Walter Sisulu University (WSU) uses the Admission Point Score (APS) system to assess whether applicants qualify for admission into different undergraduate programmes. Students who want to study at WSU in 2027 must meet the minimum admission requirements set by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), as well as the specific programme requirements of the university.
WSU considers APS together with subject-specific requirements. This means that having the required APS alone may not be enough. Applicants must also meet the correct subject levels for the programme they want to study.
What is APS at Walter Sisulu University?
APS stands for Admission Point Score. It is a score calculated from your National Senior Certificate (NSC) or old Senior Certificate results.
Walter Sisulu University uses APS to check whether an applicant meets the minimum academic requirements for a qualification. The APS is calculated by converting your subject marks into points and adding them together.
For most WSU programmes, APS is calculated using the best six subjects. For programmes in the Faculty of Education, APS may be calculated using seven subjects, including Life Orientation.
WSU Minimum Admission Requirements for 2027
Walter Sisulu University has general admission requirements for Higher Certificate, Diploma and Bachelor’s Degree programmes.
Higher Certificate Requirements
To qualify for a Higher Certificate programme at WSU, applicants must have a National Senior Certificate with at least 30% in the language of learning and teaching of the institution.
Some programmes may require additional subjects and specific achievement levels.
Diploma Requirements
To qualify for a Diploma programme at WSU, applicants must have a National Senior Certificate with:
At least 30% in the language of learning and teaching of the institution.
An achievement rating of 3, which is 40% to 49%, or better in at least four recognised 20-credit subjects, excluding Life Orientation.
Applicants must also have at least a Diploma endorsement on their NSC.
Bachelor’s Degree Requirements
To qualify for a Bachelor’s Degree programme at WSU, applicants must have a National Senior Certificate with:
At least 30% in the language of learning and teaching of the institution.
An achievement rating of 4, which is 50% to 59%, or better in at least four recognised 20-credit subjects, excluding Life Orientation.
Applicants must also have a Bachelor’s endorsement on their NSC.
WSU APS Conversion Table for 2027
Walter Sisulu University converts your percentage marks into APS points. The table below explains how your marks are converted.
| NSC Level | Percentage | WSU APS Score |
|---|---|---|
| Level 7 | 90% – 100% | 8 |
| Level 7 | 80% – 89% | 7 |
| Level 6 | 70% – 79% | 6 |
| Level 5 | 60% – 69% | 5 |
| Level 4 | 50% – 59% | 4 |
| Level 3 | 40% – 49% | 3 |
| Level 2 | 30% – 39% | 2 |
| Level 1 | 0% – 30% | 1 |
WSU APS Conversion for Old Matric Senior Certificate
Applicants with the old Senior Certificate are also assessed using the WSU APS conversion system.
| Higher Grade Percentage | WSU APS Score |
|---|---|
| 90% – 100% | 8 |
| 80% – 89% | 7 |
| 70% – 79% | 6 |
| 60% – 69% | 5 |
| 50% – 59% | 4 |
| 40% – 49% | 3 |
| 30% – 39% | 2 |
| 0% – 30% | 1 |
| Standard Grade Percentage | WSU APS Score |
|---|---|
| 90% – 100% | 7 |
| 80% – 89% | 6 |
| 70% – 79% | 5 |
| 60% – 69% | 4 |
| 50% – 59% | 3 |
| 40% – 49% | 2 |
| 30% – 39% | 1 |
| 0% – 30% | 0 |
How WSU Calculates APS
WSU calculates APS using different categories of subjects.
Category 1: Languages
This category includes a maximum of two language subjects.
These are usually:
Home Language.
First Additional Language.
Category 2: Best Four Subjects
This category includes the four subjects in which the applicant scored the highest marks, excluding Life Orientation and the language subjects already counted in Category 1.
These four subjects must also include the subjects that are specifically required for the qualification.
For example, if a programme requires Mathematics or Physical Sciences, those subjects must be included in the APS calculation where applicable.
