WSU Diploma Courses 2026: List of Courses, Requirements And How to Apply

WSU Diploma Courses 2026. Walter Sisulu University (WSU) offers a range of diploma courses for students who want to gain practical skills and prepare for a career. These courses cover different study fields, including engineering, information technology, accounting, business management, public management, journalism, tourism, and science.

Before applying, students should check the course requirements, Admission Point Score (APS), required school subjects, and campus where the programme is offered. Admission requirements are different for each qualification, so meeting the general diploma requirements does not always mean that you qualify for every course.

In this guide, you will learn about WSU diploma courses, admission requirements, course duration, the application process and other important details for the 2026 academic year.

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What Are WSU Diploma Courses?

WSU diploma courses are higher education programmes that help students develop knowledge and practical skills in a specific field. These qualifications can prepare students for entry-level jobs or further study, depending on the programme and its rules.

For example, students interested in accounting can consider the Diploma in Accountancy, while those who want to work in technology can explore Information and Communications Technology (ICT) programmes.

Walter Sisulu University has several faculties with different study options. The exact courses available depend on the current prospectus, admission requirements, campus, and available places.

List of WSU Diploma Courses 2026

The following list covers diploma programmes listed in WSU’s programme information and the study areas provided for this guide. Availability can change, so applicants should confirm each qualification in the official 2026 prospectus.

1. Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology

Students interested in technology, construction, engineering, and computer systems can explore programmes in this field. Some diploma options include:

Diploma in Civil Engineering
Diploma in Building Technology
Diploma in Electrical Engineering
Diploma in Mechanical Engineering
Diploma in ICT in Communication Networks
Diploma in ICT in Support Services
Diploma in ICT in Applications Development
Diploma in ICT in Business Analysis

These programmes are suitable for students who enjoy solving problems, working with technical systems, and learning how things operate.

What can you learn?

Depending on the course, students may learn about construction methods, electrical systems, mechanical equipment, computer applications, network systems, and technical problem-solving.

Possible career paths:

Civil engineering technician
Building or construction technician
Electrical engineering technician
Mechanical engineering technician
ICT support technician
Network support technician
Junior software or application developer

These are possible career paths, not guaranteed jobs. Employment opportunities depend on the qualification, practical experience, employer requirements, and any professional registration needed for a particular role.

Engineering programmes may require specific marks in Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and English. Applicants must check the requirements for their chosen course rather than relying only on the general APS.

2. Management, Business Sciences and Law

Students who want to work in business, administration, finance, human resources, tourism, or public services can explore diploma programmes in management and related fields. The available programme information includes options such as:

Diploma in Accountancy
Diploma in Financial Information Systems
Diploma in Internal Auditing
Diploma in Administrative Management
Diploma in Human Resources Management
Diploma in Management
Diploma in Marketing Management
Diploma in Public Management
Diploma in Local Government Finance
Diploma in Small Business Management
Diploma in Office Management and Technology
Diploma in Policing
Diploma in Hospitality Management
Diploma in Tourism Management
Diploma in Sport Management

Not every programme is offered at every campus or during every admission cycle. Check the current prospectus to confirm the exact qualification name and availability.

Who should choose these courses?

These programmes may suit students who enjoy working with people, handling records, understanding business activities, managing office tasks, or learning how organisations operate.

For example, a student interested in financial records may prefer Accountancy or Financial Information Systems. Someone interested in staff management may consider Human Resources Management.

Possible career paths include:

Accounts assistant
Junior accounting clerk
Internal audit assistant
Human resources assistant
Administrative officer
Office administrator
Marketing assistant
Public administration support officer
Tourism or hospitality worker
Small business owner

A diploma can provide a useful starting point, but some jobs require further qualifications, work experience, or professional recognition.

3. Economic and Financial Sciences

Students who enjoy working with numbers, financial records, budgets, and business information may want to consider WSU’s finance-related diploma options. Important programmes to investigate include:

Diploma in Accountancy

This programme focuses on accounting and financial information. Students can develop skills related to financial records, taxation, management accounting, and other accounting tasks.

Diploma in Financial Information Systems

This qualification connects financial information with computer-based systems. It may suit students interested in how businesses collect, manage, and use financial data.

