admission information 11 ADMISSION INFO Which school-leaving qualification category do you fall into? - International School-Leaving Qualification (refer to pages 8 and 9) - The National Senior Certificate (NSC) (refer to pages 12-13) - The National Senior Certificate (Vocational) (refer to page 16) NSC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS Are you an applicant who is currently writing or completed the NSC matric? If you are, then please read the information below regarding admission requirements. NB: This is a guideline only. Meeting the requirements does not guarantee a place. Final selection is made subject to the availability of places, academic results and other entry requirements where applicable. NSC Admission Points Score (APS) Wits tabulates the points score for all subjects on the following basis: English must be taken either as Home Language or as 1 st Additional Language. Foreign students presenting with English as 2 nd Additional Language will have the option of a foreign conditional exemption and / or English proficiency tests. Maths is compulsory for all numerate degrees in Engineering and Built Environment, Commerce, Law and Management and Science. Maths Literacy will be accepted by Law, Education and Humanities (except Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology). Wits does not distinguish between designated vs. non - designated subjects when calculating the admission point score (APS). The APS calculation is based on the best seven subjects including Life Orientation (as per table below). NSC SCALE OF ACHIEVEMENT NSC % WITS APS WITS APS % WITS APS FOR MATHS & ENGLISH WITS APS FOR LIFE ORIENTATION WITS APS FOR OTHER SUBJECTS 8 90-100 8 + 2 = 10 4 8 7 80-99 7 80-89 7 + 2 = 9 3 7 6 70-79 6 70-79 6 + 2 = 8 2 6 5 60-69 5 60-69 5 + 2 = 7 1 5 4 50-59 4 50-59 4 0 4 3 40-49 3 40-49 3 0 3 2 30-39 0 30-39 0 0 0 1 0-29 0 0-29 0 0 0 DESIGNATED SUBJECTS - NSC Agric Sciences Dramatic Art Music Visual Art Accounting Business Studies Economics Engineering Graphics & Design Geography History Religion Studies Information Technology Life Sciences Physical Sciences Mathematics Maths Literacy Consumer Studies All official languages and a number of non-official languages
12 guide for applicants 2017 NSC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS NB: This is a guideline only. Meeting the requirements does not guarantee a place. Final selection is made subject to the availability of places, academic results and other entry requirements where applicable. COMMERCE, LAW AND MANAGEMENT MINIMUM ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS PROGRAMME Bachelor of Commerce - BCom (3 years) Bachelor of Commerce with Law - BCom (Law) (3 years) Bachelor of Economic Science - BEconSc (3 years) Bachelor of Accounting Science - BAccSc (3 years) SUBJECTS & APS ACHIEVED SCALE 39 and above English HL or 1st Add Lang 5 43 and above English HL or 1st Add Lang 5 42 and above English HL or 1st Add Lang 5 Mathematics 6 Programmes requiring Maths: Maths Major 6 Maths Stats, Act Sci 7 42 and above English HL or 1st Add Lang 5 SELECTION PROCEDURES Applicants between 35-38 points with English and Maths at level 5, will be waitlisted subject to the number of places available. Applicants between 35-42 points with English and Maths at level 5, will be waitlisted subject to the number of places available. Applicants between 39-41 points with English at level 5 and Maths at level 7, will be waitlisted subject to the number of places available. Applicants between 39-41 points with English and Maths at level 5, will be waitlisted subject to the number of places available. Applicants with 3 points below the minimum APS will be waitlisted subject to the number of places available. The 4 year LLB programme will not be offered in 2017. Prospective students should apply for the B Com with Law (CB013) or the BA with Law (AB002). ENGINEERING AND THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT ENGINEERING: Bachelor of Science in Engineering - BSc(Eng) (4 Years) Aeronautical Chemical Civil Electrical Industrial Mechanical Metallurgy Mining Generally students who achieve 70% in Maths, Physical Science and English stand a greater chance of being accepted. 