International Students Office (ISO) EDITION 4, AUG 2026
Inside this issue 1. Welcome Back 2. Safety and Security 3. Matric Exemption 4. Up Coming Events 5. Immigration: International Students 6. Study Abroad 7. International Students Sub-Council
Welcome Back! As we begin the second half of the academic year, we encourage you to stay informed and connected. In this edition, you will find important updates, upcoming events, useful reminders on student support services designed to help you make the most of your time at Wits. From visa and immigration information to cultural activities and student wellbeing initiatives, we are here to support you every step of the way.
Safety and Security In light of the recent rise in xenophobic and Afrophobic incidents across parts of South Africa, the University unequivocally condemns all forms of xenophobia, Afrophobia, discrimination, and intolerance. We remain committed to fostering an environment that is safe, inclusive and respectful for all members of our diverse student population. The safety and wellbeing of our students remain our highest priority. We are committed to providing the necessary support and guidance to ensure your safety and well-being. Should any student experience any challenge or where an incident has occurred, you are encouraged to seek support through internal entities like Campus Protection Services, our Counselling Unit, our Health and Wellness Centre, the Transformation and Gender Equity Offices and the International Students Office. Cases are dealt with on a case-by-case basis.
Matric Exemption All registered undergraduate students who hold non-South African school leaving qualifications are required to have their qualifications evaluated by the Matriculation Board. Students who have not received their Matric Exemption certificates must urgently contact the International Students Office no later than Friday, 21 August 2026. Contact:E-mail: Busi.Mamabolo@wits.ac.za
UP COMING EVENTS Welcome Orientation Semester 2
07
Co-hosted by ISO and ISSC ⏰: 14:00 – 16:30
AUGUST
📍: Senate Room, 2nd Floor, Solomon Mahlangu House, East Campus
PUBLIC HOLIDAY
09
Women’s Day AUGUST 17th Cross Faculty PG Symposium 08 - 11 Competition 2026 for Master’s and PhD students
SEPTEMBER 📍: OLA Wartenweiler Library, East Campus PUBLIC HOLIDAY
24
SEPTEMBER Heritage Day Study Visa Renewals/Extensions 06 VFS Global Mobile Unit will be on campus
OCTOBER
⏰: 09:00 – 15:00 📍: International Students Office, Ground Floor, Solomon Mahlangu House, East Campus For more information e-mail StudySA.International@wits.ac.za
Medical aid service providers CompCare and Momentum Health will also be on campus
MEDICAL AID
Last
Medical aid service providers CompCare and Momentum Health will be on campus to assist students with enquiries
Thursday
⏰: 09:00 – 13:00 📍: International Students Office Boardroom
of every month
IMMIGRATION: INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS Act early, understand your visa obligations and choose the best pathway for your situation.
APPLY FOR DEGREE EXTENTION
ENROL IN A NEW DEGREE
• Apply for an extension to complete your current degree
• You can apply for a renewal/extension of the student visa if you are enrolling at the same institution.
• You must have all the supporting documents • Approval of the visa is at the discretion of the Immigration Authority, Department of Home Affairs, South Africa.
Best for: Students who are close to completing their degree
• The new degree must be at the same or higher level of study. • Ensure to submit an academic progression transcript and all other supporting documents.
Best for: Students who want to continue studying in a related or new field.
TRANSFER TO ANOTHER INSTITUTION
CHANGE TO DIFFERENT VISA CATEGORY
• You may transfer to another institution to continue your studies.
• If eligible, you may change to a different visa category.
• You must meet the criteria for the new study visa.
• You must meet the criteria for the new visa category.
• A new study visa is required in the name of the new institution.
Best for: Students seeking a different institution.
PREPARE TO LEAVE SOUTH AFRICA • If no further study options are suitable, you must make arrangements to leave South Africa. • Overstaying can affect your future visa applications. • Seek advise to ensure a smooth and lawful departure.
Best for: Students who have confirmed employment.
Best for: Students who cannot continue studies or do not meet visa requirements.
Always check your visa conditions and maintain a valid student status.
Contact the University International Students Office as soon as possible Seek advice to understand your options and obligations Do not ignore deadlines – act early to avoid visa cancellation
In terms of South Africa's Immigration Regulations, specifically Regulation 9(8)(c) applications for the renewal of a study visa and Regulation 9(5), a change of visa conditions or a change of visa status must be submitted at least 60 days before the expiry of the current visa. This is a legal requirement.