Diploma in Internal Auditing

Internal auditing focuses on checking records, reviewing business controls, identifying risks, and supporting accurate reporting. Students interested in this field should check the course-specific requirements and further study options.

These programmes can help students prepare for work in finance departments, businesses, and other organisations. However, becoming a professionally registered accountant or auditor may require additional study and professional examinations.

Students should not assume that every finance-related programme has the same Mathematics requirement. Check the official programme details before applying.

4. Journalism, Public Relations and Media

Students who enjoy writing, communication, news, and creative work can explore media-related qualifications. Programme information includes:

Diploma in Journalism
Diploma in Public Relations Management
Higher Certificate in Versatile Broadcasting

The Higher Certificate in Versatile Broadcasting is a separate qualification, not a diploma. It is included here because students searching for WSU media courses may also want to consider it.

What do these courses cover?

Journalism can develop skills in research, news writing, interviews, and reporting. Public Relations Management focuses on communication between organisations and the public. Broadcasting introduces students to areas connected with radio, television, and other media work.

Possible career opportunities:

Journalism assistant
Media researcher
Public relations assistant
Communication assistant
Broadcasting support worker
Content production assistant

Students should review the current course description to understand the practical work, assessments, and other requirements involved.

5. Public Management and Community Services

Public management programmes may suit students who want to work in government offices, public organisations, local administration, or community-related services. Relevant programme options include:

Diploma in Public Management
Diploma in Local Government Finance
Diploma in Administrative Management
Diploma in Policing

These qualifications have different purposes. Public Management focuses on administration and public services, while Local Government Finance relates to financial activities within local government. Policing has its own course requirements and career conditions.

Students should check whether a particular qualification is available at their preferred campus and whether any additional selection requirements apply.

6. Tourism, Hospitality and Sport Management

Students who enjoy working with people, organising activities, or supporting the tourism and hospitality industries can investigate the following options:

Diploma in Tourism Management
Diploma in Hospitality Management
Diploma in Sport Management

Tourism Management may cover tourism services, planning, and visitor experiences. Hospitality Management relates to areas such as accommodation, customer service, and hospitality operations. Sport Management focuses on the management and organisation of sport-related activities.

Possible work areas include hotels, tourism businesses, event services, sport organisations, and related service industries. Career opportunities depend on the student’s skills, experience, and the needs of employers.

7. Science and Applied Science Diploma Courses

Students interested in laboratory work and scientific methods can investigate science-related programmes at WSU. One course confirmed in WSU’s programme information is the Diploma in Analytical Chemistry. This qualification may suit students who enjoy Chemistry, Mathematics, laboratory work, and scientific problem-solving.

The programme can provide knowledge related to chemical testing and analysis. Such skills are useful in industries that may include manufacturing, food production, environmental testing, mining, and other laboratory-based work.

For this qualification, subject requirements can be more demanding than the general requirements for a diploma. Applicants should check the current prospectus for the required English, Mathematics, and Physical Sciences levels.

Other science or applied science programmes should be checked individually. Do not assume that every subject area, such as biotechnology, agriculture, environmental management, or nature conservation, is available as a diploma in the current admission cycle.

WSU Diploma Courses and Their Duration

The duration of a diploma depends on the qualification and the study route offered by the university.

Study option	General duration
Standard diploma	Usually 3 years
Diploma through an Extended Curriculum Programme	May take 4 years
Higher Certificate	Often 1 year, depending on the programme
Advanced Diploma	Depends on the qualification; some listed options take 1 year

A Higher Certificate and an Advanced Diploma are different qualifications from a standard diploma. Students should compare the qualification level, entry requirements, and duration before choosing a programme.

WSU Diploma Courses Admission Requirements 2026

Before applying for WSU diploma courses, students must meet the general university admission rules and the specific requirements of their selected qualification.

1. National Senior Certificate (NSC)

Applicants normally need a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a diploma endorsement. A diploma endorsement means that the applicant meets the required school-leaving standard for diploma study. It does not automatically qualify the student for every programme.

