Why study Geosciences at Wits
OUR ‘WHY’?
We aim to educate well-rounded, comprehensively trained geoscientists to meet the current global needs in energy, environment and resource-based industries.
The world’s shift to clean energy depends on critical minerals — lithium, cobalt, copper and rare earth elements. Geoscientists find, assess and help extract these resources responsibly. South Africa’s geology places Wits graduates at the centre of this global opportunity.
Fieldwork is central to what we do. From early in your studies you will work in the field — mapping, sampling and solving real problems in the landscape.
Career paths for our graduates span mining geology, hydrogeology, environmental consulting, geothermal energy, carbon capture and storage, critical minerals exploration, GIS and spatial data, engineering geology, and government and policy.
We train individuals. We understand that a degree with us can and must take you to any corner of the planet. It is dedication and passion that drives our training.
We endeavour to stay closely linked to our alumni and community in industry to make sure we deliver the skills to take our students to the next level.
STUDY
We offer one undergraduate degree: BSc Geological Sciences. These feed into separate Honours streams in your 4th year. It is important to keep this in mind, as each Honours stream may require different undergraduate courses for entry.
- BScHons Geosciences — broad programme covering geochemistry, economic geology, geophysics, GIS and data science
- BScHons Geophysics — specialist geophysics with its own dedicated undergraduate pathway
- BScHons Palaeontology — evolution and fossil record
If you want to explore more of our courses and how they branch into postgraduate degrees, visit the link here →
APPLY NOW!
To study BSc Geological Sciences at Wits you need a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a Bachelor’s pass and the following minimum subjects:
- APS of 42+ (excluding Life Orientation)
- English: Level 5 (60–69%)
- Mathematics: Level 6 (70–79%)
- Physical Sciences: Level 5 (60–69%)
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission — places are competitive and limited.
Apply through the self-service porthole.
All Wits Science applicants must write two NBTs: the Academic & Quantitative Literacy test (AQL) and the Mathematics test (MAT). Write by 31 October of your Grade 12 year. Register at www.nbt.ac.za.
BURSARIES
We have many industry-based bursaries, not just in mining but hydrology, surveying, environmental consultancies, energy companies and engineering firms that all support geoscience undergraduates. More than half of Wits Geoscience undergraduates receive industry bursaries. Here we have put together an exhaustive table of every bursary we could find.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1c8uPrPVIPl8yLKt82KfESnVCinXIImGZrsZRJRnHqeE/edit?usp=sharing
