Walter Sisulu University Admission Requirements

Walter Sisulu University (WSU) is one of South Africa’s leading institutions, offering a wide range of academic programs. If you are considering applying to WSU, it is essential to know the admission requirements for various qualifications. This guide will provide you with an in-depth understanding of WSU’s admission criteria, including those for higher certificates, diplomas, bachelor’s degrees, and information for international students or those with mature age endorsements.

Minimum Admission Requirements at WSU

WSU’s admission requirements are aligned with the guidelines set out by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) as well as the university’s own qualifications-specific standards.

1. Higher Certificate Programmes

  • Minimum Requirement:
    • A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with at least 30% in the language of learning and teaching at WSU.
    • Additional subjects and levels of achievement may be required depending on the program.

2. Diploma Programmes

  • Minimum Requirement:
    • A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with 30% in the language of learning and teaching.
    • At least a 40-49% achievement rating (level 3) in four recognized 20-credit subjects, excluding Life Orientation.
    • Specific programs may have additional subject combinations and levels of achievement required.

3. Bachelor’s Degree Programmes

  • Minimum Requirement:
    • A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with 30% in the language of learning and teaching.
    • A 50-59% achievement rating (level 4) in four recognized 20-credit subjects, excluding Life Orientation.
    • As with other qualifications, specific degrees may require additional subject combinations and achievement levels.

International Students Admission Requirements

  • Students with international qualifications are assessed according to the Higher Education South Africa (HESA) guidelines. International students may need to submit their qualifications to the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) for benchmarking.
  • WSU’s International Office provides support and guidance for international applicants.

Mature Age Endorsements

Mature students who do not meet the traditional entry requirements but are 23 years or older may apply for admission under the Mature Age Endorsement provision. The university has specific rules governing this process, as outlined in Rule 1.13 of the General Prospectus.

  • Diploma Programmes: Applicants need a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with at least a diploma endorsement.
  • Degree Programmes: Applicants need a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a Bachelor’s endorsement.

WSU APS Conversion Table: Calculating Your Admission Point Score (APS)

WSU uses the Admission Point Score (APS) system to evaluate applicants based on their NSC or Senior Certificate performance. The APS is calculated by adding the points for your best six subjects (or seven for Education programs) using WSU’s APS conversion table.

  • How APS is Calculated:
    • Each subject’s percentage is converted into a point score based on WSU’s APS table.
    • Category 1: Includes two languages (Home Language and First Additional Language).
    • Category 2: Four subjects with the highest scores, excluding Life Orientation.
    • Category 3: Life Orientation is only included for Education-related qualifications.

For example, an applicant scoring between 80-89% for a subject will receive 7 APS points according to the conversion table.

Faculty-Specific Requirements

Different faculties at WSU have additional requirements, and prospective students must ensure they meet both the general and program-specific criteria.

WSU Faculties:

  • Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment, and IT
  • Faculty of Management and Public Administration Sciences
  • Faculty of Economic and Financial Sciences
  • Faculty of Law, Humanities, and Social Sciences
  • Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
  • Faculty of Natural Sciences
  • Faculty of Education

Each faculty may have different subject combinations or achievement levels necessary for entry, so it’s important to consult WSU’s prospectus or departmental requirements.

Conclusion

Walter Sisulu University offers a range of academic opportunities, but meeting the minimum entry requirements is essential to securing a place. Whether you are pursuing a higher certificate, diploma, or degree, it is crucial to understand the specific admission requirements for your chosen program. International students and those applying through mature age endorsements should also follow the respective guidelines for a successful application.

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Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)

If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.

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The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.

NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:

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✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?

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NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.

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📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application

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🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online

Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)

  1. Visit the NSFAS Website

    Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za

  2. Create an Account

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🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)

  • Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
  • Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
  • Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
  • Disbursement: After registration and approval

Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.

💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?

NSFAS funding typically includes:

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For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).

🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment

Repayments are:

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You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.

🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application

If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:

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📱 NSFAS Contact Information

📝 Final Tips Before Applying

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By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.

 

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