WSU 2026 Registrations: How to Apply and Register at Walter Sisulu University

As the 2026 academic year approaches, it’s important for both first-time entering students and returning students to complete their registration on time. Early registration ensures a smooth start to the year, avoiding last minute delays, system issues, or the risk of losing your space in your chosen course.

In this Blog, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about WSU registrations for 2026, from key dates and financial requirements to orientation details and important contact information.

When Does WSU Registration for 2026 Open?

WSU 2026 ONLINE REGISTRATION DATES are Expected to Open as follows:

Returning Students

• Start Date: Wednesday, 08 January 2026
• End Date: Friday, 31 January 2026

First Time Entering / New Students

• Start Date: Tuesday, 14 January 2026
• End Date: Friday, 31 January 2026

Updating Your Registration: Adding or Cancelling Subjects

• Start Date: Monday, 03 February 2026

Who Should Register

• New first-year students (accepted applicants).
• Returning students (continuing with studies).

Step by Step Online Registration Guide at WSU for 2026

Note: WSU Registration is an online process and is conducted off-campus.

If you have trouble registering online (While off campus), please refer to the below contact information for assistance.
 

Step 1: Access the WSU Online Registration Portal

• Go to the WSU website and click on the Student Portal link, or use the direct link:
  Access the WSU Online registration portal.

Step 2: Login and PIN Retrieval

• Registered users will appear.
• Select Student and type in your student number and Personal Identification Number (PIN).
• Click on Login if you know your PIN, otherwise click on Request a PIN. Your PIN will be sent to your registered email address.

Forgot your PIN?

• You can retrieve your PIN by clicking on Reset PIN.
• Enter your Student Number, ID or Passport Number, and Full Name.
• If entered correctly, your PIN will be displayed on the page.

Step 3: Academic Registration

• Select Academic Registration from the left menu.
• Even if you are fully accepted, there may be issues preventing registration. Check under Registration Restrictions for any issues.

Rules and Regulations:

• Select Rules and Regulations and read through the document.
• Click on the I Accept button at the bottom (you may need to scroll down to see it).
• Acceptance of the Rules and Regulations is compulsory and serves as your electronic signature, stored in your student file.

Step 4: Submit Registration and Select Subjects

• Select Submit Registration from the left menu.
• Verify that the displayed qualification details are correct.
• All fields marked with an asterisk (*) must be completed.
• Select your Employment Status from the dropdown list.
• Click on Save and Continue, Save - Continue later, or Restart Process.

Possible Subject Selection:

• Select your subjects by ticking the box next to each subject.
• Note: You may not register for subjects where the prerequisite has not been met; these will be indicated with a red button.

On the next screen:

• Verify your selected subjects for the whole year.
• If you wish to change a subject, click the previous item in the process trail at the top.
• Once verified, click on Continue, Save and Continue, or Save - Continue later.

Print Registration Details or Print Cost Details:

• You can use the Print Registration Details or Print Cost Details buttons to print a list of subjects or costs.
• Important: You are NOT yet registered at this point— you MUST click on the Accept Registration button to complete the registration.

Accept Registration

• If you are satisfied with your subject selection and wish to proceed, click the Accept Registration button.

Step 5: Proof of Registration

Select Proof of Registration from the left to print your proof.

The Proof of Registration should include:

• 2026 Academic Year
• Your correct personal details
• Correct subjects and qualification

Save the proof of registration document.

Congratulations, you have registered successfully.

Step 6: Issuing of Student Cards

• When on campus, visit the student card printing station/office to get your student card.
• Present the saved proof of registration for printing your student card.

NOTE:

Once you have completed your registration, it is very important that you check the following on your Proof of Registration printout:

• The Registered for Period (usually the whole year)
• The Course, Offering Type (i.e. Full-time or part-time) and Campus
• The Subject Code and When the subject is offered (Semester 1, 2, or year)
• The Exam Year and Month
• The spelling of your Name/s and Surname.

If you fail to make corrections before the amendment cut-off dates, you will be liable for the fees, and the subjects concerned will appear on your academic record as a FAIL.

Documents Required for Registration at WSU

• ID or passport.
• Proof of admission (acceptance letter).
• Proof of payment or bursary letter.
• Matric certificate (for first-years).
• Academic record (for returning students).

WSU Registration Payments, Tuition Fees and Financial Clearance

WSU tuition and residence fees are reviewed annually by the University Council and may change each year. Students are only allowed to register once they’ve received financial clearance, which depends on their funding type.

