including general enquiries from prospective students, immigration advice and advocacy, assistance with matric exemptions, advice on safety, and general advice about your stay at Wits. To this extent, we seek to complement the services provided by faculties and departments and have strong relations with service providers within and outside Wits.
ISO STRIVES TO ENSURE THAT:
ISO STRIVES TO ENSURE THAT:
• Wits remains the preferred study destination for inter national students
• Through our integration programmes, students from diverse cultures and backgrounds get a high-quality academic and life-changing experience
• Wits remains a highly sought-after university for inter national academic partnerships
also facilitates the Semester Study Abroad Programme as well as other programmes creating opportunities for Wits students to study/conduct research at partner universities abroad.
University of the Witwatersrand,
Johannesburg Private Bag X3 Wits, 2050
Republic of South Africa
Telephone: +27 (0)11 717 1055
E-mail: masego.bosilong@wits.ac.za
For more information visit: http://www.wits.ac.za/inter nationalstudents/study-abroad/incoming-study-abroad/ https://twitter.com/witsinter nation
Wits welcomes study abroad students. As a study abroad student, you can experience what Wits has to offer across its faculties, while immersing yourself in a vibrant city and a dynamic society in transition in the Global South. Inter national students may study at Wits for one or programmes creating opportunities for students to study/conduct research at partner universities abroad.
ABOUT WITS
The University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg (Wits), is a leading research and postgraduate university in the commercial heart of Africa.
WITS IS:
• inter nationally recognised for its academic and research excellence
• an active social leader that takes a stand on social issues affecting communities, the country and globe
• an engaged university committed to local transfor mation and the advancement of the public good
• the intellectual hub of the continent, with over 40 major projects running throughout Africa
• a leader in the Palaeosciences Evolutionary Sciences and is a curator of priceless faunal, Mrs Ples, Little Foot, Austalopithecus Sediba and the Sediba fossilsrecently discovered Homo Naledi fossils
• proud of the four Nobel Laureates and the 91 Rhodes Scholars that have emanated from the university
GET AROUND
drive yourself around. There is ample parking at Constitution Hill, and you can use the Yale Road parking at Wits University to visit the planetarium, Origins Centre, and all the university museums, galleries and theatre.
SAFET Y IN JOHANNESBURG
Personal vigilance is key to remaining safe in Johannesburg. Like any other big city throughout the world, Johannesburg has its share of crime. South Africa is experiencing rapid political, social and economic change. The impact of such changes in any urban city is the same as everywhere in the world; so there is an undesirable incidence of crime, particularly petty and opportunistic crime. While statistics show a reduction in crime, it is also a place where guns and other weapons are as prevalent as in other parts of the world. We urge you to take appropriate precautions for your safety.
SAFET Y ON CAMPUS
The Campus Control Division is responsible for the prevention of crime, the detection and apprehension of offenders, the preservation of peace and the protection of students, staff a day.
What to do:
• Keep valuables in a locked place and do not carry large sums of money.
• Refrain from displaying expensive jewellery and valuable items such as cameras when you walk in the street or on the seats of your vehicle.
• Ensure that you carry your medical aid card at all times.
• Keep your money and other valuables locked up or out of sight
• When moving around campus, especially at night, keep to well-lit walkways or use the Security escort service
• Be aware of your surroundings and be on the lookout for opportunistic thieves who may snatch your belongings
• Report any suspicious activity to security. It is advised that you know where you can reach someone in case of an emergency. Important and emergency numbers are provided at the back of this booklet
What not to do:
• the page containing your personal details and study visa should be adequate.
• DO NOT walk alone at night; walk in groups with other students.
• DO NOT explore unfamiliar areas of town on your own. Report any harassment or threatening situation which you may have experienced to the appropriate authorities, including the
• Do not leave personal belongings unattended
• Do not leave valuables in motor vehicles where they are visible
IMMIGRATION INFORMATION
LOST/STOLEN PASSPORTS
If a passport is stolen or lost, the incident must be reported to the police in order to get an
personal details and passport number) and a copy of the Study Visa. The student should then proceed to their embassy to apply for a new passport. As soon as the passport is available, the student should go to http://www.vfsglobal.com/dha/southafrica/ to apply for a replacement visa.
