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University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) Online Application 2026

If you’re considering applying for a diploma, higher certificate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral program at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, this guide contains all the crucial details to help you navigate the application process successfully. Applications for the 2026 intake are now open and will close on 30 September 2025, depending on the specific qualifications or courses

Study at UKZN: Apply for 2026

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is a prominent institution of higher learning on the African continent. With multiple campuses, UKZN is a residential, teaching, and research-led university, situated in the beautiful province of KwaZulu-Natal. The University takes pride in its rich heritage and a long-standing commitment to academic excellence.

UKZN Application Closing Dates 2026

The 2026 application year has officially begun at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). The University is excited to welcome top-achieving matric students who are interested in pursuing diplomas, higher certificates, bachelor’s degrees, and honours programs. All applications must be submitted by the following dates:

School of Medicine: 30 June, 2025 (no late applications accepted)
Health Sciences (including Nursing: 30 September, 2025 (no late applications accepted)
Applications for ALL OTHER qualifications: 30 September, 2025

Ensure you submit your application on time to maximize your chances of admission. The University of KwaZulu-Natal has a competitive selection process, giving priority to top applicants and those who apply early. Late applications are not considered due to limited space.

List of Courses offered at UKZN for the 2026 academic intake year

Below are the faculties and their respective courses offered at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES

B Audiology
B Speech-Language Therapy
B Dental Therapy
BSc Dietetics and Human Nutrition
B Medical Science: Anatomy
B Medical Science: Physiology
B Medicine and Surgery
B Nursing
B Occupational Therapy
B Optometry
B Oral Hygiene
B Pharmacy
B Physiotherapy
B Sport Science

College of Agriculture, Engineering, and Science

B Sc Eng: Agricultural
B Sc Eng: Chemical
B Sc Eng: Civil
B Sc Eng: Computer
B Sc Eng: Electrical
B Sc Eng: Electronic
B Sc Eng: Mechanical
B Sc Land Surveying
B Sc Crop and Horticultural Science
B Agric (Extension and Rural Resource Management)
B Sc. Agric. Agricultural Economics
B Agricultural Management
B Sc Agric. Agricultural Plant Sciences
B Sc Agric
B Sc Agric. Agribusiness
B Sc Agric. Animal and Poultry Science
B Sc Agric. Plant Pathology
B Sc Agric. Soil Science

College of Humanities

B Ed (Foundation Phase) Grade R – 3
B Ed (Intermediate Phase) Grade 4 – 6
B Ed (Senior Phase/Further Education & Training) Grade 7 – 12
B Social Work
BA (General Studies)
B Soc Sc (General Studies)
BA Cultural & Heritage Tourism
B Soc Sc Geography & Environmental Management
B Architectural Studies
BA Philosophy, Politics and Law
BA International Studies
BA Visual Art
B Soc Sc Government, Business and Ethics
B Theology
B Soc Sc Housing
B A in Music Extended Curriculum
B A Music
B Soc Sc Extended Curriculum (4 yrs)

College of Law and Management Studies

Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting
Bachelor of Commerce (General)
Bachelor of Commerce Extended Curriculum (Accounting) – Quintile 1-3 Schools
Bachelor of Commerce Extended Curriculum (General) – Quintile 1-3 Schools
Bachelor of Administration
Bachelor of Business Administration (evening classes)
Bachelor of Business Science in Finance
Bachelor of Business Science in Investment Science
Bachelor of Laws
Bachelor of Laws (part-time)

UKZN Admission Requirements For 2026 Intake

Each faculty at University of KwaZulu-Natal has specific entry requirements. To be considered for selection into a degree program, applicants must meet the following basic criteria:

Degree Programmes: National Senior Certificate (NSC-Deg) or a Senior Certificate with endorsement.
Diploma programmes: National Senior Certificate for Diploma studies (NSC-Dip) or Senior Certificate.

N.B.: Download the 2026 UKZN prospectus to explore all entry requirements. Click Here to download it

Documents Required for UKZN 2026 Applications

All prospective students are required by the University of KwaZulu-Natal to submit the following documents as part of the application process:

For South African Students:

Certified copy of your ID.
Certified copy of your National Senior Certificate (NSC)/Matric Certificate or equivalent school-leaving qualification.
Proof of payment

For International Students:

Certified copy of your passport.
School-leaving qualification.
Proof of English proficiency for international applicants from non-English speaking countries.
A valid study visa to study in South Africa.
USAf/SAQA documents.

Transfer applicants

Certified copies of your degree certificate(s),
Academic record
Certificate of conduct
Proof of payment

How to Apply at UKZN 2026

To apply for admission to a full-time undergraduate program at the University of KwaZulu-Natal for the 2026 academic year, you must apply either directly or through the Central Application Office (CAO), depending on your citizenship status and whether you are a new or returning applicant.

Indirect Applications: Transfer students from other institutions, along with all first-time South African undergraduate applicants, are required to submit their applications online via the Central Application Office (CAO).

CAO Online Application Process

Refer to the CAO handbook, which lists all available qualifications.
Browse through the various programs offered.
Select a program that interests you and matches your qualifications.
Be mindful of the application deadlines for each program.
Locate the program code associated with your chosen qualification.
Enter this program code on your application form.
Use the program code when filling out the CAO application.
Visit the official CAO website at www.cao.ac.za
Click on “Apply” to begin completing the application form.
Pay the application fee.
Upload all necessary supporting documents.

Alternatively, you can obtain the application form from the following locations:

The CAO office
The CAO website
The University’s Application and Information Office at Howard College
The Student Academic Administration Offices at the Edgewood, Howard College, Pietermaritzburg, and Westville campuses.

Caution: Do not pay CAO administration fees to UKZN and do not enclose cash.

Direct Applications: The following groups of students must apply directly to the University of KwaZulu-Natal:

Previously registered UKZN students who wish to return to complete their existing programs.
Previously registered UKZN students who wish to apply for another undergraduate program.
Applicants for non-degree studies.
New applicants for admission to non-CAO programs
New applicants applying for admission to Semester 2 (August).

UKZN Online Application process:

You can download the undergraduate application form (for both local and international students) from the UKZN website at www.ukzn.ac.za under the “Applications” section. Alternatively, you can contact UKZN at +27 (0) 31-260 2212/1084 or +27 (0) 33 260 5212 to request an application form.

UKZN Application Fees

You are to pay the following fees when applying directly to the University of KwaZulu-Natal for the 2026 academic intake

South Africa

On-time applications R210
Late applications R420

International

SADC and rest of Africa R490
Outside Africa $153

Method of Payments

Here are the details for paying the application fees for both South African and international applicants:

For 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: F001 11402 followed by the applicant’s full name

For 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: F001 11402 followed by the applicant’s full name
SWIFT Code: SBZAZAJJ

UKZN Accommodation Applications 2026

University of KwaZulu-Natal provides campus housing and residence facilities to new students upon successful course registration. Applications must be submitted online and not directly at the residences.

All first-year applicants seeking accommodation for the 2026 academic intake must apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) at www.cao.ac.za. Be sure to indicate your accommodation preference in the designated section of the application form, as spaces will be allocated to those who apply through the CAO and follow the required procedures