Walter Sisulu University (WSU) has residences on and off campus at its Mthatha, Butterworth, Buffalo City and Komani campuses. Places are limited, and admission to study does not guarantee a residence place. The details below come from WSU's 2025 registration guide and its minimum initial payment schedule.
How to apply
New and returning students apply online for residence accommodation through WSU's iEnabler, where you show your interest in accommodation for the year. Places are awarded on a first come, first served basis.
How WSU allocates rooms
WSU allocates students to residences on or off campus using the criteria in its policy on room allocations. Preference goes to students who live at least 50 km from the university. Funded students, such as those with NSFAS, bursaries and grants, who may not meet other criteria are catered for in both on-campus and off-campus accommodation.
Your allocation letter
Once the residence officer approves your allocation, you receive a system notification with a signed allocation approval letter. This letter allows you to collect your key.
Register after academic registration
You can only register for residence accommodation after your academic registration.
Paying for residence
For 2025 registration, self-funded students in university-owned residences paid a residence deposit of R17,500. Leased residences needed 100% of the amount payable upfront, which was about:
- Buffalo City: R46,100
- Butterworth and Mthatha: R46,400
- Komani: R38,200
Self-paying students who want to live in privately owned residences are accommodated once they pay the residence minimum initial payment. NSFAS-funded and bursary-funded students did not pay a residence minimum initial payment.
When residences open
In 2025, residences opened for first-year and returning students on 4 February. Check WSU's registration information for the current year's opening date before you travel.
Students with prior debt
If you owe fees from an earlier year, you must clear the required portion of that debt, or arrange a payment plan, before you can register for your studies and then for residence.
International students' documents
International students need certified copies of a valid passport, a study visa endorsed for WSU for the study period, and South African medical aid cover before they can register.
Rules
Residence students must follow WSU's rules and regulations, its code of conduct and its student disciplinary code, as set out in the general prospectus.
Residence contacts
- Mthatha: 047 502 2517
- Butterworth: 043 401 6315
- Buffalo City: 043 702 9379
- Komani: 040 842 6983
If you lose funding
Students who lose NSFAS funding must make other accommodation arrangements, because WSU does not pay allowances to students without funding.
International students
International students in university-owned residences paid 100% of the residence amount upfront in 2025. See the WSU fees page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are WSU residence places awarded?
On a first come, first served basis, with preference for students living at least 50 km away.
How much was the WSU residence deposit in 2025?
R17,500 for university-owned residences.
When can I register for a WSU residence?
Only after your academic registration.