UNIVERSITY OF THE WITWATERSRAND, JOHANNESBURG

Welcome to the School of Accountancy

Accountancy students from the School of Accountancy within the Faculty of Commerce, Law & Management at the University of the Witwatersrand consistently achieve excellent pass rates in the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants qualifying exam. Over the last decade the University has, on average, dominated the top 10 positions in the qualifying exam.

Wits Commerce graduates are men and women with entrepreneurial spirit. They are able to think analytically, make decisions and solve problems. There are many career opportunities in government, commerce, industry and education for people with recognised commerce qualifications, sound analytical skills, logical thinking and a good understanding of business.

The School of Accountancy within the Faculty of Commerce, Law & Management offers two undergraduate programmes:

  • Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) - 3 years full time
  • Bachelor of Accounting Science (BAccSci) - 3 years full time, followed by one year of full-time postgraduate study (in order to be eligible for the Public Accountants and Auditors Board examination)

The following table shows the full time registration figures for the 2010 academic year. 

First Year (including service courses) 2131
Second Year 600
Third Year 614
Fouth Year (Chartered Accountancy) 330
BCOM (Honours) 5
Higher Diploma in Computer Auditing (year 1 & 2) 29
Fourth Year (Internal Auditing) 13
Master of Commerce (Accountancy) 5
Masters of Commerce (Taxation) 29
Doctor of Philosophy 2


In the tradition of knowledge, diligence and integrity, the school aims to instill on its graduates critical-lateral thinking, ethics and multiculturalism, and recognizes life long and prior learning related issues. In order to achieve the goal of excellence, staff at SOA work closely with students. Our small class tutorial system and the variety of university wide structures enable students to make the teaching and learning environment pleasant and vibrant