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Overview

The University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg (Wits University) is eligible to participate in the William D. Ford Direct Loan Program. This program allows a US Citizen, permanent resident or eligible non-citizen student to apply for a Subsidized Loan, Unsubsidized Loan, Graduate Plus Loan or a Parent Plus Loan. Direct loan funds can only be used by the registered student solely for study related costs.  An Eligible student can apply for aid for any eligible program within the Faculties of Humanities, Commerce Law and Management, Engineering and the Built Environment and Science and Health Sciences (limited to the Non-Clinical programs). The University is not eligible to offer Aid for any Clinical programs within the Medical School.

Wits University is registered as a provider to certify and administer US Federal Aid loan applications (Title IV funds) for eligible students from the United States, and who are studying at the University. Loans may be provided to both new and continuing students. Under the provider agreement, the University is required by U.S. Federal Law (34CFR 668.16) to define and enforce standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). Students applying for or receiving US Federal Aid must progress satisfactorily towards completion of their chosen academic program. The University cannot waive the SAP requirements for any student when assessing eligibility to receive Federal Aid.

As an eligible foreign school, the University is audited each year to ensure that all the recipients of all Title IV funds certified by Wits University meet the SAP conditions and requirements set out in this policy. This policy outlines how the University will monitor and administer the SAP requirements, as required by the US Department of Education.

A separate policy (Return To Title IV: Policy And Procedure) exists in relation to the administration of US Federal Aid Loans which are received by the University on behalf of US citizens or eligible US non-citizens and which must be returned when such students withdraw from study.

Loan Counselling

Entrance Counselling

The Entrance Counseling Session is compulsory for all new Wits FSA borrowers. This is an online session and takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. It is important that the borrower is well aware of what it means to obtain Financial Aid and how this decision will affect their lives and future.

The School cannot process your first disbursement without a report confirming the completion of the Entrance Counseling session.

Direct PLUS Loan Counselling

Direct PLUS Loan Counselling is required for any PLUS Loan applicant, student or parent who has an adverse credit history but who qaulifies for a PLUS Loan.  The special PLUS counselling is mandatory for these borrowers.  The Special PLUS Loan cannot be disbursed if this counselling session is not completed. 

NB: this special counselling is separate from the Entrance Counselling that all graduate and professional student loan borrowers must complete.

Exit Counselling

The Exit Counseling Session is compulsory on the completion or deregistration of studies from the University. The session assists the borrower to understand what is expected of them with regards to their Direct Loan. The borrower is counseled and guided on how the debt can be managed and what options are available if there are difficulties in repaying the debt.

Types of Loans and Limits

Wits University is only eligible to offer the following types of loans:

Subsidized Loan

This loan is granted on financial need. Interest on the loan is charged from the time the loan is disbursed until the debt is paid. Because the loan is subsidized the US Government will pay the interest for you while you are registered or on University approved abeyance and during the 6 months grace period granted after you complete your studies.

Unsubsidized Loan

This loan is NOT granted on financial need. Because the loan is not subsidized you are responsible for the interest payable from the time the loan is disbursed to you but you can choose to defer the payments while you study.  However, the interest accrued will then be added to your principle debt.

Graduate Plus Loan

This loan is granted to graduate students and has no limit. However, the loan amount cannot exceed your Cost of Attendance minus all other financial assistance received through Direct Loans. A credit check is done on the applicant before the loan is approved. You are responsible for the interest payable from the time the loan is disbursed to you. Although you can choose to defer the payments while you study, the interest accrued will be added to your principle debt.

Parent Plus Loan

The parents of a dependant undergraduate student can apply for this type of loan which has no limit but the funds can only be used to cover the students Cost of Attendance minus all other financial assistance received through Direct Loans. A credit check is done before the loan is approved.

Private loans

A student can apply for a private loan to assist in paying for their education. You can obtain this loan from any private lender provided that you meet their requirements and are subjected to a credit check. Please click here for more information.

