Disability Rights Unit

Start main page content

Extra Time and Concessions for Tests and Exams

 

Applications for extra time and other concessions are facilitated through the Disability Rights Unit (DRU) and the Campus Health and Wellness Centre (CHWC). Only students with documented disabilities are eligible to apply.

Who can apply?

  • Full-time students are supported by the DRU and can apply for extra time and concessions using the process below.
  • WITS Plus (PTY) short course students are accommodated by WITS Plus (PTY) and should contact their course coordinator for disability support.
  • Part-time students are accommodated by the Faculty internally and should contact their course coordinator for disability support.

Application Deadlines

To ensure all students receive their university-approved extra time and other concessions before each exam session begins, the closing dates for concession applications are indicated below, unless in the case of unforeseen temporary or permanent disabilities:

  • Semester 1 (June exams): Apply by 23 April
  • Semester 2 (November exams): Apply by 23 August

Processing time: 5-10 working days minimum

Note: Different timelines may apply for unforeseen temporary or permanent disabilities

Required Documentation

You must submit one of these completed forms:

Important: Applications will only be considered with the correct completed DRU Medical Practitioner form. Other medical documents will not be accepted.

 

APPLICATION PROCESSES:

 

NEW APPLICANTS

Step 1: Register with DRU
Register via Wits Student Self-Service portal

Step 2: Apply for Extra Time and Concessions
Once DRU registration is approved, submit your application via Student Self-Service by following Concessions Guide 1 below.
Download Guide: DRU Concessions Guide 1 - New Application for Extra Time and Concessions

Step 3: Assessment and Approval

  • DRU assesses your application and medical form
  • Application is referred to Campus Health and Wellness Centre for review
  • If approved, you'll receive an auto-generated concessions letter the next day

Step 4: Inform Your Lecturers
You must inform course coordinators and lecturers about your approved concessions well in advance of tests/exams and provide your approval letter.

 

RETURNING STUDENTS (RENEWAL)

If you previously received Wits-approved extra time and concessions marked "Rest of University Career," you can renew the concessions for the current year.

Renewal Requirements:

  • Register with DRU for the current year, AND
  • Have a previous Wits letter stating "Rest of University Career"

If your letter doesn't explicitly state "Rest of University Career," you must submit a new application.

Renewal Steps:

Step 1: Register with DRU for the current year

  • Register via Student Self-Service portal
  • Once your DRU registration has been confirmed, your previous "Rest of University Career" concession letter will auto-renew for the current year, and will be emailed to you the following day.

Step 2: Inform Your Lecturers and Course Coordinators
It is your responsibility to present the new concession letter to your lecturers and course coordinators well in advance of tests/exams.

 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING WRITING TESTS OR EXAMS WITH CONCESSIONS:  

  1. Only students using assistive technology and those given special permission will be allowed to write their tests and exams at the Disability Rights Unit (DRU) test and exam venue.
  1. Students studying Humanities, CLM, Science, and EBE with extra time concessions only will write their in-person (on campus) examinations at the EGO extra time venue. Tests will be held at the main venue and must be booked via the lecturer.
  1. For any tests or exams being written at Med School, please contact your lecturer or exam coordinator at Health Sciences for assistance with where to write with your approved extra time.
  1. For any online tests or exams, please inform your lecturer and course co-ordinator at least two weeks before the test or exam begins, and send them your university concession letter indicating the approved extra time and concessions.

 

Share