40 42 36 36 40 40 36 40 English HL or 1st Add Lang 5 Physical Science 5 Note: Due to the limited number of places available, admission is not guaranteed. Selection will be based on final NSC and school leaving results. Generally students who achieve 70% in Maths, Physical Science and English stand a greater chance of being accepted. Bachelor of Engineering Science in the field of Digital Arts (3 years) Bachelor of Engineering Science in Biomedical Engineering - BEngSc (BME) (3 years) THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT: Bachelor of Architectural Studies - (BAS) (3 Years) Bachelor of Science in Construction Studies - BSc (CS) (3 years) Bachelor of Science in Property Studies - BSc (Property Studies) (4 years) Bachelor of Science in Urban and Regional Planning - BSc (URP) (3 years) 42 and above English HL or 1st Add Lang 5 Physical Science 5 42 and above English HL or 1st Add Lang 5 Physical Science 5 34 and above English HL or 1st Add Lang 4 Mathematics 4 36 and above English HL or 1st Add Lang 5 36 and above English HL or 1st Add Lang 5 Applicants are considered on matriculation performance and may be required to complete a questionnaire or attend an interview. It is unlikely that places will be offered to applicants with a Wits APS less than 42. Applicants are considered on matriculation performance and may be required to complete a questionnaire or attend an interview. It is unlikely that places will be offered to applicants with a Wits APS less than 42, or without NSC Life Sciences subject. Acceptance is dependent on departmental selection procedures. Applicants are required to complete a written and graphic exercise and will be required to attend an interview. Applicants with a Wits APS of 34 and above may be accepted on this basis. Applicants with a Wits APS of between 29 and 33 may be accepted on the basis of the exercise and interview for either the ordinary degree, or an extended curriculum programme. The selection process for the BAS is conducted by a panel of senior academics from the School of Architecture and Planning and monitored by the Assistant Dean. Selection is based predominantly on performance against the selection exercise, interview and academic performance, although demographic balance is taken into consideration where a choice needs to be made between applicants scoring the same range. Provided that Maths and English pass at NSC Scale of Achievement Level 5. Provided that Maths and English pass at NSC Scale of Achievement Level 5.
admission information 13 HEALTH SCIENCES PROGRAMME Bachelor of Health Sciences BHSc (Biomedical Sciences & Biokinetics (3 years) Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery - MBBCH (6 years) Bachelor of Pharmacy - BPharm (4 years) Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy - BSc (Physiotherapy) (4 years) Bachelor of Dental Science - BDS (5 years) Bachelor of Nursing - BNurs (4 years) Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy - BSc(OT) (4 years) Bachelor of Clinical Medical Practice - (BCMP) (3 years) Bachelor of Oral Health Sciences - (BOHSc) (3 years) APS MINIMUM ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS The Faculty of Health Sciences does not calculate an APS score. Several criteria are considered for selection e.g. Academic performance and National Benchmark Test scores. The Faculty may use a Biographical Questionnaire in addition to the above criteria. SUBJECTS & ACHIEVED SCALE English HL or 1st Add Lang 5 Life Sciences and/or Physical Science 5 English HL or 1st Add Lang 5 Life Sciences and Physical Science 5 English HL or 1st Add Lang 4 Mathematics 4 Life Sciences and/or Physical Science 4 English HL or 1st Add Lang 4 Mathematics 4 or Mathematical Literacy 7 Life Sciences and/or Physical Science 4 SELECTION PROCEDURES If you are applying to the Faculty of Health Sciences, you will not be selected solely on your school leaving results, although they are very important. A composite index is calculated, taking into consideration (1) your academic results for FIVE subjects and (2) National Benchmark Test scores. Only five subjects are used to derive a matriculation score, which is calculated according to the percentages obtained, NOT symbols. These are English, Mathematics, Physical Science/ Life Sciences and the best two other subjects. ALL applicants (excluding applicants who are applying to the Graduate Entry Medical Programme - GEMP only) are required to write the National Benchmark Test (NBT). Please refer to page 14 for further details. GEMP applicants may be