Walter Sisulu University (WSU) was formed in 2005 after the merger of Border Technikon, Eastern Cape Technikon and University of Transkei. WSU is uniquely positioned to play a powerful role in the national government’s focus on rural development in particular. Approximately 30,000 students and close to 1,800 staff live and work across four campuses in Mthatha, Butterworth, Buffalo City
(East London) and Komani. By its location and its character as a comprehensive university, WSU
is strategically located to respond to local and national development needs through its research,
community engagement and over 170 academic programme offerings.

WSU primarily serves the poor and working class youths of this region, who would otherwise not have the ability to access higher education. Two-thirds of the WSU students receive financial support from government through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). Because of the university’s location and market, it has assumed the role of being a gateway institution for the large population of rural, poor and working class people in the region. The University has opened doors of learning to thousands of young people, who would otherwise not have had an opportunity to access higher education. Many of these students have gone on to be world-class leaders in various industries.

By its location and its nature as a comprehensive University, WSU is strategically located as it embraces the following characteristics:

• A diverse range of academic programmes.
• Student mobility through vertical and horizontal articulation.
• Work-related qualifications from certificates through to full degrees.
• Service to the community, business and industry.
• Innovative, problem-solving research.
• Life-long learning opportunities; and
• Flexibility by strengthening relationships with the community, civic, government, business, and industry partners for local and regional development.