If you’ve been excluded from Wits University after failing a course in your final year, you might be feeling stuck—especially if you only have one subject left before you can graduate.
Don’t worry, you still have a chance. This guide will walk you through the requirements, processes, and steps for re-registering at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits University) after academic exclusion.
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What Does Exclusion Mean at Wits?
At Wits, academic exclusion means you’re not automatically allowed to continue with your studies in the next academic year because you did not meet the minimum requirements.
THIS OFTEN HAPPENS WHEN:
- You’ve failed a core subject multiple times.
- You’re in your final year but still have one or two outstanding courses.
Exclusion does not mean the end; it just means you need to go through a formal appeal or re-admission process.
What to Do If You Only Have One Subject Left
If you’re in this situation, you can:
- Appeal your exclusion through the Faculty Readmissions Committee.
- Request special permission to re-register for only your outstanding subject.
- In some cases, apply to register as an occasional student, but this is rare and requires faculty approval.
Steps to Apply for Re-Registration at Wits
Please follow the instructions below for thorough help.
STEP 1: CONTACT THE FACULTY
Since you studied in the Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment (EBE), you need to contact the Faculty Registrar or the Student Enrolment Centre (SEnC).
You will need to provide your:
- Full name
- Student number
- Degree (e.g., BEng/BSc Electrical Engineering)
- Year last registered
STEP 2: PREPARE A RE-ADMISSION APPEAL
To be considered for re-registration, you will need to submit:
- A motivation letter explaining your circumstances and why you should be given another chance.
- Your academic record must show that you have passed all other courses.
- A plan for success (e.g., tutoring, study schedule, or support system).
- Supporting documents, if personal or medical challenges affected your performance?
STEP 3: WATCH THE DEADLINES
Re-admission appeals are usually due in January to February, before the academic year starts. Missing the deadline could mean waiting a full year before applying again.
WITS Re-Registration (Readmission) Process for Excluded Students in 2025
Wits handles readmission through the Wits Readmissions Committee (WRC). You must submit a formal application with clear motivation and supporting documentation to be considered.
You’ll typically need to:
Complete the WRC Readmissions Application Form, which requires personal and academic details, and a description of the contributing factors to your academic exclusion.
Submit a Motivation for Readmission form, detailing your situation, progress since exclusion, and how you’ve addressed the challenges that led to your exclusion.
Required Documents for a Successful Appeal
Here’s what you typically need to prepare and submit:
- Readmissions Application Form (WRC)
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- Includes your personal data, details of the contributing factors, and consent for reports from support units (like wellness or counselling).
- Motivation for Readmission Form
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- Covers your explanation of the challenges faced.
- What you’ve been doing since the exclusion.
- Measures you’ve put in place to ensure future success.
- Supporting Documentation
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- Medical certificates or health reports (if applicable).
- Letters of tutoring or academic support.
- Counselling or wellness reports.
- Proof of personal circumstances (e.g., death certificates, reports).
- Academic Record
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- Your official transcript showing all passed courses and the one outstanding subject.
- Optional Support Unit Reports
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- You may consult with campus health, counselling, or faculty advisors, and request that they send confidential reports directly to your faculty by the submission deadline.
Submission Deadlines
The readmission application and all supporting documents must be submitted by the specified faculty or university deadline (usually early in the academic year). Late or incomplete applications are usually not considered.
As a reference, the Health Sciences faculty sets a deadline of 31 August of the current academic year for readmission applications.
“While deadlines vary by faculty, this gives a ballpark estimate of timing; definitely confirm your specific faculty’s deadline.”
IMPORTANT:
Additionally, for general registration, if online registration isn’t possible, there are Assisted Registration sessions at the campus (e.g., Sturrock Park), with the requirement to bring your ID/passport.
Wits Contacts Details
For the sake of reregistration/readmission, here are the necessary contacts to reach through to for help.
- Student Enrolment Centre (SEnC): https://www.wits.ac.za/senc/
- Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment (EBE): https://www.wits.ac.za/ebe/