invited to the Wits Additional Placement Test (WAPT). For more information on the WAPT please refer to: www.wits.ac.za/health/gemp ALL GEMP applicants need to prepare for the WAPT in case you are invited to write the test (please refer to page 14 for further details). ALL GEMP applicants who are invited to the WAPT will be expected to complete a Biographical Questionnaire on the day of the test. ALL applicants to BSc (Occupational Therapy) must spend time observing an Occupational Therapist and complete a certificate of attendance. Please refer to page 49 for further details. HUMANITIES Bachelor of Arts - BA (3 years) 34 and above English HL or 1st Add Lang 5 Applicants with 30-33 points will be waitlisted subject to the availability of places and preference will be given to applicants with the best English results. Bachelor of Arts with Law (3 years) 43 and above English HL or 1st Add Lang 5 Mathematics 3 or Mathematical Literacy 4 Professional and specialist Programmes (4 years) B Social Work (All 4 years) BA (Digital Arts) Bachelor of Arts (Dramatic Art) BA (Film & Television) Bachelor of Arts (Fine Arts) Bachelor of Music (BMus) BA (Performing & Visual Arts) Bachelor of Arts in Speech and Hearing Therapy (BA (SP&H Therapy)) (4 years) Bachelor of Education - BEd (4 years) BEd (Foundation Phase Teaching) BEd (Senior Primary Teaching) BEd (Secondary Teaching) SCIENCE Bachelor of Science in the field of: Applied Computing Astronomy and Astrophysics Chemistry with Chemical Engineering Nuclear Sciences & Engineering 34 and above & meeting departmental selection procedures 34 and above & meeting departmental selection procedures 34 and above English HL or 1st Add Lang 5 Mathematics 4 Law Courses - Applicants who wish to take law courses in their first year of study must meet the admission requirements for law. English HL or 1st Add Lang 5 For professional and specialist programmes: B Social Work Written assignment BA (Digital Arts) - Interview, written assignment AND/OR submission of portfolio English HL or 1st Add Lang 5 BA (Dramatic Art) - Interview, written assignment AND/OR audition BA (Film & Television) - Interview AND/OR submission of portfolio BA (Fine Arts) - Interview OR submission of portfolio BMus - Interview AND audition BA (Performing & Visual Arts) - Interview, written assignment AND/ OR audition Applicants with 30-33 points may be waitlisted subject to the availability of places. Departmental selection procedure (see page 15). Applicants with 30-33 points will be waitlisted subject to the availability of places. All applicants are required to write the NBT test. 34 and above English HL or 1st Add Lang 5 Applicants between 30-33 points will be waitlisted subject to the availability of places. 43 and above English HL or 1st Add Lang 5 Mathematics 6 Physical Science 6 Physical Sciences 40 and above English HL or 1st Add Lang 5 Mathematics 6 Physical Science 6 Computer Science 40 and above English HL or 1st Add Lang 5 Mathematics 6 Applicants between 40-42 points will be waitlisted subject to the availability of places Applicants between 38-39 points will be waitlisted Applicants between 38-39 points will be waitlisted Biological Sciences Geographical and Archaeological Sciences Geological Sciences Actuarial Sciences Mathematical Sciences 40 and above English HL or 1st Add Lang 5 40 and above English HL or 1st Add Lang 7 Mathematics 7 Physical Science 7 Applicants between 38-39 points will be waitlisted Applicants between 38-39 points will be waitlisted Mathematics of Finance 42 and above English HL or 1st Add Lang 6 Mathematics 6 Physical Science 6 Bachelor of Science (General) 40 and above English HL or 1st Add Lang 5 Applicants between 40-41 points will be waitlisted Applicants between 38-39 points will be waitlisted
