Walter Sisulu University

About WSU

Walter Sisulu University was formed from the merger of several institutions across the former Transkei and Border regions, giving it campuses in Mthatha, Butterworth and East London — a wider geographic spread than almost any other South African university.

It combines academic and vocational qualifications, playing a significant role in expanding access to higher education across the rural Eastern Cape, a region that has historically had fewer higher education options than the country's metros.

Named after struggle stalwart Walter Sisulu, the university carries a strong sense of social purpose in its mission, with many of its programmes explicitly oriented towards rural development, health and education needs in the surrounding communities.

Why students choose WSU

• Campuses spread across Mthatha, Butterworth and East London
• Named after anti-apartheid leader Walter Sisulu
• Strong focus on rural Eastern Cape development

Fields of study

• Education
• Engineering
• Health Sciences
• Management & Public Administration
• Natural Sciences

What you'll need to apply

Every South African public university sets its own admission point score and subject requirements per programme, so the details below are general guidance rather than WSU-specific rules — always confirm exact requirements on the official site before applying.

• A National Senior Certificate (NSC) that meets the minimum admission point score for your chosen programme.
• Specific subject and mark requirements, which vary by faculty — competitive programmes like medicine or engineering typically set higher thresholds.
• An online application through the university's own portal, usually opening the year before you intend to start.
• Supporting documents such as certified copies of your ID and academic records, and proof of application fee payment where applicable.