UKZN online application 2026/2027, requirements, courses, prospectus, faculties

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is among the premier institutions of higher learning in South Africa. The university is known for offering quality education to all students. The UKZN online application process is fairly simple. Like other institutions, UKZN has digitised most of its processes.

Key takeaways

• UKZN was established in January 2004 after the University of Natal and the University of Durban-Westville merged.
• The institution offers multiple programmes at various levels of academic learning and in various fields.
• All prospective students must follow the UKZN online application process to get admitted into the university.

UKZN online application 2026/2027: All you should know

UKZN is a leading university in terms of quality academics and innovative research. The institute aims to empower students with a value-driven organisational culture.

UKZN online application for 2026

UKZN will open its online application portal for the next academic year on 6 January 2026. The official UKZN online application closing date is yet to be announced, but early applications are encouraged. It is presumed that applications will close in April 2026. Prospective students are encouraged to keep checking the UKZN application portal for more details.

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It is worth noting that most times, UKZN has two intakes. Applications for the medicine undergraduate programme close on 30 June. Other UKZN online applications for undergraduate courses often open again in April and close in late September.

CAO UKZN online application process (South African undergraduates)

The online UKZN undergraduate application for 2026 will be done through the Central Applications Office's website (CAO). Below are the steps to follow to complete the application process.

• Visit the CAO website.
• Click Apply.
• Click How to Apply through CAO and read the guide.
• After learning what to do from the guide, click Apply now.

• Enter your South African ID or passport number and click Submit.
• Fill out the CAO application form and follow the prompts until you complete the application process.
• Remember to upload all the required documents and double-check your details before submitting your application.

The CAO system generates a CAO number when applying online. Students can apply to multiple institutions using the CAO application form and number. You can also apply for residence accommodation and financial assistance using the CAO form.

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How to apply directly to UKZN (international students)

International students seeking admission to full-time undergraduate studies must apply directly to UKZN. Here are the steps they should follow.

• Obtain the CAO application form and CAO Handbook from the CAO’s website or call the CAO at +27 (0)31 268 4444. Alternatively, write to UKZN via enquiries@ukzn.ac.za.
• Apply for the KZN course of your choice on the CAO application form. You can also apply for residence accommodation and financial assistance on the form.
• Email a filled-out CAO application form, proof of application fee payment, and copies of the required documents to: Central Applications Office, Private Bag X06, Dalbridge 4014.

What are the entry requirements for UKZN?

Applicants should meet the following minimum academic qualifications/requirements to join UKZN for undergraduate courses.

• Score at least 40% for Home Language
• Score at least 50% for four other subjects, excluding Life Orientation
• Score at least 30% for one other subject
• Score at least 30% in the Language of Learning and Teaching (LOLT) of the Higher Education Institution where you intend to study
• Pass at least six out of seven subjects

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NB: UKZN selection is based on academic ranking. The maximum APS obtainable is 48, while the minimum UKZN admission APS depends on the course. Therefore, selection starts from 48 downward and stops when all the available slots in a programme are filled.

As a result, meeting the minimum UKZN APS score for your selected course does not guarantee a place at the university. The school often receives more applications than it can accommodate, and places in a programme may be filled before the published score is reached.

Applicants must calculate their APS using Grade 11, mid-year Grade 12, or trial/mock results and only apply if they meet the requirements. Applicants with excellent results may be selected early (before final examinations).

Selections are final, provided the selected applicants obtain an NSC-Deg or equivalent and meet qualification entrance requirements and academic ranking in the final examinations.

Applicants possessing an NSC-Deg or the National Senior Certificate may also be offered places early.

Documents required for the UKZN application

Returning and new undergraduate and postgraduate applicants should upload the following documents (where applicable) during the application process.

• A copy of your ID/passport
• A copy of your Matric Certificate (or O/A Levels certificate or any other relevant school leaving certificate)
• International applicants must upload proof from Universities South Africa (SA's matriculation board) showing they qualify for admission to degree studies in the country.
• An applicant who has studied at any tertiary institution must present certified copies of degree certificates, a full academic record, proof of financial clearance, and a certificate of conduct from that institution.
• International applicants from non-English speaking countries must upload proof of English proficiency.
• International applicants with SAQA qualifications obtained at foreign universities (outside South Africa) should upload their SAQA/USAF documents.
• Anyone applying for a Master's or PhD program should upload a research proposal/proposed title of the dissertation/thesis.

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Ensure you upload all the necessary documents and use reference APPN (followed by your UKZN student number) when paying the application fee. Lastly, allow the UKZN system 24 to 48 hours to capture and update your payment details.

How much is the UKZN online application fee?