14 guide for applicants 2017 NATIONAL BENCHMARK TEST (NBT) Health Sciences All applicants to the Faculty of Health Sciences (except applicants who are applying for admission into the Graduate Entry Medical Programme GEMP - ONLY) are required to write the National Benchmark Tests (NBT) before being considered for admission. Applicants applying to the GEMP and one of the other degrees in the Faculty of Health Sciences, need to write the NBT. There are two tests. The first test is the Academic and Quantitative Literacy Test and the second test is the Mathematics Test. The test results will be used in addition to the Grade 11 results (for early decision making purposes) and the Grade 12 results (for final decision-making purposes) and other admission criteria. PLEASE NOTE: These are standard tests for all medical schools in South Africa and you are only required to write the tests once, irrespective of the number of medical schools you have applied to. Applicants must register on the NBT website, www.nbt.ac.za, or by cellular phone, to write the tests. Registration closes approximately three weeks prior to each of the test dates. You can register for the NBT even before you submit your application to the University. DO NOT wait for an official notification from the University in order to register and write the tests. You may miss the end of July deadline. A fee is charged for the tests. The fee can only be paid once you have registered to write the test. The tests should have been written by 13 August 2016. Results received for tests written after this date WILL NOT be taken into consideration. Applicants are encouraged to write the tests as early as possible. For a comprehensive list of test dates, registration dates and available venues, please refer to the NBT website. Both tests must be written at one session. ONLY the first attempt results will be taken into account for selection purposes and thus it is not advisable to write the tests more than once in any year. Applicants who achieve in the Basic range (refer to table below), are unlikely to be considered for a place in the Health Sciences degrees. For more information on the Performance levels, please refer to the NBT website, www.nbt.ac.za. Benchmark Performance Levels Academic Literacy Quantitative Literacy Mathematics Minimum Maximum Minimum Maximum Minimum Maximum Proficient 64 100 70 100 68 100 Intermediate 38 63 38 69 35 67 Basic 0 37 0 37 0 34 Wits Additional Placement Test WAPT (GEMP applicants only) To be able to calculate a composite index, all components that contribute to this must be finalised (i.e. Tertiary Aggregate). Applicants will be notified of their eligibility to write the WAPT, scheduled for September 2016 as and when documentation for applications is complete. This means that the faculty has received an academic transcript and all other pertinent documents. If documents are not submitted by 15 July 2016, no further consideration will be given to your application. Applicants will need to start preparing well in advance of notification. All information about the content and nature of each of the components of the test is given on the GEMP website www.wits.ac.za/health/gemp
general information 15 NATIONAL BENCHMARK TEST (NBT) Humanities FOR ALL ARTS DEGREES (EXCLUDING BA LAW) APPLICANTS All applicants with mature age exemption (who have written matric pre 2008) are required to write the National Benchmark Test (NBT), Academic and Quantitative Literacy (AQL). Applicants have to register on the NBT website, www.nbt.ac.za to write the test. Selection Test Details: Date: Friday, 28 October 2016 Time: 07:00-16:00 Venue: Senate House, West Wing Drawing Hall, East Campus (fee is charged for the test) FOR BACHELOR OF ARTS IN SPEECH AND HEARING THERAPY APPLICANTS All applicants to the Faculty of Humanities applying for the above mentioned degree are required to write the National Benchmark Tests (NBT) before being considered for admission. NOTE: Applicants must register on the NBT website, www.nbt.ac.za, or by cellular phone, to write the tests. Registration closes approximately three weeks prior to each of the test dates. You can register for the NBT before you submit your application to the University. DO NOT wait for an official notification from the University in order to register and write the tests. You may miss the end of July deadline. A fee is charged for the tests. The fee can only be paid once you have registered to write the test. The tests should have been written by 13 August 2016. Results received for tests written after this date WILL NOT be taken into consideration. Applicants are encouraged to write the tests as early as possible. For a comprehensive list of test dates, registration dates and available venues, please refer to the NBT website. Both tests must be written in one session. Only the first attempt results will be taken into account for selection purposes and thus it is not advisable to write the tests more than once in any year.
