Applying to Wits University is an exciting step, but your application will only be properly considered if you submit the correct supporting documents.
The University of the Witwatersrand, commonly known as Wits, requires applicants to upload documents during the online application process or after applying through the Wits Student Self-Service Portal.
If you are planning to apply for undergraduate study at Wits, here are the documents you may need and what you should know before uploading them.
Why Supporting Documents Are Important
Supporting documents help Wits verify your identity, school results and academic history.
Wits advises applicants to have soft copies of required documents ready, including Grade 11 results, certified matric results and a South African ID. The university also states that document verification is an ongoing process.
This means applicants should upload clear and correct documents as early as possible.
Documents Needed for Current Grade 12 Learners
If you are currently in Grade 12 and have not yet completed matric, you will usually need to upload your final Grade 11 report.
Wits states that applicants who have not yet matriculated must upload a final Grade 11 report that is signed and stamped by the school principal. A hard copy is not required.
Current Grade 12 learners may need:
- Final Grade 11 report, signed and stamped by the principal
- Copy of South African ID
- Latest Grade 12 results, if requested or available
- Any additional documents required by the chosen programme
Documents Needed for Applicants Who Already Matriculated
If you have already completed matric, you should upload your matric results or certificate.
Wits lists documents such as matric certificates, individual certificates for each matric attempt, upgrade results and re-mark results as part of undergraduate application supporting documents.
Applicants who already matriculated may need:
- Certified copy of South African ID
- National Senior Certificate
- Matric certificate
- Individual certificates for each matric attempt, where applicable
- Upgrade results, where applicable
- Re-mark results, where applicable
Documents Needed for International Applicants
International applicants must upload documents that allow Wits to assess their qualifications.
Wits says applicants with international qualifications should upload a certified copy of a recent school report, as well as all previous results.
International applicants may need:
- Certified copy of passport
- Certified copy of recent school report
- Previous academic results
- Final school-leaving results, if available
- Any additional documents requested by Wits
- SAQA-related documents, where applicable for certain qualifications
Documents Needed for Transfer Students
Applicants who previously studied at another university or tertiary institution may need to provide academic records.
Transfer applicants may need:
- Certified copy of South African ID or passport
- Matric certificate
- Full academic transcript
- Certificate of conduct, if requested
- Course outlines or module descriptions, if requested by the faculty
- Proof of previous registration, where applicable
Programme-Specific Documents
Some Wits programmes may require extra documents or additional selection steps.
For example, selected programmes may require portfolios, questionnaires, interviews, tests or other additional requirements. Wits advises applicants to make sure they have loaded the correct documents to complete their application.
Applicants should check the requirements for their chosen course before submitting.
How to Upload Documents at Wits
Wits applicants can upload supporting documents through the Student Self-Service Portal.
The Wits Self-Service Portal allows applicants to upload supporting documents, view academic applications and check application statuses.
To upload documents:
- Go to the Wits Student Self-Service Portal.
- Login using your person or student number.
- Open the Student Centre or Documents and Communications section.
- Select Manage Documents.
- Choose the correct document type.
- Upload the correct file.
- Check that the document has been submitted successfully.
Wits states that applicants can upload outstanding items by selecting the Student Centre icon and clicking Manage Documents.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many applicants delay their own application by uploading the wrong documents or unclear files.
Avoid these mistakes:
- Uploading blurry documents
- Uploading screenshots that cut off important information
- Using the wrong document category
- Uploading an unsigned Grade 11 report
- Forgetting to upload proof of payment, where required
- Uploading documents after the closing date
- Using someone else’s ID or incorrect personal details
Before submitting, make sure your name, ID number and school details are clearly visible.
Do You Need to Upload Proof of Payment?
Wits undergraduate applicants must pay an application fee of R100 and use only their person or student number as reference. Wits says the application fee and supporting documents must be handled before the closing dates.
Applicants should keep proof of payment in case it is requested.
When Should You Upload Your Documents?
You should upload your documents as soon as possible after applying.
Do not wait until the final closing date. If your documents are missing, unclear or uploaded late, your application may be delayed or marked incomplete.
Wits Application Help
Applicants who need help can contact the Wits Student Call Centre or log a query through Ask Wits.
Wits lists the Student Call Centre number as +27 (0) 11 717 1888 and the email address as ask.wits@wits.ac.za.
Final Reminder
The documents needed to apply at Wits University depend on your applicant type.
Current Grade 12 learners should prepare a signed and stamped final Grade 11 report, while applicants who already matriculated should upload their matric certificate and related results. International applicants and transfer students may need additional academic documents.
Before applying, make sure your documents are clear, correct and uploaded through the Wits Student Self-Service Portal before the closing date.