The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is a prestigious public research institution in KwaZulu-Natal province. Established on 1 January 2004 from the merger of the University of Natal and the University of Durban-Westville, UKZN is a beacon of academic excellence across Africa.
As a major research-intensive university, UKZN offers comprehensive undergraduate and postgraduate programs, attracting international students and collaborating with universities worldwide. The university addresses challenges in health sciences, engineering, education, social sciences, law, and management.
UKZN supports NSFAS-eligible students, ensuring financial constraints don’t hinder talented individuals. The institution prioritizes student success through comprehensive support services and state-of-the-art facilities.
All first-time South African applicants must apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO).
- General Application Deadline: 30 September 2025
- Health Sciences (including Nursing): 30 September 2025 (no late applications)
- School of Medicine: 30 June 2025 (strictly no late submissions)
- Registration & Orientation: January 2026
- Academic Lectures Commence: February 2026
Early application is recommended as popular courses may fill before the official closing date. Postgraduate closing dates vary by qualification.
Local (South African) students:
- Tuition only registration: Minimum R7,300
- Tuition and residence: Minimum R14,100
International students:
- Non-SADC African students: US$2,260 per 16-credit module
- SADC region students: Local fees plus R2,400 levy per semester
Comprehensive 2026 Student Fees Booklets are available through the registration portal. Contact Financial Aid Advisors across all five campuses for payment plans.
UKZN maintains rigorous admission standards based on the Admission Point Score (APS).
- Minimum 40% in Home Language
- At least 50% in four other subjects (excluding Life Orientation)
- At least 30% in the Language of Learning and Teaching
- Must pass six of seven subjects
International applicants from non-English speaking countries must provide proof of English proficiency. Postgraduate admission requires a relevant Bachelor’s degree. Contact the Admissions Office for program-specific requirements.
UKZN operates across five strategically located campuses in KwaZulu-Natal.
- Howard College Campus (Glenwood, Durban): Major hub for Science, Engineering, Law, Humanities, Management Studies, Nursing, and Architecture
- Westville Campus: 8km from Durban CBD, state-of-the-art infrastructure within an environmental conservancy
- Pietermaritzburg Campus: Scenic Natal Midlands location, specializing in Agriculture, Theology, and Fine Art
- Edgewood Campus (Pinetown): Houses the College of Education, specializing in teacher training
- Nelson Mandela School of Medicine: Dedicated medical and health sciences education, renamed in honor of Nelson Mandela in 2000
Each campus features modern facilities, libraries, research labs, and student accommodation.
South African applicants must apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) online portal. International students and postgraduate applicants apply directly through the UKZN Applications Portal at www.ukzn.ac.za.
- Create an account on the appropriate portal
- Complete the online application form
- Upload certified copies of academic qualifications and ID
- Submit before program-specific deadlines
- Track status using your reference number
Accepted students must proceed with registration and payment of acceptance fees to confirm enrollment.
UKZN maintains multiple contact channels across all five campuses.
- Website: www.ukzn.ac.za
- Student Funding Portal: studentfunding.ukzn.ac.za
- Head of Scholarships: Mrs. Denise Govender
- Head of Bursaries: Miss Nozipho Ndwalane
Financial Aid Advisors are based in Academic Administration offices across all five campuses. The university hosts information sessions and open days throughout the year.
UKZN provides extensive undergraduate and postgraduate programs across multiple colleges and faculties. Most undergraduate programs span four years.
- Health Sciences – Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy
- Engineering – Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical
- Social Sciences – Psychology, Sociology, Political Science
- Law – LLB, Criminal Law, Human Rights
- Education – Teacher training and educational research
- Management Studies – Business, Finance, Accounting
- Agriculture – Agricultural Sciences (Pietermaritzburg)
- Humanities – Languages, History, Philosophy
Distance learning options and short courses also available for professionals.
UKZN is a NSFAS-eligible institution. Apply through www.nsfas.org.za or call 086 006 7327.
NSFAS provides tuition coverage, living expenses, accommodation, and meal plans for eligible students. Final-year student funding also available.
Beyond NSFAS, UKZN offers bursary programs, scholarship opportunities, and institutional loans through the Student Funding Office. Merit-based awards recognize exceptional students. Contact Financial Aid Advisors in your college for guidance on funding sources and application processes.