Annual Federal Loan maximum amounts

Dependent UndergraduatesSubsidised LoanUnsubsidised LoanAnnual Loan Limit
Year 1 US$3,500 US$2,000 US$5,500
Year 2 US$4,500 US$2,000 US$6,500
Year 3 and above US$5,500 US$2,000 US$7,500
Independent UndergraduatesSubsidised LoanUnsubsidised LoanAnnual Loan Limit
Year 1 US$3,500 US$6,000 US$9,500
Year 2 US$4,500 US$6,000 US$10,500
Year 3 US$5,500 US$7,000 US$12,500
Graduate or ProfessionalsSubsidised LoanUnsubsidised LoanAnnual Loan Limit
Each Year US$0 US$20,500 US$20,500

Aggregate Federal Loan maximum amount

 SubsidisedAggregate Maximum
Dependent Undergraduate US$23,000 US$31,000
Independent Undergraduate US$23,000 US$57,500
Graduate US$65,500 US$138,500
Cost of Attendance (CoA)

COST OF ATTENDANCE (CoA)

The Cost of Attendance for a student is an estimate of a student’s educational expenses for the academic year/period of enrolment at Wits University. Below is a breakdown of how much an average student might require per academic year, this list is not exhaustive but provides basic guidelines subjected to your program of choice.

DescriptionUndergraduate Average CostsPostgraduate Average Costs
Tuition  R63,200 - R135,900  R19,150 - R204,310 
International Registration Fee (IRF)  NIL  R6,330
Books and Stationery  R2,000 - R6,000  R2,000 - R6,000 
Equipment / Fieldwork  R500 - R5,000  R5,000 - R10,000 
Accommodation  R33,060 - R67,160  R33,060 - R67,160 
SA Medical Aid  R4,400 - R10,000  R4,400 - R10,000 
Food  R18,000 - R23,000  R18,000 - R23,000 
Living Expenses  R7,000 - R10,000  R7,000 - R10,000 

First-time Undergraduate Students

The disbursement process for first time undergraduate students can only be initiated 30 days after registration. You will receive your loan in two equal disbursements. The first disbursement will be received within 30 days after the initiation date.  The second disbursement will only be initiated after the submission of your academic progress for the first semester, the funds will be in your South African bank account within 30 days of the initiation date. It is therefore advisable to have funds available to cover costs while waiting for your funds to be paid out to you.

Returning Undergraduate and Postgraduate Students 

The disbursement process will be initiated the day after registration. You will receive your loan in two equal disbursements. The first disbursement will be received within 30 days after the initiation date. The second disbursement will only be initiated after the submission of your academic progress for the first semester, the funds will be in your South African bank account within 30 days of the initiation date.  It is therefore advisable to have funds available to cover costs while waiting for your funds to be paid out to you.  

How to Apply
  1. Complete the Free Application for Student Federal Aid (FASFA) on the link http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/  Wits University’s School Code is G11214. This application must be completed every year that you apply for Federal Aid. 
  2. Complete the Direct Loan and/or Graduate Plus Entrance counseling session at https://studentloans.gov/myDirectLoan/index.action  This session has to be completed by all students applying for Aid at Wits University for the first time.
  3. Sign the Master Promissory Note (MPN) on https://studentloans.gov/myDirectLoan/index.action for the Direct subsidised and unsubsidised loan and another MPN for the Graduate or Parent Plus Loan.
  4. Click Direct Loan Application Form to access and complete the  International Students Office (ISO) US Federal Aid application form

When the above is in place the International Students Office (ISO) will process your loan application and notify you in writing confirming the amount you are eligible for. The confirmation letter together with the acceptance letter from Wits University can be used to apply for your student visa.

The funds will only be disbursed to you after you register. As Wits University is a foreign school it will take approximately 30 days for the funds to be in your South African Bank Account.

Deregistration and Leave of Absence (LoA)

De-registration / Withdrawal

A student wishing to de-register needs to follow the standard de-registration processes as set out by the respective faculty. Before considering de-registration please consult your Federal Aid Administrator to establish how this decision will affect your Direct Loan. See the University’s Faculty Rules Book for the de-registration process.

Leave of Absence (LoA)

The Wits Senate may grant a student leave of absence for a specified period but our institution's LoA does not meet the criteria for an "Approved Leave of Absence" under the US Federal Aid Regulations.

