UKZN Application Opening Date For 2026 Intake

University of KwaZulu-Natal has officially opened applications for the 2026 academic year, beginning on Saturday, March 1, 2025. This opportunity is available to all prospective students, regardless of nationality, qualification level, or language proficiency.

While the application period begins simultaneously for all programs, each course has its own deadline. It is crucial to be aware of these closing dates, as late applications will not be accepted. To ensure you apply on time, this article provides a detailed breakdown of the application deadlines for all programs at UKZN for the 2026 intake.

How to Apply at University of KwaZulu-Natal Online for Admission in 2026

Prospective applicants must follow the steps outlined below to submit an application form.

To apply for admission to a diploma, certificate, or degree program at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), the application process varies depending on your citizenship status. There are two modes of application: direct and indirect.

Indirect Applications (via CAO)

All first-time South African applicants and transfer students to UKZN must submit their applications online through the Central Application Office (CAO) website.

How to Apply via CAO:

Consult the CAO Handbook.
Browse the Programs and select at least six of them.
Check Application Deadlines
Find the program code for the qualification you wish to apply for.
Enter the Program Code in your application form.
Visit the official CAO website at www.cao.ac.za and click on “Apply” to start the application process.
Complete your application by paying the application fee.
Ensure you upload all the required supporting documents.

Important Reminder: Do not pay CAO administration fees directly to UKZN and avoid submitting cash. The CAO application fee:

R300 for international students
R250 for South African students

Direct Applications to UKZN

The following students must apply directly to UKZN using the 2026 application form

UKZN students who want to return to complete their current programs.
UKZN students who wish to apply for a different undergraduate program.
Applicants applying for non-degree studies.
New applicants seeking admission to non-CAO courses
New applicants for Second semester

How to Apply DIECTLY to UKZN

Go to ukzn.ac.za.
On the homepage, click on “UKZN Applications”.
Scroll down and click on “How to apply”.
Scroll down and click on “Click here to apply” to start your application
Create a profile, fill in all the compulsory fields, and submit your completed application

UKZN Application Fees

Prospective students applying directly to the University of KwaZulu-Natal must submit their application form along with the following fees:

For South African Applicants:

On-time applications: R210
Late applications: R420

For International Applicants:

SADC & the rest of Africa: R490
Outside Africa: $153

Payment Details:

To successfully complete your application to UKZN, please ensure you deposit the exact amount into the following account

For South African Applicants:

Account Name: UKZN Main
Bank: Standard Bank
Account Type: Business Current Account
Account Number: 05 308 0998
Branch: Westville
Branch Code: 045426
Reference: F001 11402 followed by your full name.

For International Applicants:

Account Name: UKZN Foreign Deposit
Bank: Standard Bank
Account Type: Business Current Account
Account Number: 05 308 2826
Branch: Westville
Branch Code: 045426
Reference: F001 11402 followed by your full name.
SWIFT Code: SBZAZAJJ

NOTE:

Your UKZN online application will only be submitted once you have:

Fully completed the online application form
Uploaded all required supporting documents in pdf format as seen below
- Proof of payment for the application fee
- Grade 11 final results
- Grade 12 June exam results
- National Senior Certificate or Statement of Results
- Identity Document (ID card) or a valid passport
- An academic record and certificate of conduct
- A valid medical insurance cover
- Police clearance certificate
- SGCE, GCE, GCSE, IGCSE, or Cambridge School Certificate
Please note that if you haven’t clicked “APPLY,” your application will not be submitted

When to Apply to UKZN 2026 (Application Timeline)

University of KwaZulu-Natal has officially announced that applications for the 2026 academic year will open on March 1, 2025, and will close on September 30, 2025. However, there are specific courses with earlier closing dates, as detailed below:

Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB): Closing date is June 30, 2025 (late applications will not be accepted).
Applications for all other qualifications: Closing date is September 30, 2025.

University of KwaZulu-Natal Contact Details

Where is UKZN Located

Mazisi Kunene Road,
Glenwood
Durban

Postal Address of UKZN

University of KwaZulu-Natal
Durban
4041

Email Addresses of UKZN

undergrad@ukzn.ac.za
enquiries@ukzn.ac.za
enquiries@ukzn.ac.za

For more information, visit the official website here.

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