All registered Wits students can get Word, ExceL, Powerpoimt and many more for free.
OFFICE: Only registered Wits students can download. Photo Aarti Bhana
Student Advantage
All registered Wits students will have access to free Microsoft Office 365 software to equip them with skills needed in the workplace.
This follows Microsoft’s launch of Student Advantage, a programme that allows all qualifying universities to provide Microsoft Office 365 to their students at no extra charge.
According to a study released by the International Data Corporation, Microsoft Office is one of the top three skills that employers look for in potential employees. Microsoft commissioned the study.
The offer aims to provide students with a competitive edge, putting them at the forefront for high growth and high salary jobs.
One size doesn’t fit all
However not all students feel the offer will assist them in their school work or professionally. Third year BSc Mathematical Sciences student Nndondoleni Khavhatondwi said Office is not used as much in his field and the university should look into providing course-specific software for some of the other students.
“I don’t see the difference, Matlab and Mathematica that’s what I do. There are times when you want to work in your own space and you can’t do that. Software like Matlab and Mathematica are really expensive to buy,” said Khavhatondwi
Mamello Thulane a third year LLB student said although the offer would make it easier for students to work securely from home, it does not benefit students who do not have personal computers or laptops.
How it works
Students can download the software by using their Wits email address and password to sign in on Microsoft Online. The software can be downloaded on to a total of five devices on Windows and Mac.
Microsoft Office 365 retails for R899 on the Microsoft website.