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ENGLISH PROFICIENCY
Wits, as an English-medium university requires that its students are proficient in English before they are accepted. An applicant, whether at undergraduate or postgraduate level, must have attained a certain level of proficiency in English, namely:
• A pass in an examination equivalent to English as home language or first additional language at the South African matriculation level (or, for certain immigrants only, English at the Standard Grade [First Language] plus an A-level pass in the immigrant s home language);
• A pass in English Language at the GCSE/GCE/ IGSCE Ordinary level (or equivalent examination);
• For admission a pass in the:
» International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum test score of 7.0;
» Cambridge English Language Assessment (CAE) with a minimum of 185 points.
In exceptional cases, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) may be recognised by the University with a minimum test score of 600 to be proficient for admission.
Wits Language School (WLS) offers English training to students who wish to improve their language skills.
WLS,offers non-academic courses for adult learners. It offers public classes, corporate training and private tuition.
WLS takes pride in its excellent services, high quality training programmes that have sound research and academic framework and the quality of its training personnel.
English as a Foreign Language (EFL) courses are designed for foreign and second language speakers and consist of six levels from pre- beginners to advanced level. An assessment test determines at which level students would start the course.
Address:
Wits Language School, 92 Empire Road, Gate 6 Braamfontein, Johannesburg
Telephone: +27 11 717 4208
E-mail: wls.languages@wits.ac.za
AVERAGE LIVING COSTS
The average exchange rate is around $1 = R12.00 – R16.00. The figures are to be used as guidelines only. Please note that prices are correct at the time of going to print. Value Added Tax (VAT) is levied on most goods and services in South Africa. The current rate is 15%, which is usually included in the marked price. Non-South African citizens or residents may claim back VAT on items taken out of the country provided the total value exceeds a specific amount. Documentation as proof will be required at the point of exit.
R50.00 – R100.00 (depends on the size)
(locally printed) • +/- R2,000 (imported)
(depends on the distance)
* Rental is for one bedroom apartment in the city. The amount quoted excludes electricity and water, which amounts to R400.00 – R800.00 per month depending on usage.
* Transport: this amount is for the Metro Bus Service. The amount will vary depending on the area that you are traveling from.
* Private/Metered Taxi fares are considerably higher than minibus taxis or buses. The fare will also vary depending on the distance.
STUDY VISA
HOW TO APPLY FOR A STUDY VISA
The University is not per mitted to register you until you have produced your VALID Study Visa. It could take at least 6 to 8 weeks for your Study Visa application to be processed. It is also important for you to note that your Study Visa is issued to study at one institution and you would have to apply for a change of conditions, should you want to change institutions. This can be done in the city applicable to the new institution of study. You are required to apply for a Study Visa at the South African High Commission, Embassy, Consulate or Trade Mission in your country of residence. If there is no South African representative in that country, you must apply at the nearest South African High Commission, Embassy, Consulate or Trade Mission.
The following are the current requirements to be submitted to the South African Embassy/ Consulate in your country to obtain your Study Visa:
1. A passport valid for not less than 30 days after intended studies.
2. Payment of the prescribed administrative fee.
4. Proof of South African medical cover renewed annually for the period of study with a medical scheme registered in ter ms of the SA Medical Schemes Act. Service providers on campus:
• COMPANY: Momentum Health
WEB ADDRESS: www.ingwehealth.co.za
• COMPANY: CompCare Wellness Medical Scheme
WEB ADDRESS: www.studentplan.co.za institute and the duration of the course.
stamp to undertake to notify the Director-General:-
• To provide proof of registration as contemplated in the relevant legislation within 60 (sixty) days of registration; or
• register within 7 (seven) days of the closing date of registration;
• Within 30 (thirty) days, that the applicant is no longer registered with such institution; and
• Within 30 (thirty) days, when the applicant has completed his or her studies or requires to extend such period of study.
7. Medical Report (less than six months old)
8. Radiological Report (less than six months old)
11. Details regarding arranged accommodation while in South Africa statements date stamped by the bank, for a period of three months or bursary. If sponsored,
countries where a person resided for 12 months or longer since the age of 18
Wits’ Highlights
Witsies are known throughout the world as critical thinkers, problem-solvers, pioneers of science, and agents of change.
Wits hosted the Quantum Computing Summer School in South Africa, in colloboration with @IBMResearch, JCSE, WIDS and ARUA in December 2019
In 2019 the Actuarial Society of South Africa welcomed 52 new Fellow Actuaries into the profession, of whom 17 (one third) were W its graduates, the most from any one university, also the most demographically diverse in South Africa.
Wits researcher wins inter national award for infection control innovation
Wits real estate doctoral student Neltah Mosimanegape from the School of Construction Economics and Management won the award for the ‘Young Property Person of the Year’ 2019.