Study Abroad Did you know that you can Study Abroad? Take advantage of this great opportunity to broaden your academic, professional and cultural horizons while earning credits towards your Wits degree. Visit the ISO website to learn more about partner universities, application processes, eligibility requirements and upcoming opportunities. 2027 MOBILITY IMPORTANT DATES UNIVERSITY
COUNTRY
Science Po Mannheim University Oldenburg University Tübingen University Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam Soka University
France Germany Germany Germany the Netherlands Japan
NOMINATION DEADLINE 6 October 2026 15 October 2026 15 January 2027 15 November 2026 1 October 2026 15 October 2026
APPLICATION DEADLINE 8 October 2026 31 October 2026 15 January 2027 30 November 2026 1 October 2026 31 October 2026
For more information: contact Masego Bosilong E-mail: masego.bosilong@wits.ac.za / exchange.international@wits.ac.za
Inbound The University is delighted to welcome our exchange students from our valued partner universities around the world. This semester, we are proud to host students from the University of Oldenburg (Germany), Università di Bologna (Italy), École Spéciale des Travaux Publics (ESTP), Paris (France), the University of Groningen (the Netherlands), Sciences Po Lyon (France), Sciences Po Paris (France), the University of Copenhagen (Denmark), and Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee (USA). We are excited that you have chosen to spend this part of your academic journey with us. As you become part of our university community, we encourage you to embrace the rich cultural diversity of our campus and to explore the beauty, history, and vibrant spirit of South Africa. We hope you will build lasting friendships, discover new perspectives, and create memories that will stay with you long after your exchange has ended. May your time here be filled with meaningful learning, personal growth, exciting adventures, and unforgettable experiences. We wish you every success in your studies and a truly rewarding and enjoyable stay. Once again, welcome—we are delighted to have you with us!
Outbound We also take this opportunity to extend our best wishes to the four students who will be embarking on an exciting exchange journey at our partner universities: Sciences Po Paris (France), the University of Mannheim (Germany), and the University of Groningen (the Netherlands). As you represent our University abroad, we encourage you to embrace every opportunity for academic excellence, cultural discovery, and personal growth. Immerse yourselves in new experiences, build lifelong friendships, and serve as proud ambassadors of our University and South Africa. May your semester abroad be academically enriching, culturally rewarding, and filled with unforgettable experiences. We wish you safe travels and every success as you begin this exciting chapter of your international journey.
International Student Sub-Council (ISSC) Committee Your 2026 International Student Sub-Council Committee is ready to lead and serve!
PORTFOLIO
COUNTRY
NAME
EMAIL ADDRESS
Chairperson
DRC Congo
src.isscchair@students.wits.ac.za
Deputy Chairperson
Lesotho
Treasurer
Zimbabwe
Secretary
Zimbabwe
Marie-Therese Eloko Sebabatso Mohloki Munyaradzi Murove Chido Chikoore
Deputy Secretary
Botswana
Botlhale Khumo
issc.deputysecretary@students.wits.ac.za
Projects & Events Officer
eSwatini
issc.projects@students.wits.ac.za
Legal, Policy & Constitutional Affairs Officer
China
Sibuselo Aviwe Gama You Ning Chen
Academic Officer
Zimbabwe
issc.academic@students.wits.ac.za
Transformation Officer
Uganda
Amanda Mugadza Jeanine Olive Akwenyu
issc.deputychair@students.wits.ac.za issc.treasurer@students.wits.ac.za issc.secretary@students.wits.ac.za
issc.legal@students.wits.ac.za
issc.transformation@students.wits.ac.za
Upcoming Elections If you are interested in representing international students on campus, keep an eye out for the upcoming election announcement. This is your opportunity to be the voice of international students, advocate for their interests, and help make a positive impact on campus. We encourage all interested students to participate.
CONTACT US! Letter of Undertaking for study visas e-mail: StudySA.International@wits.ac.za International Clearance to register e-mail: clearance.international@wits.ac.za Study Abroad - Inbound & Outbound e-mail: exchange.international@wits.ac.za
: +27 11 717 1054 Ground Floor, Solomon Mahlangu House, East Campus