Walter Sisulu University Admission Requirements
In terms of the Government Gazette of 26 November 2009, WSU accepts applications from prospective students who have a National Certificate (Vocational-Level 4) and who wish to register for Higher Certificate, Diploma or Degree programmes.
The minimum entry requirements for admission to WSU with a NVC Level 4 are as follows:
Qualification minimum entry requirements
Higher Certificate
- Must meet NC (V) Level 4 statutory requirements
- 40% in either home Language or First Additional
- Language but one must be the Language of Teaching and Teaching (LOTL)
- 50 % in either Mathematics or Mathematics Literacy
- 40% in Life Orientation
- 50% in the four other vocational subjects
- Submit a record of evidence for any subject failed
Diploma
- Must meet NC(V) Level 4 statutory requirements
- 50% in three fundamental subjects including LOTL
- 60% in three compulsory vocational subjects
Bachelor’s Degree
- Must meet NC(V) Level 4 statutory requirements
- 60% in three fundamental subjects including LOTL
- 70% in three compulsory vocational subjects
General admission requirements
The Higher Education Act No 101 of 1997, amended in May 2008, stipulates the following minimum entry requirements for university programmes as of January 2009:
- Minimum admission requirements for higher certificate, diploma and Bachelor’s Degree programmes require a National Senior Certificate (NSC).
- Policy considerations: Page 2 of the Government Gazette
- This policy will be applicable to all higher education institutions with effect from January 2009.
- The policy outlines the statutory minimum admission to higher education at the National Senior Certificate (NSC) level.
- Though NSC is the primary gateway, it does not guarantee admission to any Programme of study in higher education.
- Within the context of this policy, WSU exercises its right as a higher education institution to set up specific admission requirements.
- A full list of recognised national curriculum subjects is available on the website: www.wsu.ac.za under Student Admissions.
Minimum admission requirements
Matric & NSC Requirements
School/Programme prospectuses set out details of NSC and matric requirements for each programme.
Admission Point Score
Applicants who have obtained an NSC qualification must meet the required Admission Point Score (APS) score that is set for each programme.
NSC results are translated into points for each NSC subject. Results of interviews and other assessments may also be taken into account in determining the total APS or Admission Point Score.
Unless otherwise stated within a programme prospectus the Faculty of Science, Engineering & Technology has, in terms of the new NSC, allocated a rating system according to levels as follows:
APS
Level | Percentage | Symbol | Status of achievement | APS |
7 | 90-100% | A+ | Outstanding achievement | 9 |
7 | 80-90% | A | Outstanding achievement | 8 |
6 | 70-79% | B | Meritorious achievement | 7 |
5 | 60-69% | C | Substantial achievement | 6 |
4 | 50-59% | D | Moderate achievement | 5 |
3 | 40-49% | E | Adequate achievement | 4 |
2 | 30-39% | F | Elementary achievement | 1 |
1 | 0-29% | G | Not achieved – Fail | 0 |
General rules and comments
- In keeping with Act 101 of 1997 for minimum requirements, revised in May 2008, meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to programmes in the Faculty of Science, Engineering & Technology.
- Due to the large number of applications for a limited number of places, there is a competitive selection process.
- SATAP tests are conducted for all applicants to the Faculty of Science, Engineering & Technology
- The assessment by SATAP tests/ portfolio presentation (where applicable) is equally weighted with academic results in Matric or NSC.
- Admission in terms of recognition of prior learning (RPL) is in accordance with Walter Sisulu University policy.
- Transfer from other institutions will be considered on merit.
- Under exceptional circumstances, the Dean may exercise his discretion.
- Applicants who have been excluded from other institutions on academic grounds will not be considered.
Admission from other degree and diploma programmes
Students with appropriate degrees will be considered for admission to postgraduate programmes. A limited number of students with incomplete degrees will be considered for admission to all graduate programmes.
Progression and exclusion rules
Students should take due note of the institutional rules G7-G11 as is appears in the WSU 2014 General Prospectus on re-admission of students to undergraduate programmes.
As provided for under the WSU 2014 General Prospectus rules (with specific reference to G8.1, G8.2. G9.1 & G9.2) the respective School/Programme prospectuses set out minimum progression requirements for each programme in FSET.
A student that progresses at a slower rate than that what is required for the specific programme will be refused further re-admission on the grounds of “poor academic performance”. Please consult the respective programme prospectus for details.
Students who if registered would exceed the maximum duration of any programme will not be permitted to register for that or any other programme and will, therefore, be excluded from any programme on academic grounds.
Exit/Completion rules
Students should note that the respective School/Programme prospectuses set out the detailed requirements that must be met for each programme in order to qualify for the awarding of the certificate, diploma or degree.
The following additional requirements apply in general in addition to any programme requirements.
- Students must pass all modules and/or courses and satisfy all other requirements in order to qualify for the awarding of the certificate, diploma or degree.
- In addition to any other year level requirements, the minimum year level credits of the programme must be achieved or exceeded for each year level.
- In addition to any other year level requirements, the minimum credits of the entire programme must be achieved or exceeded.
Disclaimer
Although the information contained on the website has been compiled as accurately as possible, WSU accepts no responsibility for any errors or omissions. WSU reserves the right to make any necessary alterations to programme and other related information as and when the need may arise. The programme and other related information are only applicable for the 2026 academic year. A new prospectus will be published for the academic year 2026.
Offering of programmes and/or courses not guaranteed
Students should note that the offering of programmes and/or courses as described on the website and in the prospectuses are not guaranteed but may be subject to change. The offering of programmes and/or courses is dependent on viable student enrolment numbers being met (as determined by HOD) and physical and human resources being available.
Need Information or Confused about Something ?
Ask a Question
Sponsored Guide
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.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.
📌 What is NSFAS?
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:
- Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
- Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.
✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?
To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
- Have a valid South African ID.
- Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
- Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).
📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS
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.
If you’re studying:
- Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
- Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.
📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application
When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:
- Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
- Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
- Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
- Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
- Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
- Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).
🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online
Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)
-
Visit the NSFAS Website
Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za
-
Create an Account
- Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
- You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
- Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.
-
Login and Start the Application
- After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
- Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.
-
Fill in Your Personal Details
- Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
- Provide household income information and living arrangements.
-
Upload Required Documents
- Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
- Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.
-
Submit Your Application
- Review your application for accuracy.
- Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.
-
Track Your Application
- Log in regularly to check your application status.
- You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.
🗓️ 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:
- Tuition fees
- Registration fees
- Accommodation (if living away from home)
- Meals and transport
- Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)
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:
- Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
- Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
- Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.
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:
- Log into your MyNSFAS account.
- Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
- If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
- Upload any missing or corrected documents.
- Provide a clear explanation or motivation.
📱 NSFAS Contact Information
- Website: https://www.nsfas.org.za
- Email: info@nsfas.org.za
- Toll-Free Number: 08000 67327 (Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM)
- Twitter: @myNSFAS
- Facebook: NSFAS
📝 Final Tips Before Applying
- Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
- Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
- Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
- Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.
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.