Overview

Key Features

The Palaeontology (Honours) programme offered at University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg is the largest palaeontological/ palaeoanthropological research entity in Africa and one of the largest of its kind in the world. Amongst other exciting discoveries, Wits palaeoscientists are undertaking game-changing research on dinosaurs (eg. Ledumahadi mafube), the most distant ancestry of mammals, tortoises, and human evolution (Homo naledi, Australopithecus sediba, Little Foot), as well as undertaking ground-breaking research in stratigraphy and basin analysis.

The very rich geological and fossil heritage of South Africa gives this country a geographic advantage in understanding the development of Life. The large number of internationally significant fossil forms that have been discovered in the country have made international news headlines and are a source of national pride and inspiration for all SA citizens.

The Evolutionary Studies Institute at Wits is a leader in palaeosciences because:

It is host to the DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Palaeosciences
It produces more than 80 research publications in palaeosciences annually
It has a wide network of research collaborations with palaeoscientists from all continents
It has active participation of researchers on editorial boards of international palaeoscience journals
It employs seven palaeontologists in tenured positions, all of whom have NRF ratings and more

Career Opportunities

Research (National or International) in vertebrate and invertebrate palaeontology, in palaeobotany, and in evolutionary sciences.
Museum curators
Fossil preparator, Museum and laboratory technician
Palaeontological Impact Assessment consulting
Consulting for mining and oil companies

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Research Project
Vertebrate osteology and palaeontology
Statistics and Geometric Morphometrics
Taphonomy and Biostratigraphy
Phylogenetics

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-02-10 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-30 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

Credits

120 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Johannesburg, South Africa

Disciplines

Earth Sciences Archaeology View 10 other Bachelors in Archaeology in South Africa

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

Other requirements

General requirements

A Bachelor of Science degree or equivalent.
A pass in the relevant major course at this University or any other university whose programme has been approved by Senate.

At least 60% average in the final undergraduate course.
Medical Aid
English language proficiency
Study Visa
International Clearance to Register
Fee Structure
Passport
Matriculation exemption

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items like Additional medical costs, Repatriation, Liability etc. Make sure your student insurance covers your needs.

Studyportals partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg and/or in South Africa, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

46280 ZAR / year

≈ 46280 ZAR / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

46280 ZAR / year

≈ 46280 ZAR / year

Additional Details

R46,280 – R55,190

Living costs

Johannesburg

South Africa

8434 - 12036 ZAR / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Get Visa Support

Get personalized guidance from a certified VFS Global advisor and save 20% through Studyportals.

Avoid common visa mistakes and delays
Know exactly what documents you need
Get a clear checklist tailored to your situation

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Loading

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Palaeontology (Honours).

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About