University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) Postgraduate Merit Award
About this scholarship
The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), a top South African research university, offers the Postgraduate Merit Award and a range of undergraduate scholarships to support students at every level. The merit award is applied to tuition and recognises strong academic performance, with international students signposted to major international schemes.
The award is partial funding: the University Postgraduate Merit Award provides up to about 53,800 rand toward tuition for honours, master’s, or doctoral study (by research, or by coursework and research). Undergraduate routes include a University Council Merit Scholarship (25 percent tuition for returning students averaging 75 percent or more), entrance scholarships of up to 100 percent of first-year tuition by admission points, and a Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship for the top 20 first-time entrants (full tuition, capped accommodation, and allowances).
Eligibility for the Postgraduate Merit Award is for honours, master’s, or doctoral study by research or by coursework and research, on academic merit; it does not fund undergraduate professional degrees, postgraduate diplomas, advanced diplomas, or certificates, and applies to tuition only. International postgraduate funding is more limited, so applicants should also pursue DAAD In-Region (for Sub-Saharan Africans), Mandela Rhodes, and Commonwealth routes. You apply for admission to a Wits programme, search and apply for funding on the Wits Funding Portal, and also apply to linked international schemes where eligible. For postgraduates aiming at South Africa, Wits offers solid merit support.
Eligibility
- For the Postgraduate Merit Award: honours, master's, or doctoral study by research or by coursework and research, on academic merit.
- Does not fund undergraduate professional degrees (LLB, MBBCh, BSc Eng, BEd), postgraduate diplomas, advanced diplomas, or certificates.
- Applied to tuition only (not accommodation, international registration fees, clubs, or parking).
- International postgraduates should also pursue DAAD In-Region, Mandela Rhodes, and Commonwealth routes.
Benefits & Coverage
- Up to about R53,800 toward postgraduate tuition on merit.
- Strong undergraduate entrance and merit scholarships.
- Access to a top African research university.
- Signposting to international funding such as DAAD In-Region and Mandela Rhodes.
Required Documents
- Application for admission to a Wits programme.
- Funding application via the Wits Funding Portal.
- Academic transcripts and proof of previous degrees.
- Research proposal, CV, and references for research awards.
How to Apply
- Apply for admission to a Wits honours, master's, or doctoral programme.
- Search and apply for funding on the Wits Funding Portal; the Postgraduate Merit Award is based on academic merit and available funds.
- Also apply to linked international schemes (DAAD In-Region, Mandela Rhodes, Commonwealth) where eligible (confirm the current calls).
Frequently asked questions
Is University of the Witwatersrand fully funded? +
This scholarship is listed as partial funding. The listed award is: Postgraduate Merit Award up to about R53,800; Toward tuition (undergraduate routes separate).. Coverage can change between cycles, so confirm the details on the official page.
What degree levels does University of the Witwatersrand cover? +
This scholarship is listed for: Honours, Master's & PhD.
When is the application deadline? +
The application deadline listed here is March 31, 2027. Deadlines move, so always verify the date on the official page before planning your application.
Who can apply? +
Key eligibility points from this listing: For the Postgraduate Merit Award: honours, master's, or doctoral study by research or by coursework and research, on academic merit; Does not fund undergraduate professional degrees (LLB, MBBCh, BSc Eng, BEd), postgraduate diplomas, advanced diplomas, or certificates; Applied toโฆ See the Eligibility section above for the full requirements.
How do I apply? +
Apply directly through the official portal linked on this page. Legitimate scholarships never charge an application fee, so treat any request for payment as a scam and use official channels only.
Answers are based on this scholarship's listed details. Always confirm on the official page.
