2026 Student Funding at Walter Sisulu University (WSU)

2026 Student Funding at Walter Sisulu University (WSU), Everything You Need to Know About Bursaries, NSFAS, Loans & More

Applying to university is exciting, but paying for it can be a major concern for many students and their families. Thankfully, Walter Sisulu University (WSU) offers a range of student funding options to help make higher education accessible and affordable in 2026. Whether you’re a first-year student, returning learner, or a postgraduate, WSU provides various funding pathways, including NSFAS, bursaries, loans, and self-funding support.

How to Fund Your Studies at Walter Sisulu University

We have outlined all the financial assistance avenues available to help all types of students complete their studies at Walter Sisulu University

🎓 1. NSFAS-Funded Students at WSU (2026)

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) remains one of the primary funding avenues for eligible students at WSU.

✅ Who Qualifies?

First-Time Entering Students (FTEN) with a combined household income under R350,000 per year.
Students in undergraduate diploma or degree programmes.
South African citizens meeting academic and income eligibility.
Continuing students must meet the N+1 rule (minimum completion within expected time + 1 extra year).

📌 Important Notes

NSFAS does not fund postgraduate qualifications such as Honours, PGCEs, Advanced Diplomas, etc.
All funding status must be verified by WSU for registration clearance.
Regularly check the NSFAS and WSU online portals for updates on your funding status.

🧾 Required Steps:

Apply online at www.nsfas.org.za.
Ensure your details (ID number, contact info) match across all platforms.
Await confirmation from WSU finance before assuming funding is in place.

💼 2. Bursary-Funded Students

Many students at WSU are supported through private bursaries, government departments, or NGOs.

📋 What’s Required:

A formal bursary letter from the sponsor must be sent directly to
📧 bursaries@wsu.ac.za (from the sponsor’s official email).
The letter should clearly state:
- Total amount of funding
- Items covered (tuition, meals, accommodation, books, etc.)
- Duration of sponsorship

⏳ Verification can take up to 5 working days, so apply and submit early.

💳 3. Fundi Loans at WSU

For students who don’t qualify for NSFAS or bursaries, Fundi offers education loans to cover tuition, accommodation, and even historical debt.

🔑 Why Choose Fundi?

Offers flexible repayments and quick approval.
10% discount available if fees are paid through Fundi.
Fundi agents are present on-site during registration to assist.

📞 Visit www.fundi.co.za or speak to a WSU finance officer for help.

💰 4. Self-Funded Students

If you’re paying your fees directly (or your family is), here’s what you need to know:

With No Prior Debt:

Must pay the Minimum Initial Payment (MIP) during registration.
Sign a payment agreement for the rest of the year’s fees.

With Prior Debt:

Required to pay a portion of the outstanding balance.
Complete an acknowledgement of debt form and a debit order agreement.

⚠️ Students who fail to pay may lose access to university services and results.

🔁 Refund Policy at WSU

Refunds are strictly controlled and allowed only under specific conditions:

Must have a credit balance after all obligations are met.
Refunds to bursary holders must be approved in writing by the sponsor.
Processing typically happens at the end of the academic year.

📋 WSU Funding Checklist for 2026 Applicants

Funding Type	Apply Through	Who It’s For	Covers
NSFAS	nsfas.org.za	Low-income undergrad SA citizens	Tuition, meals, housing
Private Bursaries	Sponsor sends to WSU	Academic/need-based awards	Varies by sponsor
Fundi Loans	fundi.co.za	Anyone not qualifying for NSFAS	Tuition, prior debt, and materials
Self-Funding	Direct to WSU Finance	Any student	Student responsibility

📞 WSU Student Funding Contact Info

For queries related to student funding, bursaries, or fees:

WSU Finance Office Email: bursaries@wsu.ac.za
Mthatha Campus Finance Office: +27 (0)47 502 2111
Buffalo City Campus: +27 (0)43 708 5200
Butterworth Campus: +27 (0)47 401 6000
Komani Campus: +27 (0)40 842 6800

✨ Key Takeaways

Walter Sisulu University is deeply committed to accessible education, and its range of funding solutions ensures that no deserving student is left behind in 2026. From NSFAS and bursaries to flexible loans and self-payment plans, there’s a path for everyone.

✅ Apply early, stay informed, and secure your funding for a successful academic year ahead.