WSU courses and requirements for 2027: the university offers undergraduate programmes across seven faculties, and every one needs a National Senior Certificate (NSC) at the right pass level plus a programme-specific points score (APS) and subjects. The general minimum is 30% in the language of learning and teaching, and rating 3 (40-49%) for a diploma or rating 4 (50-59%) for a degree in four recognised 20-credit subjects, excluding Life Orientation (2027 information brochure).
General applications for the 2027 intake close on 31 October 2026, so check your course and apply soon. International applications closed on 30 September 2026.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
Courses at WSU are grouped by faculty. The 2027 brochure covers these, with the campus where each is based:
- Economic & Financial Sciences (Mthatha): diplomas in Accountancy, Financial Information Systems and Internal Auditing, plus degrees in Accounting, Accounting Science (the CA route), Business Management, Economics and Commerce
- Education (Komani, with some delivery from Mthatha)
- Engineering, Built Environment & IT (Buffalo City)
- Law, Humanities & Social Sciences (Mthatha): eight undergraduate programmes, including the Diploma in Fashion, Diploma in Fine Art, BA, LLB, Bachelor of Social Science, Bachelor of Psychology and Bachelor of Social Work
- Management & Public Administration Sciences (Butterworth, with some programmes at Komani and Buffalo City): many programmes also have a four-year extended curriculum version that gives extra access
- Medicine & Health Sciences (Mthatha): five undergraduate programmes, including MBChB and Nursing
- Natural Sciences (Mthatha and Buffalo City): 27 science programmes ranging from diplomas to PhDs
Use the course list in the brochure to find the exact qualification code, campus and entry requirement for the course you want.
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
WSU sets a minimum for each type of qualification. All of these are for the 2027 intake:
- Degree: an NSC with a Bachelor’s endorsement, at least 30% in the language of learning and teaching, and rating 4 (50-59%) or better in four recognised 20-credit subjects, excluding Life Orientation
- Diploma: an NSC with at least a diploma endorsement, at least 30% in the language of learning and teaching, and rating 3 (40-49%) or better in four recognised 20-credit subjects, excluding Life Orientation
- Higher Certificate: at least 30% in the language of learning and teaching
Old Senior Certificate, NC(V) and international applicants must check the detailed faculty prospectus. Applicants with international school-leaving results are assessed under the HESA exemption guide and, where required, their qualification is submitted to SAQA for benchmarking (brochure).
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
WSU works out your APS from your best six subjects, excluding Life Orientation: up to two languages (Home Language and First Additional Language) plus your four highest other subjects. Those four must include any subjects the qualification specifically requires. Each NSC mark converts to points:
- 90-100% = 8 points
- 80-89% = 7
- 70-79% = 6
- 60-69% = 5
- 50-59% = 4
- 40-49% = 3
- 30-39% = 2
- 0-30% = 1
The APS and subjects needed differ by programme. For example, the Diploma in Marketing Management needs an APS of 21 with Mathematics at rating 3 (40-49%) or Mathematical Literacy at rating 4 (50-59%), while the Diploma in Policing lists no Mathematics requirement at all. Always read the entry for your own course.
Documents and Application Requirements
Applications for 2027 opened on 1 June 2026 and are made online through the WSU application process page. The application fee is R100 and is non-refundable. WSU warns that you must not pay it into any individual’s bank account.
Upload these documents as PDF, PNG or JPEG files of up to 5 MB each:
- A certified copy of your South African ID
- A certified copy of your passport (international applicants)
- A copy of your matric or academic results
- Your June Grade 12 report (Medicine and Health Sciences applicants only)
Applications are open to first-time undergraduates, returning students applying for new qualifications, postgraduates and international applicants. Incomplete applications will not be processed.
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
Meeting the minimum does not guarantee a place. Admission depends on academic eligibility, space availability and faculty-specific selection criteria where they apply. Ask the faculty whether your course has any extra selection step before you apply.
For the 2027 intake, general applications close on 31 October 2026 and international applications closed on 30 September 2026. Check the application page for the dates of later intakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What courses does WSU offer?
Courses at WSU are grouped under seven faculties: Economic & Financial Sciences, Education, Engineering, Built Environment & IT, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences, Management & Public Administration Sciences, Medicine & Health Sciences, and Natural Sciences. The full list is in the 2027 brochure.
When do WSU applications close?
General applications for 2027 close on 31 October 2026. International applications closed on 30 September 2026.
How much is the WSU application fee?
R100, non-refundable. Do not pay it into an individual’s bank account.
How does WSU calculate my APS?
From your best six subjects excluding Life Orientation: up to two languages plus your four highest other subjects. Check how any other university calculates its own score before comparing.
Does meeting the minimum guarantee me a place?
No. Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee acceptance or registration into a programme.
Confirm the final position with Walter Sisulu University admissions. See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.