16 guide for applicants 2017 NATIONAL CERTIFICATE (VOCATIONAL) (NCV) ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS Subject to institutional admission requirements, the minimum admission requirement to a Bachelor s degree programme is a National Certificate (Vocational) Level 4 issued by Council for General and Further Education and Training. The minimum legislative requirements for admission to a Bachelors degree include the achievement of: Three (3) fundamental subjects between 60-69% (3) (including English as the language of learning and teaching at Wits) Three (3) vocational subjects from the designated list between 70-79% (4). The University of the Witwatersrand s institutional requirements are: An applicant who holds an NCV may be invited to write a test, provided that he/she has met the following compulsory institutional requirements as well as the Faculty and degree-specific requirements. An applicant must have: Taken English as either Language of Learning and Teaching or as the First Additional language Taken Mathematics as a Fundamental Component Achieved 70-79% (4) for all seven subjects - in fundamental and vocational categories. ADMISSION POINT SCORE RATING CODE RATING PERCENTAGE 5 Outstanding 80-100 4 Highly competent 70-79 3 Competent 50-69 2 Not yet competent 40-49 1 Not achieved 0-39 FACULTY SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS PROGRAMME FACULTY MINIMUM ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS MINIMUM SCALE OF ACHIEVEMENT FACULTY OF COMMERCE, LAW & MANAGEMENT BCom BEconSc BAccSc FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCES English Mathematics Four subjects from Business, Commerce & Management Studies MBBCh BPharm BSc (Physiotherapy) BHSc Biomedical & Biokinetics Tracks English HL/1 st Add Language Mathematics Life Sciences and/or Physical Sciences BDS English HL/1 st Add Language Mathematics Life Sciences and Physical Sciences BNurs BSc (OT) BCMP Bachelor of Oral Health Sciences English HL/ 1 st Add Language Mathematics Life Sciences and/or Physical Sciences 3 (60%) 3 (60%) 3 (60%) FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT Besides meeting the University s requirements an applicant who holds an NCV will be interviewed by the Dean, Assistant Dean and relevant Head of School. FACULTY OF SCIENCE Besides meeting the University s requirements an applicant who holds an NCV will be interviewed by the Dean, Assistant Dean and relevant Head of School. THE FACULTY OF HUMANITIES WILL NOT BE CONSIDERING APPLICANTS WHO PRESENT WITH AN NCV
general information 17 CLOSING DATES Bachelor of Architecture (BAS) - 30 JUNE 2016 Faculty of Health Sciences (All Degrees) - 30 JUNE 2016 BA in Speech and Hearing Therapy - 30 JUNE 2016 All other University Degrees - 30 SEPTEMBER 2016 Financial Aid Applications - 30 SEPTEMBER 2016 Residence Applications - 30 SEPTEMBER 2016
18 guide for applicants 2017 HOW TO APPLY TO WITS Go to APPLY ONLINE www.wits.ac.za/applications STEP 1 Your Application You may apply for three degrees. If you apply for two programmes in Health Sciences, you are advised to apply for one programme in a less restricted faculty (e.g. Humanities, Commerce and Law, or Science). We strongly advise you to apply for more than one programme keep your options open! If you apply for Engineering you are advised to add at least a third programme of choice from another faculty. Applicants to Wits must enclose a non-refundable application fee of R100 (for international applicants, R700). STEP 2 Documentation/ Checklist If you have not yet matriculated The Grade 11 report must be signed and stamped by your school principal International applicants should submit a certified copy of a recent school report If you have already matriculated (even if you are rewriting some subjects in 2015) but have not attended any university Attach a certified copy of your matric certificate/foreign school leaving certificate If you have already attended a university/tertiary institution other than Wits, submit a certified copy of your academic record and certificate of good conduct Ask that institution to send your full academic record and a certificate of conduct to the Student Enrolment Centre (SEnC) Send a copy of your published results for the current year which should be stamped by the institution s Registrar and signed by the Faculty Officer If you attended a foreign university and wish to apply for exemptions for certain courses You must submit, in English, the syllabuses / course outlines, certified by that university. STEP 3 Submit your application, required documentation and application fee before the closing date Payment Method 1. Deposit exact amount into the University s account: Standard Bank, Current Account Number: 200 346 385, Branch code: Braamfontein 004 805. CI Number 074A, Account name: Wits University - Application Fees. Please attach copy of M65. 2. International payment swift code: SBZAZAJJ 3. Pay by cash or credit card at the Fees Office, Ground Floor, Senate House, University of the Witwatersrand. 4. For EFTs Use Reference: Initials and Surname. Need help? For general enquiries call the Student Call Centre on 011 717 1888. Or visit the Student Enrolment Centre (SEnC), a onestop venue that provides a personalised service to applicants Get help with: Application information for faculty admission, residence and financial assistance and bursaries Curriculum planning Career advice.
