WSU Guide

Where to Request Old WSU Certificates? Complete Guide

Published

4 hours ago

August 12, 2026

If you are looking for where to request old WSU certificates, the first step is to identify which WSU you mean. The name “WSU” is used by both Walter Sisulu University (WSU) in South Africa and Washington State University (WSU) in the United States. Their certificate request processes are different.

For Walter Sisulu University, old academic documents are handled through the university’s relevant administration and academic records services. For Washington State University, diploma and certificate reprints can be requested through its official Diploma Reprint Requests service. This guide explains both options in simple English so you can choose the correct process.

Where to Request Old WSU Certificates?

Before requesting an old certificate, confirm which university you attended.

University	Location	Certificate Request Method
Walter Sisulu University	South Africa	Contact the relevant WSU administration/academic records office
Washington State University	USA	Use the official Diploma Reprint Request service
Old Academic Records	Both	You may need student details and identity proof

This difference is important because sending a request to the wrong WSU can delay the process.

Requesting Old Certificates from Walter Sisulu University

If you attended Walter Sisulu University in South Africa, your first point of contact should be the university’s appropriate administration or academic records office.

Walter Sisulu University operates across campuses including Mthatha, Butterworth, Buffalo City and Komani. The official university website currently lists general contact details, including [email protected] and campus telephone numbers.

Visit the official Walter Sisulu University website

Contact the University Administration

When asking about an old certificate, clearly explain that you are a former student and need information about obtaining an old degree, diploma or certificate.

The university’s official graduation information confirms that WSU awards degrees, diplomas and certificates through its campuses. It also states that students should contact the administration office on their campus when corrections or academic administration issues are required. For general inquiries, WSU currently lists:

Email: [email protected]
Mthatha: 047 502 2100
Butterworth: 047 401 6000
East London: 043 702 9200
Potsdam: 043 708 5200
Chiselhurst: 043 709 4000

If your old certificate is connected to a particular campus, mention that campus in your request.

What Information Should You Include?

When contacting WSU about an old certificate, provide enough information for the university to find your academic record. Your request should normally include:

Full name used while studying
Current full name, if it has changed
Student number or registration number
Qualification name
Faculty or department
Campus where you studied
Approximate year of graduation
Type of certificate or diploma required
Current contact details
Reason for requesting the document, if required

Providing accurate information can make it easier for the university to locate your old record.

Do You Need Identification?

Yes, you should be prepared to prove your identity. Depending on the university’s instructions, you may be asked for a copy of your South African ID, passport or another acceptable identification document.

If your name is different from the name on your old student record, explain the change clearly. The university may ask for additional supporting documents before releasing an academic document.

Important: Do not send sensitive documents to an unofficial email address or an individual who claims to represent the university. Always verify contact details through the official WSU website.

Can You Get Old Academic Records Online?

Walter Sisulu University provides a Student Online Service Portal where students can access personal information, academic reports, results and fee statements. The university says students need their student number and PIN to use the portal.

However, there is an important difference between an online academic report and an official stamped document.

WSU states that if you need an official stamped academic record, you need to visit the office that provides that service.

So, if you need an actual old certificate rather than simply checking your academic results, contact the appropriate university administration office.

What If You Lost Your Old WSU Certificate?

If your original certificate has been lost or damaged, tell the university that you need a replacement or reissued document. The university may have a separate process for replacement certificates. You should ask about:

Replacement certificate requirements
Required identification
Any application form
Applicable fees
Collection or delivery options
Expected processing time

Do not assume that an old certificate can be downloaded immediately from the student portal. Academic records and official certificates can have different procedures.

What About Washington State University?

If by WSU you mean Washington State University in the United States, the process is different.

Washington State University has an official Diploma Reprint Requests service for undergraduate degrees, certificates and professional degrees. The university says diploma reprints can take approximately 4 to 6 weeks to process and mail, with longer delivery times possible for students living overseas.

Washington State University Diploma Reprint Requests

Washington State University Reprint Cost

The official WSU information states that a $50 replacement fee may be assessed for a diploma reprint. Students should check the current instructions before submitting payment.

Washington State University Processing Time

The current official information says:

Processing time: approximately 4 to 6 weeks

International or overseas delivery can take longer because of mailing time.

Important Details for Washington State University Requests

If you attended Washington State University, pay attention to these details when submitting a reprint request.

Student ID Number

WSU says that when entering your student ID, you should put a leading zero before the student ID number. This is an important detail because entering the number incorrectly may cause problems with the request.

