Walter Sisulu University Admission Requirements

In terms of the Government Gazette of 26 November 2009, WSU accepts applications from prospective students who have a National Certificate (Vocational-Level 4) and who wish to register for Higher Certificate, Diploma or Degree programmes.
 
The minimum entry requirements for admission to WSU with a NVC Level 4 are as follows:
 
Qualification minimum entry requirements 
Higher Certificate

• Must meet NC (V) Level 4 statutory requirements
• 40% in either home Language or First Additional
• Language but one must be the Language of Teaching and Teaching (LOTL)
• 50 % in either Mathematics or Mathematics Literacy
• 40% in Life Orientation
• 50% in the four other vocational subjects
• Submit a record of evidence for any subject failed

Diploma

• Must meet NC(V) Level 4 statutory requirements
• 50% in three fundamental subjects including LOTL
• 60% in three compulsory vocational subjects

Bachelor’s Degree

• Must meet NC(V) Level 4 statutory requirements
• 60% in three fundamental subjects including LOTL
• 70% in three compulsory vocational subjects 

General admission requirements
The Higher Education Act No 101 of 1997, amended in May 2008, stipulates the following minimum entry requirements for university programmes as of January 2009:

• Minimum admission requirements for higher certificate, diploma and Bachelor’s Degree programmes require a National Senior Certificate (NSC).
• Policy considerations: Page 2 of the Government Gazette
• This policy will be applicable to all higher education institutions with effect from January 2009.
• The policy outlines the statutory minimum admission to higher education at the National Senior Certificate (NSC) level.
• Though NSC is the primary gateway, it does not guarantee admission to any Programme of study in higher education.
• Within the context of this policy, WSU exercises its right as a higher education institution to set up specific admission requirements.
• A full list of recognised national curriculum subjects is available on the website: www.wsu.ac.za under Student Admissions. 

Minimum admission requirements
Matric & NSC Requirements
School/Programme prospectuses set out details of NSC and matric requirements for each programme.
Admission Point Score
Applicants who have obtained an NSC qualification must meet the required Admission Point Score (APS) score that is set for each programme.
NSC results are translated into points for each NSC subject. Results of interviews and other assessments may also be taken into account in determining the total APS or Admission Point Score.
Unless otherwise stated within a programme prospectus the Faculty of Science, Engineering & Technology has, in terms of the new NSC, allocated a rating system according to levels as follows:
APS

 General rules and comments

1. In keeping with Act 101 of 1997 for minimum requirements, revised in May 2008, meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to programmes in the Faculty of Science, Engineering & Technology.
2. Due to the large number of applications for a limited number of places, there is a competitive selection process.
3. SATAP tests are conducted for all applicants to the Faculty of Science, Engineering & Technology
4. The assessment by SATAP tests/ portfolio presentation (where applicable) is equally weighted with academic results in Matric or NSC.
5. Admission in terms of recognition of prior learning (RPL) is in accordance with Walter Sisulu University policy.
6. Transfer from other institutions will be considered on merit.
7. Under exceptional circumstances, the Dean may exercise his discretion.
8. Applicants who have been excluded from other institutions on academic grounds will not be considered. 

Admission from other degree and diploma programmes
Students with appropriate degrees will be considered for admission to postgraduate programmes. A limited number of students with incomplete degrees will be considered for admission to all graduate programmes.
Progression and exclusion rules
Students should take due note of the institutional rules G7-G11 as is appears in the WSU 2014 General Prospectus on re-admission of students to undergraduate programmes.
As provided for under the WSU 2014 General Prospectus rules (with specific reference to G8.1, G8.2. G9.1 & G9.2) the respective School/Programme prospectuses set out minimum progression requirements for each programme in FSET.
A student that progresses at a slower rate than that what is required for the specific programme will be refused further re-admission on the grounds of “poor academic performance”. Please consult the respective programme prospectus for details.
Students who if registered would exceed the maximum duration of any programme will not be permitted to register for that or any other programme and will, therefore, be excluded from any programme on academic grounds.
Exit/Completion rules
Students should note that the respective School/Programme prospectuses set out the detailed requirements that must be met for each programme in order to qualify for the awarding of the certificate, diploma or degree.
The following additional requirements apply in general in addition to any programme requirements.

1. Students must pass all modules and/or courses and satisfy all other requirements in order to qualify for the awarding of the certificate, diploma or degree.
2. In addition to any other year level requirements, the minimum year level credits of the programme must be achieved or exceeded for each year level.
3. In addition to any other year level requirements, the minimum credits of the entire programme must be achieved or exceeded.

Disclaimer
Although the information contained on the website has been compiled as accurately as possible, WSU accepts no responsibility for any errors or omissions. WSU reserves the right to make any necessary alterations to programme and other related information as and when the need may arise. The programme and other related information are only applicable for the 2025/2026 academic year. A new prospectus will be published for the academic year 2025/2026. 
Offering of programmes and/or courses not guaranteed
Students should note that the offering of programmes and/or courses as described on the website and in the prospectuses are not guaranteed but may be subject to change. The offering of programmes and/or courses is dependent on viable student enrolment numbers being met (as determined by HOD) and physical and human resources being available.