general information 19 What happens next? You will receive acknowledgement of receipt of your application via the post/email, or you can check the status of your application on https://self-service.wits.ac.za The acknowledgement letter contains your application number which becomes your student number on enrolment. Quote this number every time you contact Wits. Each choice of programme is treated as a separate application. A letter will be sent to you once a decision is made on any one of your choices. The letter gives you further instructions (e.g. pay a deposit to secure the offer of a place, or attend an interview.) Current Matriculants: Wits will get your matric results directly from the relevant Department of Education, unless you are: 1. a very late applicant 2. writing matric as a private candidate or by correspondence 3. rewriting only a few subjects. Current Matriculants may be made a conditional offer (depending on the Grade 11 results), or be invited to attend an interview, or an audition, or selection/placement test Some faculties will make you a conditional offer on the basis of your Grade 11 report. No offer can be confirmed until your matric results are received. Changed your mind about your choice of study? Let SEnC know in writing what your new selection is (do not submit a new application form). NB: Check with SEnC to make sure applications are still open for your new selection. NB: Let SEnC know straight away if your contact details change. Successful applicants receive a communication offering a firm place and information about the registration and orientation programme Firm offer letters are sent once matric results are available (early January) or earlier if you have already matriculated. Applicants are encouraged to check https://self-service.wits.ac.za once results have been released. Reply to the offer and let us know whether you are coming to Wits You can only accept one offer as places are limited. NB: You are required to respond to the offer within a few days to secure your place.
20 guide for applicants 2017 PAYING FOR YOUR STUDIES Self-funding OPTIONS Work first to raise funds: As a young person ready to start your life this may seem a dim prospect but often people who have worked for a few years before commencing their studies really enjoy their studies once they start - so much so that they go on to postgraduate study! Another option is to work part-time while you study. But don t over-extend yourself and fail your courses as a result. Parents/guardian/religious groups Your parents or guardian may be able to help you with funding, or their employers may offer students bursaries. Many church groups and other religious organisations offer bursaries to their members. Bank loans Most major banking institutions offer student loans at attractive interest rates. Interest rates may decrease for consecutive years of study. Normally bank loans cover the duration of study and are repaid once you start working or once you have graduated. Some banks offer a grace period to students who are completing internships, articles or community service. In most instances you are required to repay the interest while still studying. Sometimes surety/ security is required, which means that a relative, friend or sponsor must guarantee to repay the loan if you fail to do so. Visit your local bank to find out what products they offer students. Bursaries and contract bursaries A number of companies offer bursaries to academically promising students. Bursaries differ considerably in their selection criteria and in what they cover. Some bursaries are very comprehensive and cover tuition fees, accommodation costs, books and travel costs, while others may offer a relatively small financial contribution to your studies. Bursaries cover a range of qualifications or subject choices. There are bursaries for engineers, computer scientists, social workers and health professionals, and may be offered on the basis of financial need, disability status, religious group or academic merit. Most bursaries are renewable on a yearly basis and are dependant on successful completion of the academic year. If you fail your course or decide to drop out, you may be liable for all bursary funds paid out on your behalf. Some bursaries, such as contract bursaries, require that you work for the bursary company for a set period once you have completed your studies. Copies of The Bursary Register are available from leading bookstores or contact Levin Compilation on: 011 672 6559 slevin@mweb.co.za NSFAS / WITS Financial Assistance Wits-administered financial assistance is in the form of a loan. The major source of funds for Wits loans is the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), funded by Government. Like a bank loan, the Wits / NSFAS loan is repayable once you start working. You are expected to start repaying your loan only once you are employed and earning more than R30 000 per year. The period allowed for repayments varies according to individual circumstances. Special legislation allows NSFAS to require employers to deduct loan repayments from the wages or salaries of borrowers. NSFAS rewards students who succeed academically. Academic results are used to calculate rebates. If you pass all your courses in any one year, 40% of your annual loan will be converted to a bursary. (A bursary, as defined in the Act No 56, 1999, is part of the loan which you do not have to pay back). This means you need to repay only 60% of your loan (plus interest) for that year! A student who passes half his / her courses will qualify for a 20% rebate. If you graduate within the minimum number of years required, you will have saved 40% of your loan each year, and you will owe far less than someone who takes longer to complete their degree. By repaying your NSFAS loan as quickly as possible, you will increase the funds available in the NSFAS scheme and thus the amount of money available to assist future generations of students who need financial assistance to study. To apply for financial assistance please complete the Wits financial assistance application form. Only a limited amount of funds are available for NSFAS / Wits loans so please explore other funding options. There is no guarantee that you will be given a loan. Tips for Bursary funding! Make enquiries early in the year Apply to as many sponsors as possible Check closing dates for completed application forms - many sponsors will not accept late applications Visit our website for available bursaries Tip! Go to www.nsfas.org.za for more information. www.wits.ac.za/prospective/financialaid If you can t secure funding for your studies, seriously consider postponing your studies until you have raised enough money. Many students fail their courses because of financial problems.
