University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is one of South Africa’s leading institutions, known for its strong academic reputation, research excellence, and commitment to transformation and innovation. Formed in 2004 through the merger of the University of Durban-Westville and the University of Natal, UKZN has since grown into a global research hub that attracts students from across Africa and beyond.

With five campuses in Durban, Pietermaritzburg, and surrounding areas, UKZN offers a diverse and vibrant student experience. The university is especially renowned for its Medical School, Law programs, Engineering Faculty, and Agricultural Sciences. If you want world-class education with an emphasis on research and industry partnerships, UKZN is an excellent choice.

Popular Courses & Programs

UKZN is home to four colleges, each offering career-focused degrees. Here are some of the most in-demand programs:

College of Law and Management Studies

Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) – Accounting, Finance, Marketing, and Business Management
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) – Corporate Law, Criminal Law, and International Law
Master of Business Administration (MBA) through the Graduate School of Business and Leadership

College of Agriculture, Engineering & Science

BEng in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Chemical Engineering
Agricultural Sciences and Environmental Management
BSc in Biotechnology, Data Science, and Marine Biology

College of Health Sciences

MBChB (Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery)
Nursing Science and Public Health
Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, and Medical Laboratory Sciences

College of Humanities

Bachelor of Arts (BA) – Political Science, Sociology, Psychology, and Communication Studies
Journalism and Media Studies
Bachelor of Education (BEd) for Teaching and Curriculum Development

UKZN places a strong emphasis on applied research and real-world experience, ensuring students graduate ready for the workforce.

Admission Requirements

UKZN has specific APS score requirements depending on the faculty and program of interest.

General Admission Requirements:

National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a Bachelor’s Pass
Mathematics and Physical Sciences for Science, Engineering, and Health programs
English at Level 4 or higher
APS requirements range from 26 to 40, depending on the program

International students must meet equivalent academic and language proficiency requirements.

Tuition Fees & Financial Aid

UKZN offers affordable tuition fees compared to many other universities in South Africa. Estimated costs per year:

Undergraduate programs: R35,000 – R95,000 per year
Postgraduate programs: R50,000 – R130,000 per year
Medicine, Engineering, and Business degrees may have higher tuition fees

Financial Aid & Scholarships

NSFAS Funding – Available for eligible South African students
UKZN Merit-Based Scholarships – Awarded to top-performing students
Corporate and Government Bursaries – Offered by companies like Eskom, Sasol, and Investec
Work-Study Programs – On-campus employment opportunities

Campus Life & Student Support

UKZN provides a dynamic student experience, offering a mix of academic and extracurricular opportunities.

Accommodation & Housing

On-campus residences available at Howard College, Westville, Edgewood, Pietermaritzburg, and Medical School Campuses.
Private student housing options available in surrounding areas.

Student Organizations & Extracurricular Activities

Over 150 student clubs, including cultural, academic, and leadership societies.
UKZN sports teams compete in rugby, soccer, athletics, and more.

Career & Student Support Services

UKZN Career Development Centre provides job placement assistance and internship programs.
Counseling and mental health services available for student well-being.
Innovation hubs for students interested in entrepreneurship and startups.

Contact Information & How to Apply

Applications to UKZN are done online via the official admissions portal. Important deadlines include:

Applications Open: April each year
Early Application Deadline: June 30
Final Deadline: September 30
NSFAS Application Deadline: November 30

UKZN Prospectus Download

University of KwaZulu-Natal Contact Details

Website: www.ukzn.ac.za
Email: info@ukzn.ac.za
Phone: +27 31 260 1111
Address: Durban, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa

Ready to apply? Start your UKZN application here | Need financial assistance? Check available bursaries and scholarships | Want to compare UKZN with other universities? Explore our rankings guide