2. English or Language of Learning

The general statutory requirement for diploma entry includes at least 30% in the language of learning and teaching used by the institution. However, individual courses may require a higher English mark. For example, a course may ask for a particular achievement level in English. Always check the course-specific requirements.

3. Required School Subjects

The subjects you need depend on the diploma you want to study. Examples include:

Engineering: Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and English may be required at specific levels.
Accountancy: English, Mathematics, and additional recognised subjects may be required.
Analytical Chemistry: Mathematics and Physical Sciences are important, with specific achievement levels set by the programme.
Journalism and Public Relations: Check the language and other subject requirements for the selected qualification.
Public Management: Check the current APS and subject requirements for the exact programme.

Meeting the general diploma entry rules is not enough if you do not meet a programme’s subject requirements.

4. Four Recognised 20-Credit Subjects

The general national diploma admission rule includes an achievement rating of at least Level 3, or 40–49%, in four recognised 20-credit subjects, excluding Life Orientation. WSU may also set additional subject combinations and minimum achievement levels for individual programmes. Applicants should check how their school subjects are assessed under the current prospectus.

5. Admission Point Score (APS)

The Admission Point Score is used to help assess whether an applicant meets a course’s entry requirements. There is no single APS that guarantees admission to all WSU diploma courses. Some programmes may list an APS around 21, while others may require a higher score or have different subject conditions.

For example, WSU’s programme information lists the Diploma in Accountancy with an APS requirement of 21 and specific subject requirements. Engineering and science courses can have different entry conditions.

Important: Do not use an APS range such as 19–24 as a guarantee for every diploma. Confirm the exact score in the latest official prospectus.

How to Calculate Your APS for WSU

Students should use WSU’s official APS conversion table rather than guessing their score. Follow these steps:

Collect your latest Grade 12 results or statement of symbols.
Open the current WSU undergraduate admission requirements brochure.
Find the APS conversion table.
Convert your subject results according to the university’s rules.
Check which subjects count towards the selected qualification.
Compare your calculated score with the programme’s minimum APS.
Confirm that you also meet all required subject levels.

Remember that a high APS does not always replace a missing subject requirement. A student may have a good overall score but still fail to qualify for a course because Mathematics or Physical Sciences is below the required level.

How to Apply for WSU Diploma Courses Online

WSU applications are submitted through the university’s official online application platform when applications are open.

The official application portal is:

https://applications.wsu.ac.za

Follow these steps to apply.

Step 1: Visit the Official WSU Application Portal

Open the application website and follow the instructions for new applicants. Make sure that you are using the official university platform rather than an unofficial website.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

Before starting the application, prepare the documents requested by the university. These may include:

South African identity document or passport for international applicants
Matric certificate or statement of results
Latest Grade 12 report if you are still completing school
A valid email address
Postal or contact details
Other supporting documents requested by WSU

The exact document list may depend on your applicant category.

Step 3: Choose Your Diploma Course

Review the available qualifications and select the course that matches your interests and results. Check the qualification name carefully. For example, a Diploma in Accountancy is different from a Bachelor of Accounting, even though both relate to finance.

Step 4: Check the Entry Requirements

Before continuing, compare your APS, English results, and required subjects with the official programme information. If you do not meet the mainstream requirements, check whether an approved alternative route or Extended Curriculum Programme is available for that particular course. Do not assume that every applicant with lower marks will automatically receive an ECP place.

Step 5: Complete the Online Application

Enter your personal information and academic details accurately. Select your qualification according to the instructions on the portal. Upload the requested documents in the accepted format. Review your information before submitting it.

Step 6: Submit and Save Your Details

Submit your application and keep your confirmation details and student or application number safe. WSU general admission information states that applicants receive a student number and a confirmation email after submitting an application. Keep checking the email address you used during the application.

Step 7: Check Your Application Status

Return to the official WSU website or application platform to follow the instructions for checking your status. Read any messages from the university carefully. If additional documents or action are required, follow the instructions provided. Submitting an application does not guarantee admission. Your application must be assessed, and places may be limited.

What If You Do Not Meet the WSU Diploma Requirements?

