The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is now accepting applications for the 2025 academic year, opening its doors to both South African and international students who seek an education within one of South Africa’s leading research and teaching institutions. Located in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, UKZN is well-regarded for its commitment to academic excellence and social impact. This comprehensive guide provides essential details on the application process, admission requirements, programs offered, funding options, and fees.
Application Process
The University of KwaZulu-Natal offers an accessible, online application process for all prospective students. To apply, candidates need to complete the online application form on the official UKZN website or download a physical form for submission if they do not have access to the internet. UKZN encourages students to apply as early as possible due to the competitive nature of its programmes.
Step-by-Step Application Guide:
- Register and Create a Profile: Candidates start by creating an online profile through the UKZN application portal.
- Select a Programme: Applicants should carefully choose their desired program and campus. UKZN has multiple campuses, each housing various faculties.
- Complete the Application Form: After selecting a program, students must fill in personal details, educational history, and any additional information required.
- Upload Supporting Documents: This includes academic transcripts, certified copies of identification, and proof of residency (for South African students). Additional documents may be required for specific programs.
- Pay the Application Fee: An application fee is required for most programs, payable via the portal.
- Submit and Track: Once submitted, applicants can track the progress of their application on the portal.
Opening and Closing Dates
UKZN follows a structured timeline for applications, which vary slightly depending on the programme. The application dates for 2025 are as follows:
- Undergraduate Applications: Open from 1 April 2025 and close on 30 September 2025.
- Postgraduate Applications: The dates vary by faculty; however, most programs close by 30 November 2025. Prospective students should refer to the UKZN website for specific program deadlines.
- Residence Applications: Students intending to live on campus must also apply for accommodation, which follows the same closing date as undergraduate applications (30 September 2025).
Given the high volume of applicants, students are strongly encouraged to apply early to secure a place, especially for competitive programs in Health Sciences, Law, and Engineering.
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements at UKZN are program-specific and differ for undergraduate and postgraduate applicants.
Undergraduate Requirements
- National Senior Certificate (NSC): Students must hold a valid NSC with an endorsement for degree studies, achieving the required Admission Point Score (APS) for their selected program. Typically, an APS of 28-35 is required, depending on the competitiveness of the programme.
- Subject Requirements: Certain programs, especially in Science and Engineering, may require specific subjects, such as Mathematics or Physical Sciences, with minimum performance levels.
- Additional Assessments: Some programs, like Medicine and Law, may require additional entrance tests or interviews.
Postgraduate Requirements
- Relevant Undergraduate Qualification: A completed undergraduate degree in a related field is generally required for master’s or doctoral programs.
- Additional Criteria: Many postgraduate courses require a research proposal, and certain programmes may request an interview or portfolio submission.
- English Language Proficiency: Non-native English speakers may need to provide proof of English language proficiency through standardised tests (e.g., TOEFL or IELTS) if they have not studied in English.
International students should ensure their qualifications are comparable to South Africa’s NSC and may need verification from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
Programmes Offered
UKZN boasts a broad spectrum of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across its faculties. The university is known for its strong focus on research and innovation, particularly in fields such as health sciences and agricultural studies. Here are some of the notable faculties and programmes available at UKZN:
- College of Agriculture, Engineering, and Science: Programmes include Agricultural Management, Chemical Engineering, Biological Sciences, and Environmental Sciences.
- College of Humanities: Offers degrees in Psychology, Sociology, Education, and Linguistics.
- College of Health Sciences: Known for its Medicine, Nursing, and Public Health programmes, UKZN’s health sciences are among the most competitive in the country.
- College of Law and Management Studies: Provides programmes in Law, Commerce, Business Management, and Accounting.
- College of Social Sciences and Humanities: Offers degrees in fields like Political Science, Social Work, and Community Development.
UKZN also offers a range of interdisciplinary programmes that allow students to combine fields of study across faculties, fostering a well-rounded academic experience.
Funding and Financial Aid
UKZN provides multiple funding options to help students with financial support, recognising the importance of affordability in education.
- National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS): Available for South African students who meet financial need criteria. NSFAS covers tuition, residence, and other costs.
- University Scholarships and Bursaries: UKZN offers several merit-based scholarships for high-achieving students across various faculties. Some scholarships are automatically awarded, while others require a separate application.
- Postgraduate Funding: Graduate students can access research funding through the National Research Foundation (NRF) or departmental bursaries based on academic merit and research potential.
- External Bursaries: Many organisations in South Africa provide funding, including private sector companies, government departments, and NGOs. Students are encouraged to seek external bursaries early.
For more information on funding options, students should contact UKZN’s Financial Aid Office or consult the Financial Aid section on UKZN’s website.
Fees
Tuition fees at UKZN vary depending on the programme and level of study. Here is a general outline of expected costs:
- Application Fees: A non-refundable application fee of R200 is required for South African students, while international applicants are charged R470.
- Undergraduate Tuition: Fees range widely by faculty. Humanities programmes tend to be lower-cost, starting at approximately R40,000 per year, while professional degrees in Health Sciences and Engineering can cost up to R80,000 annually.
- Postgraduate Tuition: Postgraduate fees vary based on the degree type and length of study. Research-based degrees generally have lower tuition costs than coursework programmes.
- International Students: Additional fees apply to international students, including a levy fee, which supports visa administration and other services. International students must also have valid South African medical aid cover.
Students should consult the UKZN Fees Office for the most current tuition rates and payment plans, as well as any additional costs, such as accommodation and student levies.
Conclusion
With the opening of admissions for 2025, the University of KwaZulu-Natal presents an excellent opportunity for students to access world-class education within a vibrant, diverse academic community. Through a comprehensive application process, competitive funding options, and a range of programmes, UKZN stands as a leading institution in South Africa. Prospective students are encouraged to take advantage of the early application period and explore their programme options to secure a place at one of the country’s most prestigious universities.
For further details or to begin the application process, visit the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s official website.