general information 21 SCHOLARSHIPS Rewarding Excellence Scholarships Calling all academic achievers! Wits offers scholarships and merit awards to academically exceptional students. There is normally no requirement to repay a scholarship or merit award at the end of your studies. However, if you do not complete your course or if you fail, you may be liable for monies paid on your behalf. * Eligible only if you have written a South African matric /National Senior Certificate. Withdrawal of a Scholarship Students are required in terms of the rules to notify the Manager, Financial Aid and Scholarships, in writing immediately he/she cancels his/her enrolment or fails to present himself/ herself for the year-end examination in all qualifying courses. The full scholarship will be withdrawn and the student will be liable for payment of fees. At Wits we offer the following awards to students entering Wits for the first time and first year: 1. Vice-Chancellor s Scholarships A scholarship of approximately R50 000 is awarded for the ten most outstanding matriculants who have applied to study at Wits*. The criteria used to determine this is the following: The highest marks in a maximum of six designated subjects are considered The six subjects must include: - Two official languages (English being one) - Mathematics and Physical Science - Two other designated subjects. The scholarship is renewable for each year of the first undergraduate degree provided that academic performance is of a high standard. * This increases annually as agreed by the Financial Aid and Scholarships Committee. 2. Equality Scholarships The Equality Scholarship is an initiative led by the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Habib. It is targeted at the top performing students in tier 1 and 2 schools from the public schooling sector. The award will be offered to the top ten students who have performed outstandingly in their matric year and who are offered a place to study at the University. The scholarship covers tuition and residence as well as a monthly stipend and is renewable for each year of the first undergraduate degree provided that academic performance is of a high standard. 3. University Entrance Scholarships For matriculants not recipients under 1. Students who have studied at a tertiary institution are not eligible. The awards will be calculated according to the Wits Admission Point Score (APS): If you achieve an APS of 51 and above (excluding Life Orientation) you will receive R42 000. If you achieve an APS between 48 and 50 (excluding Life Orientation) you will receive R30 000. If you achieve an APS between 45 and 47 (excluding Life Orientation) you will receive R15 000. If you achieve an APS between 43 and 44 (excluding Life Orientation) you will receive R10 000. Conditions apply. These include: The Scholarship is for a maximum of six designated subjects only and excludes Life Orientation. (Advanced Programme Mathematics is included.) Scholarship students are still eligible for NSFAS funding (the difference between the scholarship and the cost of being at University may be covered by NSFAS). Students who took a gap year (not longer than a year), may be eligible for a University Entrance Scholarship as defined under no 3. Please advise the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office once you register, as the scholarship will not be automatically recorded on the student system. The scholarship is applicable for the year of registration. The student should provide the University s Financial Aid and Scholarships Office with any official remarked results issued by the examination authority that may impact on the amount of the scholarship by 30 September of the same year for which the scholarship has been awarded. In the case of 1, 2 and 3, no application is necessary as the award is given automatically. 4. Foreign Results South African students who have completed a foreign qualification such as A level, AS level, IB and German Abitur may be eligible for recognition of distinctions achieved in these qualifications. The award will be up to a maximum of R30 000 only. Academically excellent applicants with foreign school leaving qualifications may apply on an ad hoc basis. 5. Sports Scholarships If you have completed in top level sport, represented your province or South Africa and you display the appropriate academic potential, you may be eligible for a Wits Sports Bursary. For queries, contact Kerry.yates@wits.ac.za or download a sports bursary application form from www.wits.ac.za/sport. 6. National Olympiad Winners (Maths and English Olympiads) R20 000 for winners R 8 000 for top ten runners-up. Students must provide the University s Financial Aid and Scholarships office with a certified copy of their certificate.