1. The University of the Witwatersrand, commonly known as Wits University, is one of South Africa’s most prestigious and internationally recognized universities. Established in 1922, Wits has a proud history rooted in Johannesburg’s early mining industry and has grown into a leading institution for teaching, research, and innovation.

Today, Wits is home to more than 40,000 students, including a large international community, and is ranked among the top universities in Africa. It is especially renowned for its contributions in science, health, engineering, law, and the arts. The university’s strong research output, partnerships with industry, and involvement in social justice make it a key player not only in South Africa but also on the global stage.

Wits operates across five campuses, all located in Johannesburg, each with its own identity, focus areas, and facilities.

List of Campuses

1. East Campus – Braamfontein

• Address: Yale Road, Braamfontein, Johannesburg

• Faculties/Programs: Humanities, Science, Engineering and the Built Environment

• Facilities: Main library (Wartenweiler), science labs, student residences, lecture theatres, sports grounds

• Established: Original site of Wits in 1922

• Notable Facts: Houses some of the oldest and most iconic Wits buildings, and serves as the historic core of the university

2. West Campus – Braamfontein

• Address: Empire Road, Braamfontein, Johannesburg

• Faculties/Programs: Commerce, Law, and Management

• Facilities: Commerce buildings, residence halls, sports facilities, cafeteria, admin offices

• Established: Expanded from the original East Campus

• Notable Facts: Known for its modern architecture and student activity hub

3. Education Campus – Parktown

• Address: St Andrews Road, Parktown, Johannesburg

• Faculties/Programs: School of Education

• Facilities: Lecture theatres, library, education resource centre, student residences

• Established: Originally the Johannesburg College of Education, incorporated into Wits in 2001

• Notable Facts: Dedicated entirely to teacher training and education research

4. Medical School Campus – Parktown

• Address: York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg

• Faculties/Programs: Health Sciences (Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, Public Health)

• Facilities: Medical library, teaching hospitals (Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital, Chris Hani Baragwanath, Helen Joseph), labs, student residences

• Established: Medical School founded in 1922, expanded over decades

• Notable Facts: One of Africa’s top medical training centres, closely linked to major hospitals and cutting-edge health research

5. Wits Business School (WBS) – Parktown

• Address: 2 St David’s Place, Parktown, Johannesburg

• Faculties/Programs: Business and Management postgraduate programs (MBA, Executive Education, etc.)

• Facilities: Lecture theatres, seminar rooms, library, student lounge, conference facilities

• Established: Founded in 1968 as Wits Graduate School of Business Administration

• Notable Facts: One of Africa’s most respected business schools with strong industry partnerships

Closing Notes

The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) offers students a choice of five campuses, all located in Johannesburg. Together, they create a vibrant academic environment that combines historic tradition with modern innovation.

Wits continues to live up to its reputation as a research-intensive university, shaping leaders across multiple disciplines while contributing to society through science, innovation, and social impact.

For more details on applications, programs, and campus life, visit the official website: https://www.wits.ac.za