Category 3: Life Orientation
Life Orientation is only included if the qualification uses Life Orientation in the APS calculation.
This is mainly used for programmes in the Faculty of Education.
How Many Subjects Does WSU Use to Calculate APS?
Walter Sisulu University uses:
Six subjects for most qualifications.
Seven subjects for Education qualifications where Life Orientation is included.
For most programmes, Life Orientation is not included in the APS calculation.
Example of How to Calculate WSU APS
Here is a simple example of how APS may be calculated at Walter Sisulu University.
| Subject | Percentage | APS Score |
|---|---|---|
| English | 65% | 5 |
| IsiXhosa / Afrikaans / Other Language | 58% | 4 |
| Mathematics | 52% | 4 |
| Life Sciences | 61% | 5 |
| Geography | 70% | 6 |
| Business Studies | 66% | 5 |
Total APS: 5 + 4 + 4 + 5 + 6 + 5 = 29
This means the applicant has an APS of 29, based on six subjects.
Example for Education Programmes
For Education qualifications, Life Orientation may be included.
| Subject | Percentage | APS Score |
|---|---|---|
| English | 65% | 5 |
| IsiXhosa / Afrikaans / Other Language | 58% | 4 |
| Mathematics | 52% | 4 |
| Life Sciences | 61% | 5 |
| Geography | 70% | 6 |
| Business Studies | 66% | 5 |
| Life Orientation | 75% | 6 |
Total APS: 5 + 4 + 4 + 5 + 6 + 5 + 6 = 35
This APS may be used where Life Orientation is accepted as part of the APS calculation.
Important Notes About WSU APS Requirements
Applicants must remember that APS is not the only requirement for admission.
Some programmes require specific subjects such as Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, Accounting, or English at a certain level.
For example, a student may have a good APS, but may still not qualify for a programme if they do not meet the required subject level.
Applicants should always check the programme-specific requirements before applying.
Admission for International Applicants
Students with international school-leaving results are considered according to Higher Education South Africa guidelines.
Where required, international qualifications may need to be submitted to the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) for benchmarking.
International applicants are assisted by the WSU International Office.
Mature Age Endorsement
Walter Sisulu University may also consider applicants through mature age endorsement.
Admission through mature age endorsement is handled according to the university’s General Prospectus rules.
Applicants who want to apply through mature age endorsement should check the official WSU admission rules before applying.
WSU Admission Endorsement Requirements
Applicants must make sure they have the correct endorsement for the qualification they want to study.
Students applying for Diploma programmes must have an NSC with at least a Diploma endorsement.
Students applying for Degree programmes must have an NSC with a Bachelor’s endorsement.
Students with an old Senior Certificate or NC(V) qualification must check the specific WSU entry requirements for those qualifications.
Why APS is Important When Applying to WSU
APS helps Walter Sisulu University determine whether an applicant meets the minimum academic standard for admission.
It also helps applicants understand which programmes they may qualify for before applying.
However, meeting the APS requirement does not automatically guarantee admission, because some programmes may have limited space and additional selection criteria.
Tips for 2027 Applicants
Applicants who want to study at WSU in 2027 should check their APS early.
Make sure your subjects match the programme you want to study.
Do not only focus on the total APS. Also check the required subject levels.
Apply early to avoid missing deadlines.
Use your correct personal details when applying.
Keep checking your email for communication from the university.
How to Apply
Click here to apply to Walter Sisulu University (WSU) for 2027
Final Thoughts
Walter Sisulu University APS requirements for 2027 are important for all applicants who want to study at the university. WSU uses APS together with subject-specific requirements to decide whether an applicant qualifies for admission.
Before applying, students must check whether they qualify for a Higher Certificate, Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree programme. Applicants must also make sure that they have the correct endorsement and the required subjects for their chosen qualification.
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Walter Sisulu University WSU APS requirements for 2027 explained. Learn how WSU calculates APS, admission requirements, APS conversion table and qualification entry rules.