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Outgoing Exchange - Graduate ESIA - University of Witwatersrand (GW Partner) (Outgoing Program)

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  • Locations: Johannesburg, South Africa
  • Program Terms: Fall, January Term, Spring
  • Restrictions: GW applicants only
Dates / Deadlines:

There are currently no active application cycles for this program.
Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Click here for a definition of this term Class Status: Graduate Click here for a definition of this term Program Sponsor: GW Sponsored
Click here for a definition of this term Program Category: Outgoing Exchange (Graduate)
Program Description:


School of Social Sciences, Faculty of Humanities

Internationally ranked as one of the leading institutions on the continent, the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) is a premier University in Africa and an obvious choice for those seeking academic and research excellence. The University has a selective approach to research development, concentrating on areas of actual and potential international excellence while focusing on challenging, relevant, and innovative research that is beneficial to the country and Africa.

At the forefront of a changing society, Wits is an engaged institution, dedicated to advancing the public good. It continues to play a key role in fostering intellectual communities and promoting sustainable social and economic development in a globally competitive environment. Its School of Social Sciences houses the Departments of Anthropology, Development Studies, Demography and Population Studies, History, International Relations, Philosophy, Political Studies, and Sociology as well as the Forced Migration Studies Programme. The School also hosts the Sociology of Work Unit (SWOP) and the History Research Group.

Curriculum: At Wits, Elliott School M.A. students can choose from a variety of units (courses) in areas such as history, government, international relations, philosophy, anthropology, and sociology. For more details on specific units and offerings, please see the individual departments listed on the School of Social Sciences website. Exchange students typically enroll for three or four units per semester. Students select unit choices after arrival at Wits.

Enrollment and Credits: All exchange students from the Elliott School are required to be enrolled at Wits as full-time students. Students must earn the equivalent of a B grade or higher in a given course to be eligible for transfer credit. Students may earn up to 10 transfer credits from the partner into the Elliott School M.A. programs. 

Grade "60-69" at Wits = Grade B at GW
One course within Wits IR program = 3 credits at GW

Academic Calendar: 
  • 1st Semester: February - June
  • 2nd Semester: July - November
  • Classes are held during the day and in the evening.

Language of Instruction: Courses are taught in English.

Housing: Wits offers some on-campus accommodation for students, but space is limited. Often, housing is only available during the 1st semester. For assistance with on-campus housing, please contact Ms. Gita Patel in the Wits International Office.

Tuition and Fees: Students pay regular GW and Elliott School tuition fees for their participation in exchange programs, based upon 9 or 10 GW credit hours.

Important Application Information
Students must meet with their study abroad advisor prior to the study abroad deadline for their applications to be considered. 
 
The Office of Graduate Student Services will review all applications received for each exchange program and will nominate students for available exchange positions based on the quality of the application materials submitted. Students who are nominated must complete applications with exchange partners as directed to be accepted and enrolled in the program. Due to the limited exchange spots available, the Office of Graduate Student Services strongly encourages students to apply to a backup program in the event they are not selected for nomination.