Overview
The University of the Witwatersrand, commonly known as Wits University, is a public research university located in Johannesburg, South Africa. Established in 1922, it traces its origins to the South African School of Mines founded in 1896. Today, Wits is widely recognized for research-led teaching, strong academic departments, and an emphasis on social impact.
2. General Information
| Location | 1 Jan Smuts Avenue, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, South Africa |
| Founded | 1922 (originated in 1896) |
| Motto | “Scientia et Labore” (Latin for “Through Knowledge and Work”) |
| Student Population | Approximately 40,000 students |
3. Fee Structure
| Faculty | Tuition Fee Range (ZAR) |
|---|---|
| Commerce, Law and Management | R43,970 – R78,820 |
| Economic & Management Sciences | R21,750 – R67,480 |
| Engineering & the Built Environment | R62,670 – R90,660 |
| Humanities | R45,450 – R65,100 |
| Health Sciences | R56,480 – R77,750 |
| Science | R47,770 – R74,080 |
4. Academic Programs
- Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management
- Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment
- Faculty of Health Sciences
- Faculty of Humanities
- Faculty of Science
If you’re comparing options in the same region, you may also want to review the academic offerings at University of Johannesburg or University of Cape Town to see how program structures and campus environments differ.
5. Residence and Accommodation Fees (2025)
- Annual Rentals: Approximately R37,000 – R64,000
- Meal Options: Approximately R18,000 – R25,000
Accommodation costs can vary depending on residence type and meal plan selection, so it’s important to confirm the latest 2025/2026 rates directly with Wits Housing before you budget. For students considering other study locations, check how residence costs typically compare at institutions like University of Pretoria.
6. Global Rankings
- QS World University Rankings 2025: #267
- Times Higher Education: Ranked in the top 1.5% globally
Rankings change year to year, but Wits consistently performs well in research visibility and subject-specific performance. If you’re using rankings to shortlist universities, consider comparing Wits with other well-known South African universities such as Stellenbosch University.
7. Contact Information
- General Enquiries: +27 (0)11 717 1000
- Admissions Enquiries: +27 (0)11 717 1888
- Address: 1 Jan Smuts Avenue, Braamfontein 2000, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Website: wits.ac.za
More Universities in South Africa
- University of Cape Town
- Stellenbosch University
- University of Johannesburg
- University of Pretoria
- Rhodes University
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