Walter Sisulu University Admission Requirements

Walter Sisulu University (WSU) is one of South Africa’s leading institutions, offering a wide range of academic programs. If you are considering applying to WSU, it is essential to know the admission requirements for various qualifications. This guide will provide you with an in-depth understanding of WSU’s admission criteria, including those for higher certificates, diplomas, bachelor’s degrees, and information for international students or those with mature age endorsements.

Minimum Admission Requirements at WSU

WSU’s admission requirements are aligned with the guidelines set out by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) as well as the university’s own qualifications-specific standards.

1. Higher Certificate Programmes

  • Minimum Requirement:
    • A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with at least 30% in the language of learning and teaching at WSU.
    • Additional subjects and levels of achievement may be required depending on the program.

2. Diploma Programmes

  • Minimum Requirement:
    • A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with 30% in the language of learning and teaching.
    • At least a 40-49% achievement rating (level 3) in four recognized 20-credit subjects, excluding Life Orientation.
    • Specific programs may have additional subject combinations and levels of achievement required.

3. Bachelor’s Degree Programmes

  • Minimum Requirement:
    • A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with 30% in the language of learning and teaching.
    • A 50-59% achievement rating (level 4) in four recognized 20-credit subjects, excluding Life Orientation.
    • As with other qualifications, specific degrees may require additional subject combinations and achievement levels.

International Students Admission Requirements

  • Students with international qualifications are assessed according to the Higher Education South Africa (HESA) guidelines. International students may need to submit their qualifications to the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) for benchmarking.
  • WSU’s International Office provides support and guidance for international applicants.

Mature Age Endorsements

Mature students who do not meet the traditional entry requirements but are 23 years or older may apply for admission under the Mature Age Endorsement provision. The university has specific rules governing this process, as outlined in Rule 1.13 of the General Prospectus.

  • Diploma Programmes: Applicants need a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with at least a diploma endorsement.
  • Degree Programmes: Applicants need a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a Bachelor’s endorsement.

WSU APS Conversion Table: Calculating Your Admission Point Score (APS)

WSU uses the Admission Point Score (APS) system to evaluate applicants based on their NSC or Senior Certificate performance. The APS is calculated by adding the points for your best six subjects (or seven for Education programs) using WSU’s APS conversion table.

  • How APS is Calculated:
    • Each subject’s percentage is converted into a point score based on WSU’s APS table.
    • Category 1: Includes two languages (Home Language and First Additional Language).
    • Category 2: Four subjects with the highest scores, excluding Life Orientation.
    • Category 3: Life Orientation is only included for Education-related qualifications.

For example, an applicant scoring between 80-89% for a subject will receive 7 APS points according to the conversion table.

Faculty-Specific Requirements

Different faculties at WSU have additional requirements, and prospective students must ensure they meet both the general and program-specific criteria.

WSU Faculties:

  • Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment, and IT
  • Faculty of Management and Public Administration Sciences
  • Faculty of Economic and Financial Sciences
  • Faculty of Law, Humanities, and Social Sciences
  • Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
  • Faculty of Natural Sciences
  • Faculty of Education

Each faculty may have different subject combinations or achievement levels necessary for entry, so it’s important to consult WSU’s prospectus or departmental requirements.

Conclusion

Walter Sisulu University offers a range of academic opportunities, but meeting the minimum entry requirements is essential to securing a place. Whether you are pursuing a higher certificate, diploma, or degree, it is crucial to understand the specific admission requirements for your chosen program. International students and those applying through mature age endorsements should also follow the respective guidelines for a successful application.

Overview of Public Universities in South Africa

Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.

University of Pretoria

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
  • Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.

University of Cape Town

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
  • Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.

Stellenbosch University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.

University of the Witwatersrand

  • Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
  • Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.

University of Johannesburg

  • Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
  • Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.

University of the Free State

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.

University of Venda

  • Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
  • Application Period: Usually from May to September.

University of Fort Hare

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
  • Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.

University of the Western Cape

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Generally from May to September.

North-West University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.

Rhodes University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
  • Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.

Nelson Mandela University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
  • Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.

Cape Peninsula University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.

University of Limpopo

  • Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

University of Zululand

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
  • Application Period: Usually between April and November.

Central University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.

Vaal University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
  • Application Period: Typically from May to September.

Walter Sisulu University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.