Consequences when applying for Leave of Absence

  • your LoA will be treated as an official withdrawal
  • a Return of Title IV Funds (US Federal Aid) will be calculated to determine if aid received, is earned
  • any unearned aid must be returned by the student to Wits University
  • should Wits University have to return any unearned funds on behalf of the student, the student will be liable for the outstanding amount is will be required to settle the Student Fee Account immediately
  • failure to do so will result in the student not being able to complete his/her studies until the outstanding amount has been paid in full

Reasons for not accepting the LoA as an enrolment status vs the conditions for an approved LoA under US Federal Aid Regulations

  • there is no guarantee that the student will return by the agreed date
  • after leaving the country any unearned funds cannot be retrieved from the student when the student fails to return. Wits University will have to return the funds.
  • Wits University cannot allow the student to resume classes at the same point in the academic programme when the student began the LoA
  • all courses for the period for which results have not yet been entered, will be withdrawn from the student's record
  • the student has to reapply and re-register and pay the new fees
  • for information regarding the fee rebates when an LoA contact the Fees Office. Any outstanding fees must be settled immediately.
Return of Title IV Funds - Policy and Procedure

Wits University is registered as a provider to certify and administer US Federal Aid loan applications (Title IV Funds) for eligible students from the United States, and who are studying at the University. Loans may be provided to both new and continuing students.

Where a student withdraws from their studies, and Title IV Funds have been released by the US Department of Education, the University must determine whether the student is eligible for the loan amount, and if not, return funds to the US Department of Education as required. Under the Regulations of the Offices of the US Department of Education by which the University must abide, Section 34CFR 668.22 details the requirements for return of Title IV Funds. As a registered ‘foreign school’, Wits University is audited each year to ensure that the requirements have been met.

This policy outlines how Wits University will monitor and administer the ‘Return to Title IV’ (R2T4) requirements set by the US Department of Education.

IMPLEMENTATION

  1. When a student has withdrawn from the program as per the Faculty procedures;
  2. When the student has taken leave of absence or put his/her studies in abeyance as per the Faculty procedures;
  3. When the student has ceased to complete his/her academic obligations

POLICY

1. RETURN OF TITLE IV FUNDS (R2T4)

The University is required to determine the earned and unearned portions of the Title IV aid as of the date the student ceased to be enrolled prior to the end of a payment period or period of enrolment:

  • Up through the 60 percent point in each payment period or period of enrolment, a pro rata schedule is used to determine the amount of Title IV funds the student has earned at the time of withdrawal, or
  • After the 60 percent point in the payment period or period of enrolment, a student has earned 100 percent of the Title IV funds he or she was scheduled to receive during the period. For a student who withdraws after the 60 percent point, there are no unearned funds.
  • The student is approved for a Leave of Absence from his/her programme for no longer than 180 days of study but does not return to the University within the agreed upon time of return.

 2. DETERMINING THE WITHDRAWAL DATE FOR A STUDENT WHO WITHDRAWS OFFICALLY OR UNOFFICIALLY

Official withdrawal

When a student officially withdraws from their registered program as per their Faculty procedures, the date of withdrawal will be taken to be the date of the receipt of the notification, in writing, of the student’s intention to withdraw. This date will be used to for the R2T4 calculation.

Failing grade

In the event that a student receives all failing grades for a teaching period, the US Loan Administrator will analyse the final grades and/or contact the supervisor to determine if the results represent a lack of attendance. In the event it is determined that those grades were the result of lack of attendance, the US Loan Administrator and/or supervisor will attempt to determine the last day of attendance and this will be the date used in the R2T4 calculations.

If the exact date cannot be determined, Wits University will assume a 50 percent attendance, and use that date as the last date of attendance. Students who do not attend even one class are ineligible for Title IV Funds and all of the loan proceeds will be returned to the US Department of Education.

Unofficial withdrawal

When a student withdraws from a program without written advice of the intention to withdraw, the Loan Administrator will attempt to determine the last date of attendance to calculate the R2T4 amount. If the exact date cannot be determined, a 50 percent attendance will be used in the R2T4 calculation.

3. CALCULATING THE AMOUNT OF THE TITLE IV FUNDS OF WHICH A STUDENT IS ELIGIBLE UPON WITHDRAWAL

The University will determine the earned and unearned portion of Title IV Funds using a specific formula. The US Loan Administrator is responsible for calculating R2T4 using worksheets provided by the US Department of Education to determine the amount of Title IV earned by the student and the unearned portion that should be returned to the US Department of Education.

