade A & B. |
Maths and Physics (as per degree requirements)
Grade A, B or C. |
| International Baccalaureate (IB Diploma) |
BCom = Maths (HL, SL & Maths Method) Grade 4-7.BAccSc = Maths (HL, SL & Maths Method) Grade 5-7. BEconSc = Maths (HL, SL & Maths Method) Law = Pass in English and Maths. |
Engineering = Maths (HL, SL & Maths Method), English & Physics 5-7 (SL) 4-7 (HL).Built Environment = Maths (HL, SL & Maths Method & English). | Pass in English Language.BA Law & Bachelor of Arts in Speech and Hearing Therapy including pass in Maths (HL,SL or Maths Method). | Dental Science: English, Maths, Biology, Physics and Chemistry – Grade 5-7 (SL) and Grade 4-7 (HL).All other: English, Maths, Biology, Physics or Chemistry – Grade 5-7 (SL) and Grade 4-7 (HL). | Maths and Physics (as per degree requirements) HL, SL & Maths Method Grade 4-7. |
| Higher International General Certificate of Secondary Education (HIGCSE) |
BCom = Maths Grade 1-3.BAccSc & BEconSc Maths Grade 1-2. Law = Pass in English and Maths. |
Engineering = Maths & Physics.Built Environment = English & Maths. | Pass in English Language.(BA Law & Bachelor of Arts in Speech and Hearing Therapy including pass in Maths). | Dental Science: English, Maths, Biology, Physics and Chemistry-Grade 1-3.
All other: English, Maths and Biology, Physics or Chemistry – Grade 1-3. |
Maths and Physics (as per degree requirements) Grade 1-3. |
Other foreign qualifications are considered according to faculty requirements
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- Wits University Admission Requirements
- UFH International Students Admission Requirements
- UNISA College of Law Entry Requirements
- UNISA College of Science, Engineering and Technology
- UNISA College of Agriculture & Environmental Sciences Entry Requirements
- University of Johannesburg UJ Admission Requirements
- University of Fort Hare UFH Admission Requirements
- University of Johannesburg UJ Online Application
- University of Johannesburg UJ Undergraduate Online Application