The University of Witwatersrand (Wits University) has specific English language requirements for both undergraduate and postgraduate applicants to ensure that students can effectively engage with their studies in an English-speaking academic environment.

1. Undergraduate Programs

• South African Applicants: Typically meet the language requirements through their National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent high school qualification, with sufficient English language proficiency demonstrated.
• International Applicants: Applicants from non-English-speaking countries need to provide proof of English proficiency through standardized tests:
  • IELTS: Minimum overall score of 7.0.
  • TOEFL: Minimum score of 92 (internet-based).
  • Pearson PTE Academic: Minimum score of 65.

2. Postgraduate Programs

• English proficiency requirements are similar to those for undergraduates, but some graduate programs may have higher or more specific requirements:
  • IELTS: Generally, a minimum overall score of 7.0, with some programs requiring higher scores.
  • TOEFL: Minimum score of 100 (internet-based).
  • Pearson PTE Academic: Minimum score of 68.

3. Waivers and Alternative Proof of Proficiency

• Applicants who have completed previous education in an English-speaking country, or whose primary language of instruction was English, may qualify for a waiver. They will usually need to provide documentation proving the English medium of their prior education.

4. Additional Support for English Language Learning

• For students who may need additional help, Wits University offers language support services through its Language Centre, which can provide assistance to improve English skills for academic success.

Online Applications

The University of Witwatersrand (Wits University) is renowned for its wide range of specialized and high-quality programs. Here are some of its key course specialties:

1. Health Sciences and Medicine

• Specialties: Wits is famous for its Faculty of Health Sciences, with programs in medicine, dentistry, nursing, pharmacy, and public health. The university has contributed to critical research in infectious diseases (like HIV/AIDS), cardiology, and pediatric care.
• Notable Achievement: Wits researchers were instrumental in early heart transplant developments and continue to lead in global health research.

2. Engineering and Built Environment

• Specialties: Civil, electrical, mechanical, and mining engineering. Wits has one of the top mining engineering programs globally due to its proximity to South Africa's mining industry, and it is also known for research in sustainable engineering and urban development.

3. Social Sciences and Humanities

• Specialties: The university excels in sociology, history, political studies, and African studies, with a focus on social justice, urban development, and cultural studies.
• Notable Centers: The Wits Institute for Social and Economic Research (WISER) is known for its cutting-edge interdisciplinary research.

4. Natural and Environmental Sciences

• Specialties: Geology, paleontology, biological sciences, environmental sciences, and climate studies.
• Notable Achievement: Wits has a global reputation in paleontology and archeology, with significant finds like Australopithecus sediba and Homo naledi at the Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

5. Business and Management

• Specialties: Wits Business School offers MBA programs, entrepreneurship, leadership studies, and economics. The school is highly regarded in Africa for training business leaders and offers specialized programs in finance, management, and marketing.

6. Law

• Specialties: Constitutional law, human rights law, and international law. Wits Law School is recognized for its contributions to South Africa's legal framework, especially during and after the apartheid era, and continues to focus on issues of social justice.

7. Education

• Specialties: Teacher education, curriculum development, and educational policy studies. Wits is known for its commitment to improving South African education and researching effective learning practices for diverse populations.

8. Computer Science and Digital Arts

• Specialties: Data science, artificial intelligence, and computational modeling. Wits offers leading programs in digital arts, including gaming and virtual reality, combining creativity with advanced computing.

9. Physics and Astronomy

• Specialties: Wits is a significant contributor to physics research and astronomy, partnering with projects like the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) radio telescope, one of the largest astronomical projects globally.

Research and Innovation

Study at Wits - Undergraduate - Academic programmes

Scholarships and Bursaries

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Vacancies

The University of Witwatersrand (Wits) has several distinguished professors known for their groundbreaking research and contributions across various disciplines. Here are some top professors affiliated with Wits:

1. Prof. Helen Rees

• Field: Health Sciences, HIV/AIDS, and Reproductive Health
• Achievements: Prof. Rees is a leading global expert in public health and infectious diseases. She is the founder and Executive Director of the Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI). Her work on HIV prevention, vaccines, and reproductive health has had a significant impact on public health policy in Africa and worldwide.

2. Prof. Lee Berger

• Field: Paleoanthropology
• Achievements: Prof. Berger is renowned for his discoveries of significant hominid fossils, including Australopithecus sediba and Homo naledi, at the Cradle of Humankind. His research has contributed significantly to the understanding of human evolution, earning him international recognition.

