Wits welcomes top applicants for 2026
- Wits University
Wits University recently hosted its annual Top Applicants Function, welcoming some of the most outstanding applicants for 2026 to campus.
The event, organised by the School Liaison Office, gave prospective students the chance to experience Wits firsthand, meet the university’s deans, and interact with lecturers and researchers.
Finding purpose in a changing world
In his address, Wits Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Zeblon Vilakazi spoke about the future that awaits the next generation of Wits students. “Whether you study engineering, medicine, law, economics, psychology or physics, what matters is that you find your why. Your why is your true north, your centre,” he said. He emphasised the importance of using skills ethically in a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence. “AI, like all other scientific machines, does not have a conscience of its own. It is us who impose that conscience on them. Therefore, we need to utilise these tools in a very ethical way.”
He also encouraged students to measure success not by titles or salaries, but by the impact they have on those around them. “Don’t chase success for the sake of success. Measure your worth by the difference you make to those around you. We want you to be indispensable to your community, your country, this continent, and the world in general.”
A glimpse into Wits life
The function combined informative sessions with a welcoming atmosphere, allowing applicants to explore different faculties, learn about the courses they are interested in, and engage directly with departmental heads. “We hope that by engaging with our academic leaders and experiencing campus life, applicants will feel prepared and excited to join Wits in 2026,” said Msimelelo Tshotyana from the School Liaison Office.
For many attendees, the experience was both eye-opening and affirming. Joshua Fynn, a top applicant from Amajuba High School, shared that the sense of belonging stood out most. “I chose Wits because of the strong culture and the first-year students who welcomed me, not just as a number, but as part of the family,” he said. “That strong culture really resonates with me.”
Parents and guardians were equally impressed. Le’Anne Ponen, who attended with her son, Carlin, said she was inspired by the environment and the people she met. “From what I could see here, it’s very diverse, and I love that. There’s a spirit of excellence that flows through everything, even the response and feedback from the faculty were absolutely amazing,” she said.
The day was both inspiring and practical, giving prospective students and their families a clear sense of what life at Wits will be like and how they can make their mark on the world.
