About
The University of Witwatersrand (Wits) is a leading research-intensive university in South Africa, renowned for its academic excellence across the sciences, engineering, health sciences, and humanities. It is particularly strong in fields like Medicine, Engineering, Law, and Palaeontology, with a global reputation for its contributions to human origins research. Wits welcomes a diverse international student body, offering comprehensive support through its dedicated International Students Office for admissions, visas, accommodation, and social integration, alongside various exchange programs and all degrees taught in English. The university fosters a vibrant, socially conscious campus environment, making it an ideal choice for students seeking both academic rigor and opportunities for impactful engagement. A distinctive characteristic is its close ties to the Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it a global hub for palaeoanthropological studies.
Background
The University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg (), commonly known as Wits University or Wits, is a leading multi-campus public research university situated in the economic hub of Johannesburg, South Africa. It is known for its academic and research excellence, commitment to social justice, and the advancement of the public good. It was ranked the top university in South Africa and 200th globally in July 2026, according to the Center for World University Rankings (CWUR), a widely accepted objective university ranking standard. Wits University has been recognised as the top-ranked university in sub-Saharan Africa for innovation performance in the 2025 Global Innovation Index. The university has its roots in the mining industry, as do Johannesburg and the Witwatersrand in general. Founded in 1896 as the South African School of Mines in Kimberley, it is the third oldest South African university in continuous operation. The university has an enrollment of 41,702 students as of 2025, of which approximately 20 percent on campus in the university's 17 residences. About 61 percent (25,835) of the university...
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Nearby universities
Also in Johannesburg
Elsewhere in South Africa
- American International School of Cape Town · Cape Town
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology · Cape Town
- Central University of Technology · Bloemfontein
- University of the Free State · Bloemfontein
- University of the Western Cape · Bellville, Cape Town
- University of Zululand · Empangeni
- Vaal University of Technology · Vanderbijlpark
- Walter Sisulu University for Technology and Science · Mthatha
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SchoolScout builds a personalized college list — reach, match, and safety schools — tailored to your profile, grades, and goals. Get financial aid estimates, scholarship guidance, and deep dives on every school.