South Africa, Johannesburg: University of the Witwatersrand
Links & Downloads
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University of the Witwatersrand Fact Sheet -
University of the Witwatersrand Study Abroad info flyer -
University of the Witwatersrand Campus map
South Africa, Johannesburg: University of the Witwatersrand
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Sunrise Roman Behrens -
University of Witwatersrand Building Samuella99/Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) -
Giraffe Roman Behrens -
Sports event Roman Behrens -
Nelson Mandela statue in Pretoria Roman Behrens -
Beautiful building in Witwatersrand Roman Behrens -
Paul Kruger statue in Pretoria Roman Behrens -
Union Buildings in Pretoria Roman Behrens -
Safari Witwatersrand Roman Behrens
Application
The academic year at the University of the Witwatersrand ("Wits" for short) is divided into two terms: Term 1 (February to June) and Term 2 (July to November). Students from all Schools can apply to study at Wits tuition-free for one term. Existing co-operation between Wits and the University of Oldenburg can be found in the subjects of Education, Economics, English Studies and Migration-Gender-Politics.
Study
The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) is located in the cultural metropolis of Johannesburg. It was founded in 1896 under the name South African School of Mines. During the 1960s, the university opened many new faculties and buildings. In 1984, the university underwent a major expansion when it acquired the Milner Park exhibition centre and transformed it into the West Campus.
The spacious campuses in Braamfontein and Parktown are home to a total of five Schools with 34 departments. There is a particular research focus on the natural sciences and engineering. In addition, Wits offers a wide range of study opportunities in numerous specialised fields. Wits has repeatedly won awards for its MBA programmes. The School of Public Health also enjoys an excellent international reputation. Overall, the University of Witwatersrand is one of South Africa's outstanding universities, which is reflected in its many placings in prestigious university rankings.
Over 100 sports clubs and societies are open to students and teaching staff for further involvement. Of the more than 38,000 students at Wits University, 7% are international students.
Everyday life
South Africa's culture is strongly characterised by its own history and has shaped the country into a multicultural nation. Around 55 million people currently live in the various provinces. The official capital is Pretoria, but Cape Town in the south and Johannesburg (south of Pretoria) are regarded as the secret capitals of South Africa. A good overview of the cultural, political and economic aspects of South Africa can be found on the Foreign Office's country page.
For "normal" requirements, the monthly costs for accommodation, food, books and leisure time are around 6,000 Rand (1 Euro = 19.34 South African Rand, as of September 2020).
However, the cost of living depends heavily on whether you need your own car. Due to the lack of reliable public transport (especially in the north of South Africa), this is often the case.
Overview of the cost of living
At the University of Witwatersrand, it is possible to live directly on campus. Those interested can select whether or not they wish to share their accommodation exclusively with people of the same sex.
Accommodation information
Formalities & interesting facts
All exchange students must have insurance cover in order to enrol at Wits. This is mandatory. It is also strongly recommended that you take out additional international or travel health insurance. It is also advisable to check any other insurance policies you may have (accident and liability insurance).
To study in South Africa, you must apply for a study permit at the South African embassyand submit the following documents to apply for a study permit
Transferring relevant credits for your studies in Germany is easy via the Academic Examinations Office of the University of Oldenburg. Information on credit transfer for studying in Oldenburg
