What You Need to Know About Walter Sisulu University
WSU runs across four campuses in the Eastern Cape, Mthatha, Butterworth, Komani and East London, with around 30,000 students and close to 1,800 staff. It calls itself a technology infused African university, and it backs that up with 92 programmes spread across 7 faculties, from health sciences to engineering to law.
This is not a university that only takes top achievers. If your marks sit in the mid-range, WSU gives you real options in commerce, science, humanities and technical diplomas, without pretending those paths are second best.
What APS Do You Need?
WSU uses a Best 6 on an 8 point ladder system, with Life Orientation usually excluded, and a maximum possible score of 48. Education programmes sometimes switch to a broader 7 subject view that brings LO back in, so check your specific programme carefully.
Most commerce degrees like Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Accounting want 25 APS, while the more intense Bachelor of Accounting Sciences asks for 27 APS. Bachelor of Medical Sciences needs 24 APS, plus 50% (level 4) in Maths, Physical Science and Life Science. Diplomas tend to sit lower, Diploma in Pest Management wants 21 APS and Diploma in Analytical Chemistry Main Stream wants 22 APS.
If your score falls just short, look at the Extended Curriculum Programme (ECP) versions. These add a foundation year and drop the entry APS, for example the ICT diplomas in Extended Stream ask for just 18 APS.
Fees and Funding
WSU has not published a single confirmed tuition figure for 2027 in what we have, so check the official WSU fees page for exact costs for your programme. NSFAS funds students at all four WSU campuses, Mthatha, Butterworth, Buffalo City and Queenstown, so it is worth applying early if you rely on it.
Outside NSFAS, options like the Old Mutual Education Trust scholarship can cover registration, tuition, books, meals, accommodation and a transport allowance for qualifying students. Funding is stressful to sort out, but starting the NSFAS and bursary applications the same time you apply to WSU puts you ahead.
Life on Campus
WSU offers student residence near its campuses, though exact costs and how many beds are available depend on your specific campus. With four separate campuses across Mthatha, Butterworth, Komani and East London, where you study can shape your daily commute and social life quite a bit.
Not sure if your marks are enough for the programme you want? Use our free APS calculator to check exactly where you stand before you apply.