The main factors affecting the formula are:

  • date of withdrawal,
  • start and end dates for the loan payment period,
  • amount of loans due to be disbursed/amount of loans actually disbursed,

The amount of earned/unearned Title IV Funds for which a student is eligible is determined on a pro rata basis. The percentage attendance is calculated by dividing the number of days attended by the total number of days in the payment period (excluding scheduled breaks that are 5 days or more and days that the student was on approved LoA) For example, if the student attends for 60 days of the 187 days in the payment period, the student is eligible for 32 percent of the Title IV Funds they were originally scheduled to receive.

If a student’s determined attendance is 60 percent or more of the days within a payment period, the student would have earned 100 percent of the Title IV Funds that they were scheduled to receive. For example, if the student completes 120 days of the 187 days in the payment period, the student is eligible for 64 percent of the Title IV Funds. This entitles the student to 100 percent of the funds they were originally scheduled to receive.

As per the program rules the student is entitled to receive Title IV funds earned. If the University has only disbursed less than the amount earned, the student is entitled to a post-withdrawal disbursement.

The University must return the calculated unearned portion of the Title IV Funds to the US Department of Education within 45 days from the date of determination that the student is withdrawn from their program.

4. POST-WITHDRAWAL DISBURSEMENTS

If the student did not receive all of the Title IV Funds they have earned, he or she will be entitled to a post-withdrawal disbursement. The student may choose to decline the post-withdrawal disbursement so that additional debt is not incurred.

The US Loan Administrator will notify the student of the pot-withdrawal in writing, within 30 days from day of determination of withdrawal. If the student fails to respond within at least 14 days, they will be ineligible for the post-withdrawal disbursement.

If communication is received after the deadline; the University may choose to honour the late response; if not received later than 180 days after date of determination.

If the US Loan Administrator receives notification from the student that they wish to proceed with the post-withdrawal disbursement, the US Loan Administrator will notify the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office to withdraw and release the Title IV Funds to the student’s fee account.

The priorities for disbursement (e.g. from Direct Loans first, paid to outstanding institutional charges before being paid directly to the students, etc.)

  • Tuition and mandatory fees will automatically be deducted from the earned aid prior to releasing a refund to the student.

5. TIMEFRAME FOR RETURNING TITLE IV FUNDS

All funds must be returned to the US Department of Education within 45 days from the date of determination that the student is withdrawn. Where this is not possible such as in cases of unofficial withdrawal, the University will return the funds to the US Department of Education as soon as is reasonably possible.

When an R2T4 amount is determined, the US Loan Administrator will use standard University refund procedures to obtain a bank draft, made payable to the US Department of Education.

6. ORDER IN WHICH TITLE IV FUNDS MUST BE RETURNED

The University will advise the US Department of Education to which Title IV Funds are returned to distribute those funds in the following order of priority:

  1. Federal Stafford Unsubsidized loans, then
  2. Federal Stafford Subsidized loans, then
  3. Federal PLUS loans, then if any balance is refundable

7. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE STUDENT

Students withdrawing officially from the University, whilst in receipt of Title IV Funds are required to complete the online exit counselling.

Repayments of the Direct Loan by the student to the US Department of Education must be repaid in accordance with the terms of the promissory note (loan contract). That is, scheduled payments must be made to the US Department of Education over a period of time. Students who have received payment of excess loan funds from Wits University before withdrawing will be required to return funds to the US Department of Education for which they are no longer eligible.

The requirements for returning Title IV Funds to the US Department of Education when students withdraw are separate from the requirements of the University’s Tuition Fee Policy for International Students. Upon withdrawal, students may still owe funds to the University for unpaid institutional or other charges, or for Title IV Funds which the University has returned to the US Department of Education. Students will be liable for any outstanding tuition fees and other fees or charges owed to the University.

If fees are not paid, the University may take the following steps:

  1. A student may be required to leave the residence if his/her university accommodation fees are not paid
  2. A student will not receive his/her results nor be allowed to re-register in any faculty until all fees, and other monies due to the University, have been paid. A final-year student will not be permitted to graduate.
  3. A student’s access to the University or libraries may be denied if he/she does not settle his/her fees or makes suitable arrangements with the Fees Office to settle fees.
  4. Any fees not paid will lead to the matter being handed over to attorneys for collection.

