UKZN — Complete 2027 Guide | KZN Campus Updates

University of KwaZulu‑Natal (UKZN)
Complete 2027 Guide

Everything you need for 2027 admissions: Updated deadlines, application process, requirements, campuses, funding, and student resources.

Apply for 2027 Updated for 2027
~50,000 Students
5 Campuses
60+ Programs
100+ Bursaries

Application Status Check

Track your 2027 UKZN application in real-time

Check Status on UKZN Portal
Important:

You'll need your CAO number or UKZN student number to check your application status.

2027 Deadline Alert:

Undergraduate applications close 30 September 2026. Late applications may be considered if space permits.

How to Apply for 2027

Complete step-by-step guide with updated 2027 deadlines and requirements

2027 Application Methods

  • Online via CAO (Undergraduate)
    All undergraduate applications must go through the Central Applications Office (CAO) at www.cao.ac.za
  • Direct UKZN Postgraduate
    Postgraduate applicants apply directly through UKZN's online application system.
  • International Applicants
    SAQA evaluation required. Apply through CAO for undergraduate or directly for postgraduate.

Required Documents for 2027

  • Certified copy of ID/Passport
  • Grade 11 final results + Grade 12 mid-year results
  • Final Grade 12 certificate (when available)
  • Proof of payment for application fee (R250 on-time)
  • SAQA Certificate (International students)
Start 2027 CAO Application

You'll be redirected to the official CAO website

2027 Entry Requirements

Minimum admission criteria for different study levels

Undergraduate

National Senior Certificate (NSC) with Bachelor's pass, minimum APS score of 26, specific subject requirements per program.

Postgraduate

Relevant Bachelor's degree with minimum 65% average, academic transcripts, references, research proposal (for research degrees).

International Students

SAQA evaluation of qualifications, valid passport, study visa, proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL if required), medical insurance.

Campuses & Faculties

Five campuses offering diverse programs across multiple faculties

Durban Howard College

Humanities, Law, Engineering, Built Environment & Social Sciences

Durban Westville

Commerce, Science, Agriculture, Engineering & Law

PMB Pietermaritzburg

Science, Agriculture, Engineering, Humanities & Education

PMB Edgewood

Education, Teacher Training & Development

Durban Medical School

Health Sciences, Medicine, Nursing & Public Health

Find Your Program

Use UKZN's online program finder to explore all available 2027 programs

2027 Funding Opportunities

Financial support options for UKZN students

NSFAS Funding

Government financial aid for qualifying South African students. Apply online via NSFAS portal.

UKZN Bursaries

Merit-based and need-based bursaries administered by UKZN Financial Aid Office.

External Bursaries

Corporate, government and NGO bursaries for specific fields of study.

2027 Resources & Downloads

Official documents and guides for prospective students

UKZN 2027 Prospectus
Complete guide to programs, requirements, and campus life
2027 Application Guide
Step-by-step application instructions and checklist
Residence Guide 2027
On-campus accommodation information and application
APS Calculator
Calculate your Admission Point Score for UKZN

Frequently Asked Questions (2027)

Common questions about UKZN applications and student life

Undergraduate: All applications go through the Central Applications Office (CAO) at www.cao.ac.za. Application fee is R250 (on-time) or R470 (late).

Postgraduate: Apply directly through UKZN's online application system on their official website.

Deadline: 30 September 2026 for on-time undergraduate applications.

The minimum APS score is 26 for most programs, but competitive programs like Medicine, Law, and Engineering require higher scores (typically 32+).

APS Calculation: Add your points for six best subjects (excluding Life Orientation):

  • 90-100% = 8 points
  • 80-89% = 7 points
  • 70-79% = 6 points
  • 60-69% = 5 points
  • 50-59% = 4 points
  • 40-49% = 3 points
  • 30-39% = 2 points
  • 0-29% = 1 point

CAO Applicants: Use your CAO number to check status at CAO Application Status

Postgraduate Applicants: Check via UKZN's online application portal

Requirements: You'll need your application/CAO number and ID/passport number

Timeline: Status updates typically begin in October 2026 and continue through January 2027

Yes, UKZN offers on-campus residences across all campuses. Residence applications open after academic acceptance.

Application Process: Apply through UKZN's residence portal once you receive an academic offer

Cost: Residence fees vary by campus and room type (approx. R25,000 - R45,000 per year)

Off-Campus: UKZN provides assistance finding accredited off-campus accommodation

UKZN follows a rolling admissions process:

  • First Offers: October-November 2026 (top applicants)
  • Main Offers: December 2026 - January 2027
  • Late Offers: February 2027 (if space available)

You'll receive notification via email and SMS. Always check your CAO/application portal for updates.