3. Prof. Glenda Gray

• Field: Paediatrics and HIV/AIDS Research
• Achievements: Prof. Gray is known for her pioneering work in HIV/AIDS research, particularly in vaccine development and mother-to-child transmission prevention. She serves as the president of the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) and is a prominent figure in South African health research.

4. Prof. Adam Habib

• Field: Political Science and Higher Education
• Achievements: Formerly the Vice-Chancellor of Wits, Prof. Habib is well-known for his research in political science, focusing on issues like social justice, democratic governance, and higher education. He has been a vocal advocate for education reform and transformation in South Africa.

5. Prof. Shabir Madhi

• Field: Vaccinology, Infectious Diseases
• Achievements: Prof. Madhi is a prominent expert in vaccinology and infectious diseases, leading critical research on vaccines for diseases like pneumonia and COVID-19. He has contributed significantly to South Africa’s vaccine strategy and public health policy.

6. Prof. Zeblon Vilakazi

• Field: Nuclear Physics
• Achievements: As Vice-Chancellor of Wits and a distinguished nuclear physicist, Prof. Vilakazi has made significant contributions to particle physics. He has collaborated with CERN and other international institutions, advancing South Africa’s role in global scientific research.

7. Prof. Bruce Rubidge

• Field: Paleontology
• Achievements: Prof. Rubidge is known for his research on prehistoric life and vertebrate fossils. His work has been instrumental in discovering and understanding ancient life forms in South Africa, contributing to the global field of paleontology.

8. Prof. Pravin Gordhan

• Field: Economics, Public Policy (Honorary Professor)
• Achievements: While not a full-time academic, Gordhan, a prominent South African politician and former Minister of Finance, has been involved with Wits as an honorary professor. He is known for his work on economic and public policy reform in South Africa.

9. Prof. Ian Jandrell

• Field: Electrical Engineering
• Achievements: A leading expert in high-voltage engineering, Prof. Jandrell’s work has influenced electrical power systems and safety in South Africa. He has published extensively and is actively involved in engineering research and education.

10. Prof. Achille Mbembe

• Field: African Studies, Postcolonial Theory
• Achievements: Known internationally for his work in African studies, Prof. Mbembe's research focuses on postcolonial theory, politics, and the dynamics of power. His influential works on Africa’s postcolonial context and global significance have made a significant impact in the humanities.

The University of Witwatersrand (Wits University) has strong connections with Nobel laureates and prominent contributions to research that have impacted global science and health. While Wits does not currently have a Nobel Prize-winning faculty member, it has produced alumni who have earned this prestigious award.

Notable Nobel Laureates Associated with Wits University

1. Aaron Klug (Nobel Prize in Chemistry, 1982)

   • Achievement: Wits alumnus Aaron Klug was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his work on the development of crystallographic electron microscopy, which has had a major impact on structural biology and molecular biology. His innovations in imaging methods enabled scientists to visualize the structures of complex biological molecules.

2. Sydney Brenner (Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, 2002)

   • Achievement: A Wits alumnus, Sydney Brenner was a pioneer in molecular biology and genetics, particularly known for his work on the roundworm C. elegans, which helped uncover fundamental mechanisms of genetic control. His work laid the foundation for significant advances in genetic research, including studies in programmed cell death and neurobiology.

3. Nadine Gordimer (Nobel Prize in Literature, 1991)

   • Achievement: South African novelist and Wits honorary alumna Nadine Gordimer won the Nobel Prize in Literature for her impactful work portraying life under apartheid in South Africa. Her novels, such as Burger’s Daughter and July’s People, are celebrated for their profound insight into the social and moral complexities of apartheid.

4. Nelson Mandela (Nobel Peace Prize, 1993)

   • Achievement: Although he did not complete his law degree at Wits, Nelson Mandela attended Wits Law School, and the university recognizes his deep connection to its history and its role in anti-apartheid activism. Mandela's Nobel Peace Prize acknowledged his efforts to dismantle apartheid and establish peace and democracy in South Africa.

Wits’ Research Contributions with Nobel-Level Impact

Wits University has contributed groundbreaking research in fields such as HIV/AIDS, infectious diseases, paleontology, and physics, which has had a substantial global impact. Wits' research in paleontology, especially in discovering Australopithecus sediba and Homo naledi, has significantly advanced the understanding of human evolution.