WITS University Bursaries: Scholarships and Funding Opportunities for Undergraduate and Postgraduate Students

Wits University is one of the top-ranked universities in South Africa, and it offers several scholarships and bursaries to students who excel in academics and other areas. These scholarships and bursaries cover various costs associated with pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate studies, including tuition fees, accommodation, and other expenses. In this article, we will discuss the various scholarships and bursaries offered by Wits University, along with their eligibility criteria, funding rules, and application procedures.

Funding Rules for Council Scholarships/Bursaries

Before we delve into the details of individual scholarships and bursaries, it’s important to understand the funding rules that apply to all Council scholarships/bursaries. These rules ensure that the funding is used appropriately and that it benefits the students who truly deserve it. Here are some of the key rules:

1. All bursaries will be cancelled and forfeited should a student deregister for any reason.
2. Students who are eligible for University Council Scholarships or Postgraduate Merit Awards, but who receive NSFAS funding, will not receive University funding. However, the University award will be recorded on their academic transcripts.
3. Where a student receives multiple bursaries from Council funds that cover the same category of cost (e.g., tuition fees), any amounts more than the cost will be reversed.

Now, let’s take a look at the individual scholarships and bursaries offered by Wits University.

Undergraduate Scholarships and Bursaries

1. Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship

The Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship is awarded to the top-performing students who have been accepted for full-time undergraduate studies at Wits University. The scholarship covers tuition fees, accommodation, and a living allowance for the duration of the student’s undergraduate programme. The scholarship is renewable for the entire duration of the undergraduate programme, provided the student maintains excellent academic performance.

Eligibility Criteria: The Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship is awarded based on academic merit. To be eligible, the student must have achieved outstanding results in their Grade 12 exams or equivalent.

Application Procedure: Students who meet the eligibility criteria will be automatically considered for the scholarship during the application process.

2. VC Equality Scholarships

The VC Equality Scholarships are awarded to undergraduate students who come from disadvantaged backgrounds and have demonstrated academic potential. The scholarship covers tuition fees, accommodation, and a living allowance for the duration of the student’s undergraduate programme.

Eligibility Criteria: The VC Equality Scholarships are awarded based on financial need and academic merit. To be eligible, the student must have achieved good results in their Grade 12 exams or equivalent, and they must be from a disadvantaged background.

Application Procedure: Students must apply for the scholarship during the application process and submit supporting documentation to demonstrate their financial need.

3. University Entrance Scholarships

The University Entrance Scholarships are awarded to the top-performing students who have been accepted for full-time undergraduate studies at Wits University. The scholarship covers tuition fees for the first year of study.

Eligibility Criteria: The University Entrance Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit. To be eligible, the student must have achieved outstanding results in their Grade 12 exams or equivalent.

Application Procedure: Students who meet the eligibility criteria will be automatically considered for the scholarship during the application process.

4. University Council Merit Scholarships

The University Council Merit Scholarships are awarded to undergraduate students who have demonstrated academic excellence in their first year of study at Wits University. The scholarship covers tuition fees for the second year of study.

Eligibility Criteria: The University Council Merit Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit. To be eligible, the student must have achieved excellent results in their first year of study at Wits University.

Application Procedure: Students who meet the eligibility criteria will be automatically considered for the scholarship during the application process.

5. South African Radio Astronomy Scholarships

The South African Radio Astronomy Scholarships are awarded to undergraduate students who are studying towards a degree in physics or engineering with a focus on radio astronomy. The scholarship covers tuition fees and a living allowance for the duration of the student’s undergraduate programme.

Eligibility Criteria: The South African Radio Astronomy Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit and financial need. To be eligible, the student must have achieved good results in their Grade 12 exams or equivalent, and they must be studying towards a degree in physics or engineering with a focus on radio astronomy.

Application Procedure: Students must apply for the scholarship during the application process and submit supporting documentation to demonstrate their financial need.

6. National Olympiad Winners

Wits University offers scholarships to the winners of national Olympiads in subjects such as Mathematics, Science, and English. The scholarship covers tuition fees for the duration of the student’s undergraduate programme.

Eligibility Criteria: The National Olympiad Winners scholarships are awarded based on the student’s performance in the national Olympiad competition.

Application Procedure: Students must apply for the scholarship during the application process and provide proof of their national Olympiad win.

7. Sports Scholarships

Wits University offers sports scholarships to students who excel in a particular sport. The scholarship covers tuition fees and a living allowance for the duration of the student’s undergraduate programme.