1. NSFAS-Funded Students

• New students (FTENs): Registration is allowed once NSFAS funding is verified directly with the university — this can take up to 3 days.
• Returning students: Must meet NSFAS academic requirements (pass rate, within N+1 rule, funded qualification, household income under R350,000).
• Outstanding debt: If NSFAS doesn’t cover prior-year debt, students must pay a percentage upfront and sign a payment agreement.
• Unfunded qualifications: Advanced Diplomas, Honours, PGCEs, and second degrees are not funded.
• Appeals: Students appealing NSFAS decisions cannot register until the appeal is approved.
• Defunded students: If funding is withdrawn mid-year, the student becomes responsible for all outstanding fees and allowances.

2. Bursary-Funded Students

• Only verified sponsors (e.g., corporates, SETAs, government entities) are accepted.
• Funding letters must:
• Be on official letterhead, signed, and sent directly from an official email to [email protected].
• Clearly state what costs are covered (tuition, accommodation, meals, etc.).
• Verification takes up to 3–5 days.
• Students with debt not covered by their sponsor must pay a portion and sign a payment agreement before registration.

3. Self-Funded & Fundi Students

• Self-funded (no debt): Must pay a Minimum Initial Payment (MIP) and sign a payment plan (debit order).
• Self-funded (with debt): Pay MIP + part of the outstanding amount, then enter a payment agreement.
• Early settlement discount: 10% discount for fees fully paid by March.
• Fundi loans: Available on all campuses; Fundi covers MIP and part of prior debt.
• Credit balances: Only cash-based credits can be used for registration — not NSFAS or bursary carryovers.

4. Minimum Initial Payment (MIP)

Proof of residence payments must be sent to [email protected] for clearance (processing may take 3 days).

Refunds for MIP are possible if a student withdraws before registration — processed within 5–10 days.

5. Acknowledgement of Debt (AOD)

Students with outstanding balances must complete an AOD form and payment plan before registering.
Forms can be completed online via:
 

6. Special Cases

Students who cannot afford the MIP may apply through the Campus Special Cases Committee for approval to register without payment.

7. Payment Methods

Accepted payment channels:

• EFT / Bank deposit (use correct student number as reference)
• Debit or Credit card (online or at selected campuses)
• Debit order (Realpay)

⛔ Not accepted: cash payments, cheques, postal or telegraphic orders.

Processing times:

• FNB EFTs: within 1 hour
• Other banks: up to 48 hours
• Card payments: reflect immediately

Finance Contact Details

WhatsApp Helplines:

• Mthatha: 064 645 8327
• Komani: 072 672 2087
• Butterworth: 073 228 9923
• BCC: 067 827 2041
• Institutional: 062 918 2286

Finance Emails:

• Mthatha: [email protected]
• Butterworth: [email protected]
• Komani: [email protected]
• BCC: [email protected]
• Institutional: [email protected]

More info: WSU Student Finance

WSU 2026 Orientation Week for First-Year Students

Orientation is a transitional process of new first year student from basic education to higher education to adjust to a new learning environment. Orientation seeks to provide new first year students with enabling and adjustment interventions as they navigate a new learning environment.

Please take note of the scheduled orientation dates which are compulsory to attend.

link for data provision
https://students.wsu.ac.za/mobileverify/

Common Registration Issues and Solutions

WSU Contact Details

Website: www.wsu.ac.za

Email: [email protected]

Student Enquiries: 

Mthatha Campus

• Email: [email protected]
• Contact Number: 047 502 2448 / 047 501 1527

Butterworth Campus

• Email: [email protected]
• Contact Number: 047 401 6048

Buffalo City Campus

• Email: [email protected]
• Contact Number: 043 709 4039

Queenstown Campus

• Email: [email protected]
• Contact Number: 040 842 6806

Office for International Education

• Email: [email protected]
• Contact Number: 043 702 9267

Conclusion

Registering early is the best way to secure your space at WSU and enjoy a smooth start to the academic year. By completing your registration on time, you’ll avoid last-minute system delays, long queues, and unnecessary stress giving you more time to focus on preparing for your studies.

Make sure to double-check all your personal and academic details before finalizing your registration to prevent future complications.

If you found this guide helpful, feel free to share it with other students, let’s help each other get registration-ready for 2026!