Wits academic Michael Lucas won the prestigious Prix Hubert Tuor Innovation Award for his Antimicrobial Coating Technology at the International Conference on Prevention and Infection Control in Switzerland, September 2019.
www.wits.ac.za/news/research-2019/
‘Young Property Person of the Year’ - 2019
Resources Facilities &
Libraries
The Wits Digital Library and Archives contain troves of historical treasures including records from the Rivonia Trial, some in Nelson Mandela’s own hand.
2 Art Galleries including the Wits Art Museum
9 000 African artworks the largest collection of African art
More than R2 billion has been invested in new buildings, renovations and infrastructure over the past decade and is ongoing.
Libraries of the future will be community-focused spaces that and multi-use areas.
FEES AND PAYMENT INFORMATION
HOW TO PAY WITS
Bank: Standard Bank
Account number: 002891697
Branch code: 004805
SWIFT code: SBZAZAJJ
Reference: Student/Person number
2.Direct payment to Standard Bank
(Immediate reflection on the Student Fee Account)
METHODS OF PAYMENT:
1.Payment at Cashiers office
(Office hours 08:00 - 16:00 Monday to Friday)
(Immediate reflection on the Student FeeAccount)
•Students may pay via cash or debit or credit card
•Cashier will receipt payment to student account
•Cashier will issue student with receipt as proof of payment
•System will drop the hold (SFB) immediately
•Student can proceed to register via the on-line registration process.
3.EFT payments from any other bank to Standard Bank
(24-hour delay for reflection on Student Fee Account)
•Student will be required to e-mail proof of payment to the Fees Office: feesoffice.finance@wits.ac.za
•Payment needs to appear in the University bank account first in order for the fees clearance to be issued
•Once the Fees Office has identified and allocated the payment 24 hours later, the Student can proceed with on-line registration
NB – Payments made over weekends will only appear the next working day; only after appearing in the University account will the hold be automatically lifted.
ACCOMMODATION
We have a certain number of mini studio apartments available at International House. The apartment is located on the East Campus of the University and is self-catering. The cost to stay at International House is currently approximately R235 per day, excluding meals. The accommodation cost will be calculated from the day of arrival (check-in) until the last day of the month that the student checks out of the accommodation. You will be placed at International House unless you have alternative accommodation.
INTERNATIONAL HOUSE
-is set in a beautiful manicured garden
-Amenities include two TV lounges (one with DSTV), laundry, study room with computers and a tea room
-WiFi in all common areas
-Sports facilities on campus
-Free Wits bus service to all nearby campuses, and weekend buses to Rosebank shopping mall
INCLUDED IN THE ROOM:
•bed and mattress
•stove
•lamp
•bed linen (including pillows)
•desk
•chair
•wardrobe
•noticeboard
•bookcase/shelving
•curtains or blinds
•telephone (for incoming calls only)
TO BRING:
•blankets
•towels
•iron
•kettle
•cooking utensils
•crockery and cutlery
•FOOD!
*Please make sure to give at least one month’s written notice before moving out so be sure to prepare your notice and communicate this to your International House and International Students Office within one month of moving out
*The International Students Office does not assist or provide information regarding off-campus accommodation. You may source your own off-campus accommodation and enter into a lease. The International Students Office or the University of the Witwatersrand have no jurisdiction over this.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
GETTING TO WITS FROM THE AIRPORT
to the University. This will be for the account of the student. If this service is required, please email the transport for m to Masego.bosilong@wits.ac.za at least two weeks before date of departure. Please go to http://www.wits.ac.za/inter nationalstudents/for ms/ OR
The Gautrain is aimed at providing an alter native public transport mode to car users and therefore to attract private car-users to the train. This service will help alleviate the congestion on the roads between Johannesburg and Pretoria http://www.gautrain.co.za OR
Uber - https://www.uber.com/cities/johannesburg
DRIVERS LICENSE IN SOUTH AFRICA
It is best to organise an inter national driver’s license applicable to South Africa in your home country. Such a license must be issued in English by an authorised licensing department and be shown in your passport. An inter national driver’s license is valid for one year Infor mation about renewal of such a license should be obtained in the country of origin before coming to South Africa. Licenses issued in a language other than English must be accompanied by a of the bearer’s country of origin). It is law in South Africa to carry your driver’s license with you without one. South carry your you
STUDENT SUPPORT
CAMPUS HOUSING AND RESIDENCE LIFE
Living in a university hall of residence can be one of the most rewarding experiences of a student’s career and many friendships forged in residence last a lifetime. Wits residences are not just places to sleep and eat – they are living and lear ning environments in which a wide range of services and activities are on offer, including:
Academic support
Professional catering services
Sporting programmes
Regular cleaning services
Cultural activities
Free laundry facilities
Structured social events
DSTV and indoor games
Free inter-residence / inter-campus transport
24 hour security / access control
On-site computer centres and group study rooms
Senior staff living on the premises and on call 24/7
Wi-Fi and / or network points in all residences
COUNSELLING AND CAREERS DEVELOPMENT UNIT (CCDU)
The Counselling and Careers Development Unit (CCDU) at Wits offers a welcoming and safe space to students and provides a high standard of services based on an ethos of student centeredness and human rights. The CCDU provides a comprehensive range of supportive services and empowering programmes. These are designed to facilitate the well-being, personal growth and career development of students.