Students whose results fall below the requirements should not select a course without checking their eligibility. Instead, consider these steps:

Review the official requirements for your preferred course.
Check whether an Extended Curriculum Programme is available.
Explore other qualifications that match your current results.
Contact WSU admissions if you need help understanding your eligibility.
Improve your results or consider further study where appropriate.

Students with an NC(V), an older Senior Certificate, or international school results should check the separate entry rules that apply to their qualifications. They may need additional assessment or documents.

How to Choose the Best WSU Diploma Course

Choosing a diploma is an important decision because your course can affect your future study and career options. Use the following tips to make a better choice.

Choose a course based on your interests. If you enjoy numbers, Accountancy may be worth exploring. If you prefer computers, consider ICT. If you enjoy communication, Journalism or Public Relations may be a better fit.
Check your strongest subjects. Engineering and science courses may require specific Mathematics and Physical Sciences results. Review your marks before selecting a programme.
Understand the career path. Read the programme description and check the types of jobs graduates may pursue. Remember that a diploma does not guarantee employment.
Compare the course requirements. Check the APS, subject levels, course duration, and campus for each option.
Confirm availability for the correct year. A programme listed in an older brochure may have changed or may not be offered in the current admission cycle.

Official WSU Links for Diploma Applicants

Use these official resources to confirm course details and application information.

WSU official website: https://www.wsu.ac.za/
Online application portal: https://applications.wsu.ac.za
General admission requirements: https://wsu.ac.za/en/study-with-us/undergraduate-programmes/new-students/admission-requirement
Undergraduate admission requirements brochure: https://www.wsu.ac.za/media/attachments/2025/06/10/wsu-2026-undergraduate-admission-requirements.pdf

Use the current prospectus as the final reference for course availability, APS, campus, and admission rules.

FAQs About WSU Diploma Courses

Which diploma courses does WSU offer?

WSU programme information includes courses such as Accountancy, Financial Information Systems, Internal Auditing, Civil Engineering, Building Technology, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, ICT, Public Management, Journalism, Tourism Management, and Hospitality Management. The exact list available for an admission year must be confirmed in the current prospectus.

How many years does a WSU diploma take?

Most standard diploma programmes take three years. Some Extended Curriculum Programmes may take four years. The duration depends on the qualification and the study route offered.

What are the minimum requirements for WSU diploma courses?

Applicants generally need an NSC with a diploma endorsement, at least 30% in the language of learning and teaching, and Level 3 or higher in four recognised 20-credit subjects, excluding Life Orientation. Specific courses can require higher marks, certain subjects, and a minimum APS.

What APS score do I need for WSU?

There is no single APS requirement for every diploma. The score depends on the qualification. Some listed programmes require an APS around 21, while engineering and science programmes may have different requirements.

Can I apply for WSU with lower marks?

You may have alternative options, depending on your results and the course. Check whether an approved Extended Curriculum Programme is available and review the requirements for other qualifications. Admission is not guaranteed.

Does WSU offer diploma courses in finance?

WSU programme information includes the Diploma in Accountancy, Diploma in Financial Information Systems, and Diploma in Internal Auditing. Students should confirm the current availability and specific admission requirements for each course.

Can I apply online for WSU diploma courses?

Yes. WSU provides an online application platform at https://applications.wsu.ac.za. Applicants should prepare their documents, check the course requirements, and follow the instructions on the official portal.

Does WSU offer a four-year diploma?

Some diploma qualifications have an Extended Curriculum Programme that may take four years. These programmes are not available for every course, and students must meet the relevant admission and selection rules.

Can international students apply for WSU diploma courses?

International applicants may be considered under WSU’s international admission rules. They should check qualification evaluation requirements, supporting documents, and any relevant assessment through the university’s international office.10. Where can I check the latest WSU diploma course list?

Visit the official WSU website and read the undergraduate admission requirements brochure for the correct academic year. The university’s course information is the best place to confirm current offerings, campus details, and entry requirements.

Conclusion

Walter Sisulu University offers diploma study options in fields such as engineering, ICT, accounting, business management, public administration, journalism, tourism, and applied science. These qualifications can help students develop useful skills and prepare for different career paths. Before applying, check the course official name, APS, required subjects, study duration, and campus. Do not rely on a general course list alone because programme availability and admission rules can change.