Any student who anticipates difficulty in complying with the requirements in regard to the payment of tuition or accommodation fees should contact the Manager of the Fees Office.

8. LEAVE OF ABSENCE (LoA)

Leave of Absence is viewed as a temporary interruption to a student’s attendance at the University. Leave of Absence refers to a specific time period during a program when a student is not in attendance.

To be approved for Title IV Funds, the Leave of Absence must meet the following conditions:

  1. Leave of Absence will only be approved for Masters by dissertation and PhD candidates only;
  2. The requested period of absence should be within the same Academic year (payment period);
  3. All requests for Leave of Absence must be submitted in writing and include the reason for the student’s request. An Enrolment Amendment form must be completed and signed by the student and specify the date the student would like the Leave of Absence to begin and end. The Enrolment Amendment form is available at the relevant Faculty office;
  4. Students must apply in advance for a Leave of Absence unless unforeseen circumstances prevent them from doing so;
  5. The reason for the requested Leave of Absence must generally be non-academic in nature and there must be a reasonable expectation that the student will return from the Leave of Absence within the allowed time frame;
  6. The total time taken for all Leave of Absence must not exceed 180 days in any 12-month period, including days in which the University is not in session.

The University may grant a student Leave of Absence that does not meet the conditions outlined above. However, such Leave of Absence is considered a withdrawal or Cancellation by the University as well as for Title IV purposes.

Where a student does not return to complete their studies within the agreed timeframe, the student will be considered withdrawn as at the date they originally took leave. The R2T4 process will be completed.

9. OFFICES DESIGNATED TO ACCEPT NOTIFICATION OF OFFICIAL WITHDRAWAL

Official withdrawal from the University:

a. Faculty Office

Completion of the cancellation/deregistration form

  • Form to be collected from the Faculty Office;
  • Signed by each School the student is registered with;
  • Signed by the University Library
  • Completed form to be returned to the relevant Faculty Office

b. International Students Office

  • To be notified of the cancellation/deregistration to initiate Title IV Return

RELATED DOCUMENTS AND LEGISLATION

US Federal Aid Loans:

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) for US Federal Aid Loans Eligibility

Tuition Fee Policy for International Students

Leave of Absence from Study 

For information on cancellation of registration refer to section General Rules G5

Consumer Information

INSTITUTIONAL INFORMATION

The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), Johannesburg is a remarkable university that is internationally distinguished for its excellent research, high academic standards and commitment to social justice.

Our partners, networks and relationships serve as catalysts for the great ideas that help us to make the impossible, incredible. We invite you to join us on our extraordinary journey to effect meaningful change in society and pave the way for a bright future for generations to come.

Wits offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes and degrees which are internationally recognized.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE INFORMATION

There is a range of financial assistance programs available to enrolled students. These may be offered through the University or external bodies such as government or private entities. Eligibility criteria for these programs differ and may be based on citizenship, financial need, enrolled program or other criteria. Information on student funding, scholarships and bursaries can be accessed on the Wits Financial Aid and Scholarships page.

UNITED STATES FEDERAL STUDENT AID PROGRAM – DIRECT LOANS

Information on the Direct Loan Program, including eligibility criteria, terms and conditions, application process and forms and the Cost of Attendance calculation can be found on our US Federal Student Aid page.

COST OF ATTENDANCE

Before joining the program, you are encouraged to read on Johannesburg and the average living costs, this will include the Cost of Attendance, tuition fees, books and supplies, accommodation, transport and any other additional costs.

SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS (SAP)

To continue to receive loans both throughout the year and each successive year, students must demonstrate Satisfactory Academic Progress.

WITHDRAWAL, REFUNDS AND RETURN OF TITLE IV

The University Fees Book contains vital information that you need to know, such as the rules governing the payment of fees, the payment of fees by instalments, cancellation of registration, refunds, miscellaneous charges and fees for students receiving bursaries and scholarships. Requirements for the Return of the Title IV Funds are published on the US Federal Student Aid, Wits International Students Office webpage.