Eligibility Criteria: The Sports Scholarships are awarded based on the student’s performance in their chosen sport.

Application Procedure: Students must apply for the scholarship during the application process and provide proof of their sporting achievements.

Postgraduate Scholarships and Bursaries

1. Postgraduate Merit Award

The Postgraduate Merit Award is awarded to postgraduate students who have demonstrated outstanding academic performance in their undergraduate studies. The award covers a portion of the student’s tuition fees for their postgraduate programme.

Eligibility Criteria: The Postgraduate Merit Award is awarded based on academic merit. To be eligible, the student must have achieved excellent results in their undergraduate studies.

Application Procedure: Students must apply for the Postgraduate Merit Award during the application process for their postgraduate programme.

2. National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS)

NSFAS is a government-funded financial aid scheme that provides funding to eligible students to cover their tuition fees, accommodation, and other expenses. Wits University participates in the NSFAS programme, and eligible students can apply for funding through the scheme.

Eligibility Criteria: To be eligible for NSFAS funding, the student must be a South African citizen, and they must meet the NSFAS means test criteria.

Application Procedure: Students must apply for NSFAS funding through the NSFAS online application portal.

3. Harold and Doris Tothill Scholarships

The Harold and Doris Tothill Scholarships are awarded to postgraduate students who are studying towards a doctoral research or masters degree in the fields of science, engineering, or technology. The scholarship covers tuition fees and a living allowance for the duration of the student’s postgraduate programme.

Eligibility Criteria: The Harold and Doris Tothill Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit and financial need. To be eligible, the student must have achieved good results in their undergraduate studies, and they must be studying towards a doctoral research or masters degree in the fields of science, engineering, or technology.

Application Procedure: Students must apply for the Harold and Doris Tothill Scholarship by submitting an application form, which can be downloaded from the Wits University website.

4. Mandela Rhodes Scholarship

The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship is a prestigious scholarship that is awarded to postgraduate students who have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to public service. The scholarship covers tuition fees, accommodation, and a living allowance for the duration of the student’s postgraduate programme.

Eligibility Criteria: The Mandela Rhodes Scholarship is open to citizens of all African countries who have a first degree with academic results that are equivalent to a South African First Class Honours degree. Applicants must be between the ages of 19 and 29.

Application Procedure: Applicants must submit an online application form, which can be found on the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship website.

5. Fulbright Visiting Research Scholar Programme

The Fulbright Visiting Research Scholar Programme is a scholarship programme that allows postgraduate students to study in the United States for a period of up to one year. The scholarship covers tuition fees, accommodation, and a living allowance for the duration of the student’s stay in the United States.

Eligibility Criteria: To be eligible for the Fulbright Visiting Research Scholar Programme, the student must be a South African citizen, and they must have completed their undergraduate degree.

Application Procedure: Students must apply for the Fulbright Visiting Research Scholar Programme through the Fulbright South Africa office.

6. Nurturing Emerging Scholars Programme

The Nurturing Emerging Scholars Programme is a scholarship programme that is aimed at developing the research skills of postgraduate students. The scholarship covers tuition fees and a living allowance for the duration of the student’s postgraduate programme.

Eligibility Criteria: The Nurturing Emerging Scholars Programme is open to postgraduate students who are studying towards a masters or doctoral research degree.

Application Procedure: Students must apply for the Nurturing Emerging Scholars Programme during the application process for their postgraduate programme.

7. Externally Administered Overseas Funding

Wits University also lists several externally administered overseas funding opportunities for postgraduate students on its website. These funding opportunities are offered by various organisations, including governments, foundations, and private companies.

Eligibility Criteria: The eligibility criteria for externally administered overseas funding opportunities vary depending on the organisation offering the funding.

Application Procedure: Students must apply for externally administered overseas funding opportunities directly to the relevant organisation.

Conclusion

Wits University offers a range of scholarships and bursaries to undergraduate and postgraduate students. These scholarships are awarded based on academic merit, financial need, or sporting achievements. The university also participates in the NSFAS programme, which provides financial aid to eligible students. Postgraduate students can apply for scholarships such as the Postgraduate Merit Award, Harold and Doris Tothill Scholarships, and the prestigious Mandela Rhodes Scholarship. Students can also apply for externally administered overseas funding opportunities. It is important for students to carefully review the eligibility criteria and application procedures for each scholarship or bursary and to submit their applications on time.