Please contact the Unit for further infor mation and to book for a career assessment.
CCDU provides the following to all registered Wits students:
A comprehensive careers education and counselling service
Support groups
Psycho-educational workshops and life skills programmes
Psychometric career assessments
Life coaching
Peer education and advocacy programmes
Graduate recruitment programme and job search skills
HIV/Aids education and support programme
Advocacy programmes on social justice and diversity engagement.
Tel: +27 (0)11 717 9140 or e-mail: info.ccdu@wits.ac.za
DEVELOPMENT AND LEADERSHIP UNIT (DLU)
The Development and Leadership Unit (DLU) aims to create a vibrant student life experience by creating a unique out-of-classroom environment. DLU maximizes opportunities for student personal growth and intense self-discovery through exciting and challenging co-curricular activities and student leadership training
DLU is located at the Matrix, 1st Floor, East Campus
Tel: +27 (0) 11 717 9220
CAMPUS HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTRE (CHWC)
The Campus Health and Wellness Centre (CHWC) is a primary health care facility that provides curative, promotive and preventative services to registered students and staff of the University. CHWC is staffed by trained and committed health care professionals. Our vision is to strive for excellence in the delivery of health care services on campus, thus contributing to the optimal health and wellbeing of the Wits community. The health care services provided are cost-effective and convenient, accessible and comprehensive. Students who are covered by a Medical Aid are encouraged to utilise the services of a private medical practitioner at the Centre. Medical aid rates are charged. Prescriptions may be requested for medication required for chronic illnesses. There is no need for an appointment as clients/patients are and those requiring urgent attention.
Services include:
• Preventative care • Medical emergency care • Free HIV counselling and testing
• Therapeutic care • Reproductive Health services
Hours of operation are Monday to Friday, 08h00 to 16h30. The clinic is closed over the weekends and public holidays.
Lower Ground Floor, Student Union Building, The Matrix, Braamfontein Campus East +27 (0) 11 717 9111/13
SPORTS ADMINISTRATION
Wits University has a proud history of producing top quality sportsmen and women. Wits Sport nurtures emerging talent and as part of the initiative to produce top quality sports-people, we offer bursaries for top student athletes who excel in sport and meet the necessary academic requirements.
As an inner city campus Wits Sport is fortunate to have two great assets – its students and its to those sportsmen and women wishing to compete at the highest level. Wits promotes a healthy lifestyle encouraging students and staff to make use of the sports facilities at Wits and to participate in the inter-faculty and inter nal leagues offered by the various clubs.
at Sturrock Park on the West Campus. Hard court areas for tennis, basketball and netball make up the outdoor facilities, with two 50 metre swimming pools (the Braamfontein Campus East pool is heated), accommodating the Aquatics and Underwater Clubs and the world class
martial arts, fencing, aerobics, super-circuit and weight-training, basketball and volleyball, to name a few.
and disciplined use of parking. Access to student parking, with a few exceptions, is restricted to the Wits Education campus car park and West campus areas. Infor mation regarding the 1881/2/3/4
LIBRARY SERVICES
books, jour nals, videos, state of the art electronic resources and wonder ful historical treasures that you need for your studies. Meet our friendly, knowledgeable and helpful staff in 11 libraries on three campuses. Your student card is your library registration - it will open doors to all our libraries and allow you to borrow any items that are available for loan. Make sure you have your student card with you when you go to the library.
The Wartenweiler Library on Braamfontein Campus East has the University’s main collection of books in the arts and social sciences. Knowledge commons include computers, which cater for doing electronic research. The William Cullen Library houses reference material, gover nment publications, theses, historical papers and periodicals. Wits places strong emphasis on collecting material relating to South Africa. Earlier collections relate to jour neys of exploration into Africa, slavery, colonialism and missionary activity. They also include infor mation on the discovery of diamonds and gold, the various Frontier Wars, the Zulu War, the two Anglo-Boer Wars and the First and Second World Wars. The University is home to an incomplete set of records of the State vs. for mer president Nelson Mandela and nine others in the Rivonia Trial, including Mandela’s hand-written notes during the trial.