JOZI – OUR CITY

The University of Witwatersrand is situated in Johannesburg. This is the largest and most populous city in South Africa. The city is affectionately known as “Jo’burg”, “Jozi” and “JHB” by South Africans. Jozi is the provincial capital of the Gauteng Province, the wealthiest province in South Africa and the fourth largest economy in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Jozi has all the modern amenities of a large metropolitan region (population over 7 million), including fascinating cultural attractions, art galleries, museums, shopping and restaurants. The city’s vibrancy is a reflection of the diversity of its people and its often turbulent history. There are a number of attractions in Jozi which include a number of diverse museums, Outdoor spaces and Nature reserves, Sport and Extreme Sports, Markets and Shopping Centres, etc.

DRUGS AND ALCOHOL

As per the rules stated in the University’s Code of Conduct a student is prohibited from bringing any alcohol beverages unless permitted by the University Registrar. A student is also prohibited from possessing or supplying to others any illegal substances which alter behavior, except for substances prescribed for that student by a registered health professional.

If a student has any drugs and alcohol related issues they can contact the Counselling and Careers Development Unit (CCDU) for assistance.

STUDENTS RIGHT-TO-KNOW

Wits has a reputation built on research and academic excellence. Wits is proud of the fact that significant contribution comes from many disciplines all across the University. What is ‘Distinctly Wits’ - the University graduations, student and academic data as well as the University’s research information can be found on Facts and Figures which makes Wits – Knowledge at the leading edge.

FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS & PRIVACY ACT (FERPA)

The University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, responds to requests for access to student information in accordance with the Information Act No 2 of 2000 and Protection of Personal Information (Act 4) of 2013.

The University is committed to transparency and accountability and thus supports giving access to information to those who need this information but does this within the principle that students, staff and the University have rights to protection and privacy. Thus the decisions about giving access to any information will always consider the rights of those affected by this access. The University has specific procedures for giving access to information about students and these are circulated annually.

INFORMATION SECURITY POLICY

The University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg is a higher education teaching and research institution recognized as a university in terms of the Higher Education Act of 1997, as amended. By virtue of its functions, the University processes information in all manner of ways: it collects, receives, records, analyses, stores, disseminates and archives information. Much of this information is confidential and, in instances, sensitive and valuable.

The purpose of the Information Security Policy is to protect the University’s informational assets against all threats, whether internal or external, deliberate or accidental, and to compel the University Community to exercise a duty of care in relation to the operation and use of the University’s information systems.

This Policy must be read in conjunction with all of the University’s other rules, regulations, policies, procedures and standards as amended from time to time.

MISREPRESENTATION

The University of the Witwatersrand is a tertiary education institution established in terms of the Higher Education Act 101 of 1997 as amended. The Council of the University has in accordance with Section 32 of the Higher Education Act as amended, drafted its statute and amendments there to and which are set out in the schedule to Government Notice in the Government Gazette No 23132 Notice 195, dated 15th February 2002.

These statutes and the amendments thereto has in terms of the provisions of Section 33 of the Act 101 of 1997 as amended, been approved by the Minister of Higher Education and Training. Quality Control in Higher Education institutions is the mandate of the Council of Higher Education (CHE). This is an independent statutory body established in May 1998 in terms of the higher Education Act 101 of 1997 as amended. The statutory body functions as the quality control for higher education in terms of the National Qualifications Framework Act 67 of 2008.

LOAN DISCLOSURES

The University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg does not provide any additional loans to students other than the William D. Ford Direct Loan Program. A student can obtain private loans from any of the major banks or corporates provided they meet their terms and conditions. The Financial Aid and Scholarships Office can be contacted for information on bursaries and scholarships based on academic merit

SAFETY ON CAMPUS

The safety and security of students on campus is of paramount importance to the University. We encourage all students and staff to report any suspicious behaviour in and around campus to Campus Protection Services. If there is a notion of a fellow student is missing or being harmed in any way, Campus Protection Services and/or the closed authority on campus must be contacted.

DISABILITY RIGHTS UNIT

As a University we are committed to working towards the goal of creating an accessible and welcoming environment for all students with disabilities. The University endeavors to make the learning environment a rich and rewarding one and continually strives to improve all aspects of accessibility – physically, technologically and socially.

