English Language 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 at the Higher Grade (First or Second 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 6.5;
• 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 for the paper-based test (PBT) or 250 for the computer-based test (CBT) or 100 on the Internet-based test (IBT) to be proficient for admission.

Improving your English skills

Wits Plus offers a range of short courses, including English for University Success, English Fundamentals, and General English. Visit the Wits Plus website for course details and fees.