South Africa is well known for its world-class universities. These universities offer qualifications that I recognised internationally. The University of KwaZulu Natal is one of these universities. It was formed in 2004 by merging the University of Natal and the University of Durban-Westville. It is no surprise then that this university is rich in history.
UKZN has five campuses across KwaZulu-Natal, each with different programmes and facilities. Check the current prospectus for the campus where your qualification is offered. The campuses are:
- Medical School Campus
If there is any medical school that has a rich history of South African injustices, then it is this one. This campus was founded in 1950. According to the UKZN website, it was founded in 1950 as a “black faculty” in a “white institution,” i.e. it fought for democracy.
- Pietermaritzburg
Surrounded by the enchanting nature reserves and parks, the campus is a sight for sore eyes. It is situated in the centre of Natal Midlands. It is only an hour’s drive away from Durban (a major city in KwaZulu-Natal; the provincial capital is Pietermaritzburg). The campus has a school of Education, Agriculture, Law, Science, and Human and Management Sciences. It is the only campus that offers Agriculture, Fine Art, and Theology.
- Howard College Campus
The Howard College is located in the Berea and has scenic views of the Durban Harbour. With beautiful gardens and historic buildings, this campus is a step into a fairy-tale. There are amnesties all around Howard College. Not too far away, it is the beaches and tourist attractions. The campus has various qualifications to choose from.
- Westville
This is the main campus of UKZN. It houses the Vice-Chancellor, University Executive members, and administrations. It is situated 8km from the Durban CBD and Pinetown. Like all the other campuses, Westville embraces different cultures. This is symbolic of its Hindu and Islamic places of worship.
- Edgewood
The Education Campus is what students call the Edgewood campus. This campus offers a school of education. It is actively involved in the policymaking of the South African education system. The school of education of the University of KwaZulu Natal is constantly engaged in research about the relevancy of South African education in comparison to the international market.
UKZN Application process
Before you apply, you need to download the University of KwaZulu Natal undergraduate prospectus and view all the programmes they are offering and the minimum requirements per course. The prospectus is available on the official website of the institution under the applications tab. This link will take you to the applications tab https://applications.ukzn.ac.za.
Applications by applicant category
First-time South African undergraduate applicants must apply through CAO. Returning, transfer, international and postgraduate applicants must follow the UKZN route specified for their category. The checklist below is general preparation; it does not mean that every applicant should download and post a paper form.
- Fill in the form in full.
- Please write your name and surname as they appear on your identity document.
- Indicate if you need financial assistance (such as NSFAS)
- Provide your student number if you already have one
- List the programmes you wish to apply for
- Indicate if you wish to stay at the University of KwaZulu Natal student accommodation.
- Pay application fee
- Attach the proof of payment
- Attach all the required documents e.g. certified ID copy, latest academic results, Guardian’s/ Parent’s ID copy.
- Submit the application, payment and supporting documents through the official CAO or UKZN process applicable to your category before its deadline.
Students will receive a student number that should be quoted in all their correspondence with the institution
Online Application
Use CAO for first-time South African undergraduate applications; use the direct UKZN online application system only where UKZN’s current instructions permit it for your category. The supporting documents depend on your circumstances and qualification:
- Your Identity Document/Birth Certificate/Passport
- Guardian’s/Parent’s Identity Document
- Your grade 11 or Grade the 12th of June/Trial results
- Proof of English Proficiency if you are from a non-English country
- A valid Visa (for international students)
- Universities South Africa (USAf) matriculation exemption or South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) evaluation, as required for your foreign school or tertiary qualification
- A research proposal/title for your dissertation or thesis if you are applying for a Master’s degree or PhD
More guidelines are available upon starting an application process.
UKZN Application Fees and Closing dates
First-time South African undergraduate applicants apply and pay through CAO: for January 2027 entry, the on-time fee is R250 for South African citizens and R300 for international applicants, rising to R470 and R580 respectively if received from 1 November 2026. Direct UKZN applications use a separate fee schedule; do not confuse the two routes.
Banking Details for Application Fees are:
NAME: University of KwaZulu Natal
BANK: Standard Bank
ACCOUNT NUMBER: 053080998
BRANCH: Westville
BRANCH CODE: 045426
REFERENCE: APPN followed by the student number for direct UKZN applications; CAO applicants must use the CAO payment instructions instead.
Closing Dates:
Semester One (February to June)
- Medicine for 2027 entry: 30 June 2026, with no late applications
- All other undergraduate programmes for 2027 entry: 30 September 2026
Semester Two (August to November)
- Second-semester availability and deadlines depend on the programme; confirm the current intake with UKZN.
UKZN Requirements for Undergraduate Programmes
Each programme has different requirements tailored for the course in question; however, they all have common underlying requirements. These are the requirements that are considered by all faculties of the University of KwaZulu Natal.
- National Senior Certificate
In order to qualify for a diploma or a degree, you need to be in possession of the National Senior Certificate as issued by Umalusi. For degree programmes, you need to have obtained admission to a bachelor’s degree in your matric. For a diploma, you need to have obtained admission to a diploma in your matric.
- Medium of Instruction
UKZN is an English medium institution; therefore, it is important for the applicant to be proficient in English. The minimum requirement is that applicants must have obtained a level 4(50%) pass in Matric for English (Home Language or First Additional Language). The law department requires level 5(60%) for English Home Language and Level 6(70%) for English First Additional Language.
- Life Orientation
The published undergraduate requirements normally specify Life Orientation at level 4 (50%) or higher. Check the selected programme for its precise requirements; Life Orientation does not contribute to UKZN’s APS.
- Minimum Composite Academic Performance Score (APS)
UKZN calculates its APS from six recognised NSC subjects, excluding Life Orientation. Its scale gives 8 points for 90–100%, 7 for 80–89%, then 6 to 1 for the lower NSC bands, for a maximum of 48. Programme selection requirements and available places determine admission.
- Subject requirements and level of Performance
Check the exact qualification and intake requirements. For example, the published Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting requirements are an NSC with degree endorsement, APS 32, Mathematics level 5, and English and Life Orientation level 4. A separate 60% school Accounting requirement is not listed for that programme.
UKZN Registration Process
After admission, follow UKZN’s current online registration instructions and academic calendar. The old 2022 COVID-19 restrictions are not current registration requirements.
Step 1: Visit the official website of UKZN and Click on the Web Registration tab.
Step 2: Read through the document and Accept the terms and conditions. You will not be able to register unless you accept the document.
Step 3: Once accepted, click on the address verification link to verify your address, and modify and update where necessary
Step 4: Verify your details and ensure that your email and personal details are up to date.
Step 5: Click on the New registration link. If you are accepted in more than one qualification, click on the most appropriate one for you.
Step 6: Ensure that the qualification is displayed correctly and select your majors if required. Select your employment status and then “Save and continue”.
Step 7: Select your modules. Be mindful of the subject groupings and the minimum and maximum required modules per group.
Step 8: Upload documents in pdf form. All the required documents will be listed on the screen.
Step 9: After you are done, you will be presented with the costs of registration. Click on ‘Accept Registration’ to finalise your registration. Then await communication from the university.
Also Read: UKZN Application Status And Prospectus
Payable Fees at Registration
The required upfront payment and any exemption depend on the current fees rules and confirmed funding clearance. NSFAS applicants should confirm their approved funding and clearance rather than assume that submitting a funding application removes the payment requirement.
Minimum registration payments depend on the academic year, citizenship and funding status. Confirm the current UKZN fees and clearance instructions; the older R4 000 tuition and R3 000 residence deposits are not a verified current quotation.
