First-years reveal what it’s really like to choose Wits
- Wits University
The University has officially opened its doors, welcoming approximately 6,000 first-years at its annual Welcome Day.
Wits received approximately 85,000 undergraduate applications for 2025 but could only register around 6,000 first-year students. These students represent the best of the best, earning their place in one of Africa’s most competitive academic environments, with an average of over five distinctions per student in their matric results.
Based on an assessment of enrolment trends for the last three years, most of the students who were offered a place at Wits have an Admission Point Score (APS) over 30, and generally 34 and above. 30 is the lowest APS score accepted for a degree at Wits.
Watch the full session of the 2025 Wits Welcome Day
First-years attended Wits 2025 Welcome Day on Sunday, 26 January, when they were introduced to campus life and the opportunities ahead.
Dean of Students, Jerome September says that what makes this institution dynamic is its commitment to equipping students with resources that foster adaptability and responsiveness to a changing world.
“You have made the right choice by choosing Wits. We will equip you to become global leaders and look forward to walking this journey with you,” September told first-years at Welcome Day.
Fresh at Wits, these students share what it’s like to be amongst those enrolled for this academic year.
“Choosing Wits was a dream come true,” says Radha Kediyal from Roedean School (SA), now an Actuarial Science first-year student. “The competition was tough, but being here reminds me that hard work pays off. I’m excited to grow academically and personally in such a dynamic environment.”
From KZN, Glenwood High School’s Brydyn Le’Jean Barnabas, who was offered a place to study Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBCh), says, “I’ve been hearing from friends and family that this is such a prestigious university. It’s not only backed by impressive statistics but also has a rich culture and heritage, having been around for decades. Compared to other universities, it’s truly a privilege to be here. When I received my acceptance letter, my heart dropped—not just with joy but with gratitude for this opportunity.
“Being accepted to study medicine at one of the best medical universities, not just in the country but in the world, makes me feel so grateful. I’m loving everything about this university—the people, the mentors, the communication—and I’m really excited to see where this journey will take me.”
With the MBBCh degree receiving the most applications for 2025, followed by the Bachelor of Education in Senior Phase and FET Teaching, Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Social Work, and Bachelor of Pharmacy. Another first-year medical student, Sreyan Ganguly, says, “I’m so glad to finally be here after working hard for a couple of years. I’m happy to have been accepted into medicine, as I put in a lot of effort to reach this point. I’ve heard amazing things from my friends about the experience at Wits, and I’m really looking forward to building long-lasting relationships with people where we can trust each other, share mutual goals, and work towards achieving them together.”
Ganguly passed matric with five distinctions from Lebone College in North West Province.
Some of these first-years also took to Instagram to share what it’s like to join Wits University. Click here to watch.
Wits Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, welcomed the new students and their families: “It is an honour and a privilege to welcome you to Wits University, your new home, your new community, and a place where your potential will be nurtured, your passions ignited, and your horizons expanded. Today, we celebrate your arrival and the beginning of what promises to be a transformative journey.
“As you embark on your journey at Wits, know that our goal is not only to provide you with a world-class education but also to lay the foundation for a lifelong relationship with this institution. Your connection to Wits doesn’t end when you graduate—it evolves. You will always be part of the Wits family, and as alumni, you will carry the values, spirit, and excellence of Wits into the world.”