Walter Sisulu University (WSU) is one of South Africa’s prominent universities, known for its commitment to accessible and transformative education. If you're planning to start your studies in 2026, it's crucial to know which courses are currently open at WSU and how to apply. Whether you’ve just completed matric or are returning to further your education, this guide will help you navigate the WSU application process and select the best course for your career path.
In this blog post, we’ll go over:
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The WSU campuses and their course offerings
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Courses that are currently open for the 2026 academic year
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Admission requirements
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Application deadlines and how to apply
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Tips for a successful application
An Overview of WSU Campuses and Faculties
WSU has four campuses spread across the Eastern Cape Province. Each campus specializes in different academic faculties, offering a wide range of qualifications from diplomas to degrees.
1. Butterworth Campus
Focuses on education, commerce, and nursing programs.
2. Mthatha Campus
Offers health sciences, natural sciences, and engineering programs.
3. Buffalo City Campus (East London)
Specializes in business studies, law, and applied sciences.
4. Queenstown Campus
Primarily offers commerce and education-related courses.
Each campus provides its own unique learning environment and serves different academic interests, so make sure to choose a location that aligns with your course and career goals.
WSU Courses Currently Open for 2026
WSU has officially opened applications for the 2026 academic year. The following is a list of some of the most popular courses that are currently accepting applications across its campuses:
1. Faculty of Business Sciences
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Diploma in Human Resource Management
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Diploma in Marketing
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Diploma in Public Management
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Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting
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Diploma in Internal Auditing
2. Faculty of Education
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Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching
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Bachelor of Education in Intermediate Phase Teaching
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Bachelor of Education in Senior and FET Phase Teaching (with specializations in subjects such as Mathematics, Life Sciences, English, etc.)
3. Faculty of Health Sciences
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Bachelor of Nursing
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Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) (Highly competitive)
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Bachelor of Health Promotion
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Bachelor of Social Work
4. Faculty of Engineering, Science, and Technology
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Diploma in Electrical Engineering
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Diploma in Civil Engineering
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Diploma in Mechanical Engineering
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Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
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Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences
5. Faculty of Humanities, Social Sciences and Law
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Bachelor of Social Science
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Diploma in Journalism
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Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
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Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
Please note: Availability is subject to change based on space, accreditation, and updates from the Department of Higher Education and Training. Always check the WSU official website or contact the admissions office for real-time information.
Admission Requirements for 2026
The minimum admission requirements vary depending on the qualification you are applying for. Below is a general guideline:
Diploma Programmes
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National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a diploma pass
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Minimum of 30 APS (Admission Point Score)
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At least 3 subjects with 40% and higher, including English
Bachelor’s Degrees
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NSC with a bachelor’s pass
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Minimum of 30–35 APS depending on the programme
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Specific subject requirements for courses like Nursing, Engineering, and Law
Health Sciences (MBChB, Nursing, etc.)
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Higher APS (around 38–42 points)
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Mathematics and Physical Sciences with 60% and above
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Life Sciences as a recommended subject
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Meeting minimum does not guarantee admission due to high competition
Always refer to the latest WSU prospectus or use the WSU APS calculator tool to ensure you meet the specific requirements for your chosen course.
How to Apply to WSU for 2026
WSU applications for 2026 are now open online. The application process is simple and fully digital. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Visit the WSU application portal at www.wsu.ac.za
Step 2: Create a student number and login details
Step 3: Fill out the online application form with your personal and academic details
Step 4: Upload certified copies of your documents (ID, latest results, proof of residence, etc.)
Step 5: Select your course choices (you can apply for more than one)
Step 6: Submit and wait for a confirmation email or SMS
No application fee is required for WSU 2026 applications.
Application Deadlines for 2026
WSU encourages early applications to avoid system overload and ensure better chances of acceptance.
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Opening date: 02 June 2025
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Closing date for all programmes: 31 October 2025
Late applications may not be accepted, especially for high-demand courses like Nursing, Education, and Law.
Tips for a Successful WSU Application
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Apply early: Don’t wait until the last minute. Early applications increase your chances, especially for limited-space programmes.
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Meet the minimum requirements: Use the APS calculator to ensure you meet the criteria.
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Keep your documents ready: Certified copies of your ID, results, and proof of address must be uploaded.
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Choose wisely: Apply for more than one course to increase your chances of being accepted.
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Follow up: Keep checking your email or the application portal for updates or requests from the university.
Final Thoughts
WSU offers a diverse range of academic programmes tailored to meet the needs of South Africa’s workforce and development goals. With applications for 2026 now open, it’s the perfect time to start preparing your documents and submitting your application.
Whether you’re interested in becoming a teacher, nurse, engineer, or legal professional, WSU has a place for you. Don’t delay — apply now and take the first step toward building your future with Walter Sisulu University.
If you found this post helpful, consider bookmarking it or sharing it with a friend or relative who’s planning to apply to WSU for 2026. For more updates on university applications, funding opportunities, and student tips, follow our blog!
