The Walter Sisulu University uses an Admission Point Score (APS) system to determine whether applicants qualify for admission into its undergraduate programmes for the 2027 academic year.
Understanding how APS works is important because meeting the minimum score does not automatically guarantee admission. Applicants must also meet specific subject requirements for their chosen qualification.
What Is APS at Walter Sisulu University?
APS stands for Admission Point Score. It is a system used to convert your National Senior Certificate (NSC) results into points.
The Walter Sisulu University uses APS to measure academic readiness for different study programmes.
Each subject mark is converted into points, and the total APS is calculated by adding selected subjects together.
Most programmes use six subjects, while Education programmes may use seven subjects (including Life Orientation).
WSU Minimum Admission Requirements for 2027
Higher Certificate Requirements
To qualify for a Higher Certificate at WSU, applicants must have:
- At least 30% in the language of learning and teaching
- Additional subject requirements depending on the programme
Diploma Requirements
To qualify for a Diploma programme, applicants must have:
- At least 30% in the language of learning
- At least 40%–49% (Level 3) in four recognised subjects
- A Diploma endorsement on the NSC
Life Orientation is excluded from APS calculation in most cases.
Bachelor’s Degree Requirements
To qualify for a Bachelor’s degree, applicants must have:
- At least 30% in the language of learning
- At least 50%–59% (Level 4) in four recognised subjects
- A Bachelor’s endorsement on the NSC
WSU APS Conversion Table (2027)
| NSC Level | Percentage | APS Points |
|---|---|---|
| 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%–29% | 1 |
How APS Is Calculated at WSU
APS is calculated using three main categories:
Category 1: Languages
- Home Language
- First Additional Language
- Maximum of two languages included
Category 2: Best Four Subjects
These are your highest scoring subjects, excluding:
- Life Orientation
- Already counted language subjects
Important: Required subjects (like Mathematics or Physical Sciences) must be included if needed for the programme.
Category 3: Life Orientation
Life Orientation is only included in Education-related programmes.
Example of APS Calculation
Standard Programme Example
| Subject | % | APS |
|---|---|---|
| English | 65% | 5 |
| Language | 58% | 4 |
| Mathematics | 52% | 4 |
| Life Sciences | 61% | 5 |
| Geography | 70% | 6 |
| Business Studies | 66% | 5 |
Total APS = 29
Education Programme Example (with Life Orientation)
| Subject | APS |
|---|---|
| English | 5 |
| Language | 4 |
| Mathematics | 4 |
| Life Sciences | 5 |
| Geography | 6 |
| Business Studies | 5 |
| Life Orientation | 6 |
Total APS = 35
Important Admission Notes
Even if your APS meets the requirement, admission is not guaranteed.
Some programmes may require:
- Mathematics
- Physical Sciences
- Life Sciences
- Accounting
- English at specific levels
Limited space and selection criteria may also apply.
Endorsement Requirements
Applicants must have the correct NSC endorsement:
- Diploma programmes → Diploma endorsement
- Degree programmes → Bachelor’s endorsement
Without the correct endorsement, admission is not possible even with a strong APS.
Admission for International Applicants
International students are assessed using Higher Education guidelines.
Some qualifications may need to be evaluated by SAQA before admission.
Click here to apply to Walter Sisulu University (WSU) for 2027
Mature Age Admission
The university may also consider mature age applicants under specific conditions.
Applicants must follow official admission rules and meet programme requirements.
Why APS Matters
APS helps the Walter Sisulu University determine whether students meet academic standards.
It also helps applicants understand which programmes they are likely to qualify for before applying.
However, APS alone does not guarantee admission due to selection limits.
Tips for 2027 Applicants
- Check your APS early
- Match subjects with your chosen programme
- Do not rely only on APS—check subject requirements
- Apply early to avoid missing deadlines
- Keep your contact details active and correct
Final Thoughts
Understanding APS requirements at the Walter Sisulu University is essential for anyone planning to study there in 2027.
Applicants should carefully check both APS scores and subject requirements before applying. This improves your chances of selecting the right programme and securing admission successfully.
