Most students at Walter Sisulu University (WSU) are funded by NSFAS, by bursaries from approved sponsors, or by Fundi loans. WSU's registration guide sets out how each type of funding is cleared for registration. The details below come from WSU's 2025 registration guide, the latest published in full, and its minimum initial payment schedule.
NSFAS funding
First-time entering students with confirmed NSFAS funding, enrolled for a funded qualification, are cleared based on WSU's verification directly with NSFAS, not on information students submit. For returning students, NSFAS's criteria include a household income of less than R350,000 and meeting the academic progression rules, including the N+ rule, which NSFAS evaluates.
Check your status on both portals
Check your funding status regularly on the NSFAS portal. If the status on WSU's student portal conflicts with the NSFAS portal, the NSFAS status takes precedence. Even if your NSFAS portal shows "funded", you are only approved if you meet every eligibility requirement and are enrolled for a funded qualification.
NSFAS appeals and late applications
If you appeal an NSFAS decision, WSU cannot clear you to register until NSFAS approves your appeal and updates your funding status. Appeals are handled directly by NSFAS, and late applications may not be considered.
Losing NSFAS funding
Students who lose NSFAS funding are liable for the debt that NSFAS does not cover. WSU does not pay allowances to them, and they must make other accommodation arrangements.
Bursaries from sponsors
WSU accepts letters of funding only from approved sponsors, such as big corporates, public entities including SETAs, and companies with agreements with the university. The letter must:
- Be on official letterhead and signed by an authorised signatory
- Be sent from an official email address directly to bursaries@wsu.ac.za
- Include the contact details of the person signing it
WSU does not accept funding letters sent by students or staff, to prevent fraud. Verifying a new sponsor's letter can take up to three days, so new sponsors are encouraged to pay upfront in the first year.
Fundi loans and discounts
Students without funding can ask their parents or guardians to apply for Fundi loans, and Fundi agents are on each campus during registration. In 2025, WSU offered a 10% discount to students who settled their fees through Fundi, and a 10% early settlement discount for settling fees by March.
Self-funded students
Self-funded students pay a minimum initial payment before registering, which was R5,000 for South African students in 2025. Read more on the WSU fees page.
More funding
Browse our bursaries for companies and SETAs that fund WSU students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do sponsors send WSU funding letters?
Directly to bursaries@wsu.ac.za, from an official email address.
Which status counts if WSU and NSFAS portals differ?
The NSFAS portal status takes precedence.
Can I register at WSU while my NSFAS appeal is pending?
No. You are cleared only once NSFAS approves the appeal.