Wits University Late Enquiry System 2026: How to Use It

Key Takeaways: Wits Late Policy

• Walk-Ins: STRICTLY PROHIBITED. Do not go to the campus.
• System: All late enquiries are handled via the Student Self-Service Portal.
• Who Qualifies? Primarily students who already applied but need to update their final Grade 12 results.
• New Applications: Very rare in January. Only specific faculties (Humanities/Science) might open a “Late Enquiry” register if spaces exist.

The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) is one of the most competitive institutions in Africa. Because they receive over 70,000 applications for only 5,000 spots, their “Late Application” process works differently from other universities.

Unlike UJ or TUT, which often have open “Late Application” portals, Wits operates a Late Enquiry System. This is designed to manage existing applicants who have improved their marks, rather than accepting brand new applications from scratch (though exceptions happen).

Here is the official guide on how to navigate the Wits system in January 2026.

1. The “No Walk-In” Rule

Every year, thousands of students travel to Braamfontein hoping to speak to an admissions officer.

Do not do this.

Wits has a strict “No Walk-In” policy. Security at the gates (Yale Road and Empire Road) will not let you enter without a valid access card or appointment. All enquiries must be processed online or telephonically.

2. Method 1: Existing Applicants (The “Upgrade” Strategy)

If you applied to Wits in 2025 but were rejected (or “Waitlisted”) based on your Grade 11 or mid-year marks, do not apply again. You are already in the system.

If your Final Matric Results (released 13 Jan 2026) are better than your previous marks and you now meet the requirements, you need to trigger a re-evaluation.

How to do it:

1. Log in: Go to the Wits Student Self-Service Portal.
2. User ID: Use your existing ‘Person Number’ (Student Number) and password.
3. Upload Results: Navigate to the “Documents” section and upload your certified Statement of Results (PDF).
4. Check Status: Go to the “Application Status” tab.
   • If you meet the new requirements, the status may automatically change to “Firm Offer” or “Waitlist” once the faculty reviews the new data.
5. Contact: If the status does not change within 48 hours of uploading, log a query via AskWits.

3. Method 2: New Applicants (The “Late Enquiry” Register)

If you never applied to Wits in 2025, your chances are slimmer, but not zero.

Wits does not open a full “Late Application” portal. Instead, they open a Late Enquiry Register if specific courses are undersubscribed.

How to check availability:

1. Visit the Wits Undergraduate Admissions Page.
2. Look for a banner or link titled “Late Enquiries 2026” or “Available Programmes.”
3. Register an Enquiry: If the link is active, you will enter your Grade 12 subjects and marks.
4. The Match: The system will instantly tell you if you qualify for any open courses.
   • Note: High-demand courses like Medicine (MBBCh), Architecture, and Speech Pathology are almost certainly full. Do not expect vacancies there.
   • Opportunity: You often find space in BA (General), BSc (General), or BEd (Teaching).

4. How to Use “AskWits” (The Digital Helpdesk)

Since you cannot go to campus, AskWits is your primary communication line.

1. Go to www.wits.ac.za/askwits.
2. Select “Undergraduate Admissions” as the category.
3. Type your query. Be specific:
   • Correct: “My Person Number is 123456. I have uploaded my final matric results. My APS is now 42. Please review my rejected application for BSc Engineering.”
   • Incorrect: “Please give me space.”
4. You will receive a ticket number. Track this ticket daily.

5. Vital Contact Details

If the online systems are crashing, you can try the call center. Be warned: Call volumes in January are massive. You might wait on hold for 60 minutes.

• Student Call Centre: 011 717 1888
• Admissions Email: admissions@wits.ac.za (Use AskWits instead; email is slower).

6. What If I Get an Offer? (Accepting Fast)

If you are lucky enough to get a late offer via SMS or the Portal, you have very little time to accept.

1. Login: Go to Self-Service.
2. Accept: Click “Accept Offer.”
3. Register: You will likely need to register and pay the first fee installment almost immediately (within 3 days).
4. AOD: If you are waiting for NSFAS, Wits usually requires you to sign an Acknowledgement of Debt (AOD) or present a confirmation letter.

FAQ: Wits Late Enquiries

Q: Can I apply for Medicine (MBBCh) late?

A: No. The Faculty of Health Sciences closes strictly in June/September of the previous year due to the selection tests (NBTs) and shadowing requirements. Late enquiries are not accepted for Health Sciences.

Q: I have an APS of 44 but was rejected. Why?

A: Wits looks at specific subjects, not just the total APS. If you have 44 points but only 50% in English, you might be rejected if the requirement is 60%. Check the faculty rulebook carefully.

Q: Does Wits accept the “Second Chance” Matric upgrade results?

A: Yes, but only for the following year’s intake. If you rewrite in June 2026, you can apply for the 2027 intake. You cannot upgrade in January and enter immediately.

Conclusion: Be Realistic

Wits is an elite institution. Their late enquiry system is designed to pick up the “cream of the crop” who fell through the cracks.

If you have exceptional marks (APS 36+), fight for your spot using the Self-Service portal. If your marks are average (APS 20-25), Wits is unlikely to accept a late enquiry. In that case, you should immediately look at UJ, TUT, or TVET Colleges which have more capacity.

Disclaimer: Admissions policies are subject to change by the University of the Witwatersrand. Availability of late places is never guaranteed.