The required UKZN application fees are as follows:

South African applicants

• UKZN on-time applications fee: R210
• UKZN late application fee: R420

International applicants

• All students from SADC and other African countries: R490
• All students from outside of Africa: U$153
• No late applications are allowed for international students.

How do you pay the UKZN application fee?

Pay the UKZN application fee using these banking details:

South African applicants

• Name of Account: UKZN Main
• Bank: Standard Bank
• Type of Account: Business Current Account
• Account Number: 05 308 0998
• Branch: Westville
• Branch Code: 045426
• Reference: APPN (followed by your UKZN student number)

International applicants

• Name of Account: UKZN Foreign Deposit
• Bank: Standard Bank
• Type of Account: Business Current Account
• Account Number: 05 308 2826
• Branch: Westville
• Branch Code: 045426
• Reference: APPN (followed by your UKZN student number)

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Online money transfers from SA Standard Bank accounts and payments made directly at a local Standard Bank branch are updated on a student's fee statement within the same day of payment, provided the correct UKZN student number (beneficiary reference number).

Payments from non-South African bank accounts take at least two weeks to reflect on the student fee account. Therefore, students should make early payments to get timely financial clearance notifications.

UKZN scholarships

UKZN helps needy and deserving students with excellent academic results to access financial aid. You can apply for NSFAS aid, the Cecil Renaud and Victor Daitz Undergraduate Merit Awards aid, or a contract bursary.

How much is the UKZN fee?

Check the fees booklets for local students and international scholars to learn how much tuition fees you will be charged for your course. UKZN academic fees are charged per module on a semester basis.

How to obtain the UKZN fee statements

You will receive a financial clearance notification via SMS after completing all the payments. To check your UKZN fee statement:

• Go to the UKZN Student Central portal.

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• Log into the UKZN student portal using your student number.
• Click SELF HELP after logging in.
• Choose Student I-Enabler.
• Click Student Enquiry on the left.
• Click Summarize Statement of Account.
• Your fee balance will appear.
• Click FEE to get a full statement.

UKZN faculties

UKZN offers globally competitive courses. The university has five campuses, none of which offer all programmes. Instead, UKZN courses are grouped into colleges assigned to each of the campuses. Below is the list of the four UKZN colleges.

• College of Humanities
• College of Law and Management Studies
• College of Agriculture, Engineering, and Science
• College of Health Sciences

UKZN courses

The university offers a variety of courses. The CAO handbook provides detailed information on programmes available at UKZN.

UKZN undergraduate courses

The UKZN website lists the following programmes and their admission APS ranges:

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College of Agriculture, Engineering, and Science

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College of Health Sciences

College of Humanities

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College of Law and Management Studies

Does UKZN offer postgraduate courses?

The UKZN postgraduate prospectus lists honours degrees, postgraduate diplomas, master's degrees, and doctoral degrees that the institute offers.

Does UKZN accept international students?

The institute enrols international students from SADC countries, other African countries, and nations outside Africa.

How many campuses does UKZN have?

UKZN has five campuses in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa. These campuses are Edgewood (Pinetown), Howard College (Durban), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine (Durban), Pietermaritzburg, and the Westville (Durban) campus.

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How many students does UKZN accept?

Approximately 8,600 first-year places are available in UKZN for every annual intake.

Can you register at UKZN without paying the registration fee?

You must pay the registration fee before admission. The UKZN registration fee is payable by all students who do not have 100% funding for their annual fees.

Is UKZN funded by NSFAS?

UKZN offers student funding through bursaries administered by the NSFAS, including UKZN loan funding and final-year student funding.

Is UKZN a private or public university?

The University of KwaZulu-Natal is one of the top public universities in South Africa.

What does NSFAS cover for UKZN students?

The NSFAS funding at UKZN covers the actual cost of tuition plus prescribed learning materials. Nonetheless, note that the tuition fee NSFAS covers depends on your field of study (e.g. engineering, medicine, art, history, etc.)

Can you apply to UKZN without CAO?

No, there is no way to apply directly without going through CAO first.

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Is UKZN open for 2026?

Online UKZN applications are scheduled to begin on 6 January 2026.

What is the APS score for UKZN?

UKZN's Academic Performance Score (APS) varies significantly by programme. Check the tables above for more information.

The UKZN online application process is relatively easy. For more details about the application process, download and read the UKZN prospectus.

Briefly.co.za recently published all the details about the University of Limpopo online application process. The University of Limpopo was established in January 2005 after a merger between the former Medical University of Southern Africa and the University of the North.

Since then, the institution has become one of the best South African universities. The university aspires to be a leading African University focused on the developmental needs of its communities and epitomising academic excellence and innovativeness.

Source: Briefly News