How to Apply to Walter Sisulu University

You apply to Walter Sisulu University (WSU) online. Applications for the 2027 academic year opened on 1 June 2026, and the application fee is R100, which is not refundable. Here is how the process works, based on WSU's 2027 online application information.

Closing dates for 2027

• International applications: 30 September 2026
• General applications: 31 October 2026

Who must apply

You must apply if you are a first-time undergraduate, a returning student applying for a new qualification, a postgraduate applicant or an international applicant.

Step 1: Check the requirements

Read the admission requirements for each qualification you want, in WSU's undergraduate brochure. Compare your marks with the APS for each programme on the WSU admission requirements page. Also check the campus, because WSU teaches different programmes at Mthatha, Buffalo City, Butterworth and Komani.

Choosing a campus

Each faculty is based at a particular campus. Economic and Financial Sciences and the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences are at Mthatha. Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology is at Buffalo City, with some diplomas also at Butterworth. Education is based at Komani, with a delivery site at Mthatha.

Step 2: Prepare your documents

Get your documents ready before you start. WSU accepts PDF, PNG or JPEG files of up to 5 MB each. You need:

• A certified copy of your South African ID, or a certified copy of your passport if you are an international applicant
• A copy of your matric results or academic results
• Your June Grade 12 report, if you are applying for medicine or the health sciences

Step 3: Apply and pay

Complete the online application and pay the R100 fee. WSU warns applicants never to pay the application fee into an individual's bank account. Before you begin, confirm that you have a valid ID, passport or permit, a working email address and cellphone number, and certified copies of your documents.

Incomplete applications

WSU does not process incomplete applications. So upload every required document, and check that each one is clear and readable.

After you apply

Submitting an application does not guarantee admission. WSU considers your academic eligibility, the space available and any faculty selection criteria. If WSU accepts you, you register online through its student online services portal, using your student number and PIN.

Registration

In 2026, registration for returning students and new students with firm admission opened on 7 January, and first-time entering students began on 15 January. Classes started on 2 February 2026. Self-funded students pay a minimum initial payment before they can register. Read more on the WSU fees page.

Funding

Apply for NSFAS separately, on its own dates. WSU treats first-time students who were eligible for NSFAS but did not apply as self-funded, so apply on time.