Funding
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Read more →2027 Intake · In Pursuit of Excellence
Apply to Walter Sisulu University — a comprehensive university across the Eastern Cape.
Formed in 2005 through the merger of the University of Transkei, Border Technikon and Eastern Cape Technikon, WSU bridges technology and theory across four campuses. Applications for 2027 are online-only and completely free — here's exactly what you need, and by when.
6Faculties
FreeApplication Fee
31 Oct2026 General Closing Date
About the university
In Pursuit of Excellence, since 2005
Walter Sisulu University came into existence on 1 July 2005, formed from the merger of the University of Transkei, Border Technikon and Eastern Cape Technikon. It is named after Walter Sisulu, a leading figure in the struggle against apartheid and a close friend of Nelson Mandela — reflecting the university's focus on urban renewal, rural development and service to community, business and industry.
As a "Comprehensive University," WSU offers both career-focused technological training and traditional academic research, serving over 31,000 students across four campuses in Mthatha, East London (Buffalo City), Butterworth and Komani (Queenstown).
Good to know
WSU applications are free of charge — no fee is required to apply online. But the portal closes hard on the stated deadline, with no grace period and no exceptions for late submissions through the standard process.
Plan ahead
2027 key application dates
WSU applies an earlier deadline for international and high-demand applicants, and a later general deadline for most other undergraduate applicants — miss either one and there is no standard late-application route.
1 APRIL 2026
Applications open
The WSU online application portal opens for the 2027 academic year.
30 SEPTEMBER 2026
International & high-demand programmes close
International applicants and those applying to competitive programmes such as Medicine and Nursing must apply by this date.
31 OCTOBER 2026
General closing date
Final date for most other undergraduate applications. Late applications are not accepted through the standard process.
JANUARY 2027
Final admission confirmed
Once matric results are released and verified, applicant status updates from conditional to final admission.
Online only, free of charge
How to apply to WSU
WSU applications are submitted online through the official application portal, and no application fee is charged.
01
Before you start
- Check your programme's APS and subject requirements in the current WSU prospectus.
- Gather a certified copy of your ID or passport and your latest school results or academic transcripts.
- Note which deadline applies to you — international/high-demand programmes close earlier than general applications.
02
Submit online
- Visit applications.wsu.ac.za and create an account or log in.
- Select up to three programme choices for the 2027 academic year.
- Complete the online application form and upload your supporting documents.
- Review carefully and submit before the relevant closing date; keep your reference number safe.
Checklist
Documents you'll need
- Certified copy of your South African ID or passport
- Grade 11 final results, or latest Grade 12 results if you're a current matriculant
- National Senior Certificate interim or final results, once available
- Academic transcripts, if applying as a transfer student
- Supporting documents for international applicants
Costs
Application fees
South African applicantsFree
International applicantsFree
Programme choices per applicationUp to 3
⚠️ Late applications are not accepted at WSU. If you miss your deadline, plan for the following academic year rather than expecting an exception — the portal closes hard, with no grace period.
Where you could study
Faculties at a glance
Faculty
Business Sciences
Commerce, accounting and management-focused qualifications preparing graduates for the region's economy.
Faculty
Education
Teacher training programmes addressing the Eastern Cape's ongoing need for qualified educators.
Faculty
Engineering, Built Environment & IT
Civil and mechanical engineering diplomas alongside ICT specialisations, rooted in WSU's technikon heritage.
Faculty
Health Sciences
Medicine and nursing among WSU's most competitive, earlier-closing programmes based at the Mthatha campus.
Faculty
Natural Sciences
Applied mathematics, biological sciences, chemistry, physics and related BSc programmes.
Faculty
Social Sciences & Humanities
Humanities and social science qualifications with a strong emphasis on community engagement.
Four campuses, one province
Where WSU is based
Mthatha
Main campus on Nelson Mandela Drive, housing central administration and most faculties.
East London
Buffalo City campus offering diverse programmes for the metro area.
Butterworth
Serves the Amathole District with education and business programmes.
Komani
Formerly Queenstown; serves the inland Eastern Cape communities.
Keep reading
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Read more →Common questions
Frequently asked questions
When do WSU 2027 applications open and close?
Applications opened on 1 April 2026. International applicants and applicants to high-demand programmes like Medicine and Nursing must apply by 30 September 2026. The general closing date for most other undergraduate applications is 31 October 2026, with no late applications accepted through the standard process.
Is there an application fee?
No — WSU's online application is completely free for all applicants.
How many programmes can I apply for?
Applicants can generally select up to three programme choices within a single online application.
Where is WSU located?
WSU operates across four campuses in the Eastern Cape: Mthatha (main campus), East London (Buffalo City), Butterworth, and Komani (Queenstown). It was formed in 2005 through the merger of the University of Transkei, Border Technikon and Eastern Cape Technikon.
When is my admission finalised?
After applying, your status typically shows as "Conditionally Admitted" or "Waiting for Final Results." Final admission is only confirmed in January 2027, once your matric results are released and verified by the university.
In Pursuit of Excellence starts with applying.
Get your documents ready and submit your Walter Sisulu University application — free of charge — before your relevant closing date.
Apply to WSU Now →