STUDENT HEALTH AND WELLNESS

The University is committed to promoting health and wellness around campus. We strive to ensure that your physical, mental and social needs are met so you can achieve your full potential and be the best you can be. Students can access the Campus Health and Wellness Centre (CHWC) for various health services.

MANAGEMENT OF LOAN REPAYMENTS

After completing your studies with the University, repayments for your student loans will kick in. There are various plans a student can use to manage their student loans debt.

GAINFUL EMPLOYMENT DISCLOSURE – NON DEGREE PROGRAMS

The University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg is not eligible to offer Title IV funding for any of our Non-degree programs. This includes any programs offered by Wits Language School, Wits Enterprise and any short courses offered by Wits Plus.

Cohort Default Rate

The Cohort default rate is calculated by the US Department of Education and released to the School annually. Wits University recently became eligible to participate in the program.  It takes three years of eligibility to track the outcome on the program starting on the 2012-2013 fiscal year.  The results will officially be available in 2015-2016

Eligible and Non-Eligible Programmes

US Federal Aid is only awarded to students registering for the following degrees:

ELIGIBILE PROGRAMME

Undergraduate degree including Health Sciences Non-Clinical (Therapeutic Sciences)

  • Bachelor of Health Sciences: Biokinetics
  • Bachelor of Health Sciences: Biomedical Sciences
  • Bachelor of Health Sciences: Health Systems Sciences
  • Bachelor of Science: Occupational Therapy
  • Bachelor of Science: Physiotherapy

Honours degree including Health Sciences Non-Clinical (Therapeutic Sciences)

  • Bachelor of Health Sciences with Honours: Biokinetics, Bioethics and Health Laws

Master's degree including Health Sciences Non-Clinical (Therapeutic Sciences)

  • Master of Science (Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy)
  • Master of Science in Medicine: Bioethics and Health Laws, Biokinetics
  • Master of Science in Occupational Therapy
  • Master of Science in Physiotherapy

PhD

NON-ELIGIBLE PROGRAMMES

Undergraduate: Health Sciences (Clinical)

  • Bachelor of Clinical Medical Practice
  • Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery
  • Bachelor of Dental Science
  • Bachelor of Nursing
  • Bachelor of Oral Health Sciences
  • Bachelor of Pharmacy

Master's degree: Health Sciences (Clinical)

  • Master of Family Medicine
  • Master of Medicine
  • Master of Science in Medicine
  • Doctor of Science (Medicine or Dentistry)
  • Doctor of Philosophy
  • Doctor of Medicine

PhD: Health Sciences (Clinical)

  • Doctor of Science in Medicine
  • Doctor of Science (Medicine or Dentistry)
  • Doctor of Philosophy (Health Sciences)
  • Doctor of Medicine

Non Degree programmes (Diplomas and Certificates)

Research work and dissertation

Students are not eligible to receive US Federal Aid when studying, conducting research or writing up the dissertation in the United States (USA).

Default Management Plan

This document contains the strategies used by the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg to help our students who are in receipt of Title IV Aid, to understand the responsibility of borrowing loans to fund their degree studies. The purpose is to reduce the number of students who default on loan repayments.

MANAGING REPAYMENT

Information on how to manage your repayments

1. Entrance Counselling

All new students borrowing from the Federal Direct Loans are required to undertake entrance counselling where students are advised about:-

  • how the master promissory note works,
  • the importance of repaying the loan,
  • the consequences of default
  • sample monthly repayment amounts

 

2.Financial Knowledge for Borrowers

On the Financial Aid communication with students it is recommended to them that they borrow only what they need and remind them that they are not required to take out the maximum amount of loans available to them.

Applicants are advised to make themselves aware of the repayment obligations of the loans they intend to borrow. They are referred to the repayment calculator.

3. Exit Counselling

Graduating and withdrawing students are advised that they must undertake exit counselling as a condition of borrowing Federal Direct Loans.

4. Trouble Making Payments?

Having difficulty in meeting the repayment obligation of the loan?

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For detailed information on the US Federal Student Aid, please contact:

Yanga Gqirana
International Students Office
Telephone: +27 11 717 4306
E-mail: Yanga.Gqirana@wits.ac.za

 

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

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