The Wits Education Campus in Parktown includes the Harold Holmes Library, containing one of the best collections of educational material in Souther n Africa.
DISABILIT Y RIGHTS UNIT
The Disability Unit (DU) has been a leader in the provision of services for students with disabilities since it opened in 1986. DU assists students with disabilities to receive academic support and reasonable accommodations to participate equally and fully in all aspects of university life. DU endeavours to make the lear ning environment a rewarding and enriching one through the exceptional design of innovative lear ning and working environments and strives to promote disability awareness and the abilities of people with disabilities.
Services include:
Campus orientation
Computer centres with state of the art assistive technology
An Adaptive Technologist who provides specialist computer training and technological support
A Lear ning Disabilities Coordinator who develops and provides various study and time management degrees to assist students with lear ning disabilities
Support for Deaf students through a South African Sign Language Interpreter or Real-time captioning services
Assistance with extra-time applications for tests and exams
Provision of materials in an accessible for mat (e.g. electronic, braille and enlarged text) and various other academic interventions.
1st Floor, Solomon Mahlangu House, Braamfontein Campus East or 1st Floor, Admin Block, Parktown Education Campus
The Student Representative Council (SRC) exists to address queries, concer ns and complaints of Wits students. They are located on the 2nd Floor of the Matrix Building.
Tel: +27 (0) 11 717 9258
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS SUB COUNCIL (ISSC)
The Inter national Students Sub Council is a body that represents the broad interests of all foreign or national inter as University the within categorized and recognized are who students
The ISSC works closely with different stakeholders to facilitate extra-curricular activities that community. University broader the in cohesion and integration social and cultural promote
The ISSC also acts as an inter mediary between the student gover nance structures including the SRC.
THE POSTGRADUATE ASSOCIATION
The Postgraduate Association (PGA) is a body that works closely with different stakeholders to advocates for the needs of all postgraduate student, act as a resource; provide support and services; promote academic leadership, excellence, research output and social interaction. www.wits.ac.za/pga
THE MATRIX STUDENT CENTRE
The Matrix Student Centre and Mall houses retailers that offer a wide range of quality commercial services to students and staff. The Student Centre is the hub of student activity at Wits. Here you
Centre, a student dining room, SRC (Student Representative Council), the DLU (Development beach volleyball and basketball courts. Major banks are well represented with a wide network of branches and automatic teller machines (ATMs) at the Matrix Centre
ABSA
• Savings Account
• Proof of Registration
• Proof of Residence
• Passport and valid study per mit
No cash is accepted
FIRST NATIONAL BANK (FNB)
• Student Account
• Proof of Registration
• Passport and valid study per mit
• Proof of residence in South Africa
Deposit - ATM
STANDARD BANK
• Student Account (maximum age 26)
• Proof of registration or Student Card
• Passport and valid study per mit
• Proof of Residence in South Africa
Deposit – Autobank
STUDENT CLUBS AND SOCIETIES
You will be amazed at the number and variety of student clubs and societies at Wits. Test your mettle against the Wits Debating team, join the fund raising activities of RAG, go dancing with the Ballroom Dancing Society or feast with the Gour met Society. There is something for everyone – from chess enthusiasts to budding photographers, from inter national students to geologists as well as a variety of religious societies to cater for your spiritual needs.
WITS CITIZENSHIP AND COMMUNIT Y OUTREACH (WCCO)
WCCO provides Wits students with real-world experiences, and opportunities to enhance their lear ning and civic responsibility, while addressing community needs. Choose to work as a volunteer on campus or in your community or other communities. Work with institutions that care for children, youth, the disabled or the aged.
WHY JOIN: - Working with WCCO is a way to get involved in the greater community and help contribute to social change.
• Community outreach work promotes understanding of diversity including issues of disability, racism, sexism and many others
The average exchange rate is around $1 = R12.00 – R16.00. The figures are to be used as VAT on items taken out of the country provided the total value exceeds a specific amount.
AVERAGE LIVING COSTS
guidelines only. Please note that prices are correct at the time of going to print. Value Added Tax (VAT) is levied on most goods and services in South Africa. The current rate is 14%, which is usually included in the marked price. Non-South African citizens or residents may claim back
Documentation as proof will be required at the point of exit.