Name Changes

If your last name has changed after graduation, WSU provides a specific process for verifying the name on its records. The university says graduates with a changed last name should contact Payroll Services first and, if needed, submit a name change request before requesting a diploma reprint.

Older MBA Certificates

There is also a special instruction for certain MBA graduates.

According to Washington State University’s official diploma reprint information, graduates who completed an MBA before Fall 2015 should contact the Graduate School at [email protected].

Other Special Cases

If your situation is not covered by the online diploma reprint form, WSU advises students to contact [email protected] before submitting the request.

Documents You May Need for an Old Certificate Request

The exact requirements depend on which WSU you attended and what document you need. However, it is useful to keep the following information ready:

Information/Document	Why It May Be Needed
Full name	Helps locate your student record
Student number	Identifies your academic record
Registration number	May be required by the university
ID or passport	Confirms your identity
Qualification name	Identifies the certificate required
Graduation year	Helps locate older records
Campus	Helps direct your request
Proof of name change	May be required if your name changed
Payment confirmation	May be required for paid reprints

The university will tell you exactly which documents are required for your case.

How to Request an Old WSU Certificate

Here is the simple process you can follow.

Step 1: Identify Your WSU

First, confirm whether you attended Walter Sisulu University in South Africa or Washington State University in the USA.

Step 2: Find the Official Contact or Request Page

Use the official university website instead of relying on random third-party websites.

Step 3: Collect Your Student Information

Prepare your student number, full name, qualification, campus and graduation year.

Step 4: Prepare Identification

Keep your ID or passport ready in case the university asks for identity verification.

Step 5: Submit the Request

Follow the university’s official process. This may involve an online form, email request or contacting an administration office.

Step 6: Pay the Required Fee

If a replacement certificate fee applies, pay it according to the official instructions. Do not send money to an unofficial person.

Step 7: Wait for Processing

Processing times depend on the university and the type of document requested. Washington State University currently states that diploma reprints take around 4 to 6 weeks, while Walter Sisulu University should be contacted directly for the applicable timeframe.

Step 8: Follow Up

If the expected processing period has passed and you have not received an update, contact the same official office and provide your request details.

Why You Should Use the Official WSU Website

Old certificate requests involve personal and academic information. This is why it is important to use official university channels.

Avoid websites that ask you to provide your student number, ID documents or payment details without showing a clear connection to the university.

For Walter Sisulu University, the official website provides university contact information and student services.

For Washington State University, the official graduation website provides the diploma reprint process and specific instructions for replacement diplomas and certificates.

Common Reasons for Requesting an Old Certificate

Former students may need an old certificate for many reasons, including:

Applying for a new job
Applying for further education
Immigration or visa applications
Professional registration
Employer verification
Personal records
Replacing a lost certificate
Updating official documents
International study or employment

If your employer or another organization requires a certified copy, ask the university whether you need a certificate, academic record, certified copy or another type of official document.

FAQs

Where can I request an old WSU certificate?

It depends on which WSU you attended. Walter Sisulu University students should contact the relevant university administration or academic records office. Washington State University students can use the official Diploma Reprint Request service.

Can I request an old WSU certificate online?

For Washington State University, diploma reprint requests are available through the official online process. Walter Sisulu University also provides online student services for academic information, but the university says official stamped academic records require visiting the office providing that service.

How long does a Washington State University diploma reprint take?

Washington State University currently states that diploma reprints take approximately 4 to 6 weeks to process and mail. Overseas delivery may take longer.

How much does a Washington State University replacement diploma cost?

A $50 replacement fee may be assessed, according to the official WSU diploma reprint page.

What if I changed my name after graduation?

If you attended Washington State University and your last name has changed, follow the university’s name verification instructions before submitting the diploma reprint request.

What if I studied at Walter Sisulu University many years ago?

You should still contact Walter Sisulu University’s administration or relevant academic records office. Provide as much information as possible, especially your student number, full name, qualification and approximate graduation year.

Can I use the WSU Student Portal to get an official certificate?

Not necessarily. Walter Sisulu University’s Student Online Service Portal provides access to academic reports, results and other student information. The university specifically notes that an official stamped academic record requires visiting the office that provides the service.

Conclusion

Finding where to request old WSU certificates is easier once you know which WSU you attended. If you are a former Walter Sisulu University student, contact the relevant university administration or academic records office and provide your student details, identification and certificate information. WSU’s official website lists its current contact channels and student services.