Funding
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2027 Intake · Inspiring Greatness
Apply to the University of KwaZulu-Natal — one of South Africa's top four universities.
Formed in 2004 through the merger of the University of Natal and the University of Durban-Westville, UKZN serves students across five campuses on South Africa's east coast. Here's exactly what you need to apply for 2027, and by when.
4Colleges
R250CAO Application Fee
30 Sep2026 General Closing Date
About the university
Inspiring Greatness, since 2004
The University of KwaZulu-Natal came into being in 2004 through the merger of the University of Natal and the University of Durban-Westville. Located in the dynamic province of KwaZulu-Natal on South Africa's east coast, UKZN consistently ranks among the top four universities in South Africa and is recognised as one of the top 400 globally by numerous international rankings.
UKZN is the only university in South Africa offering an Engineering Council of SA-accredited programme in agricultural engineering, and is home to world-class research facilities including the Astrophysics Research Centre and the Aerospace Systems Research Institute. With over 200 clubs and societies, students also have a vibrant campus life alongside their studies.
Good to know
UKZN's Admission Point Score (APS) is calculated from your six best subjects in your final school year, excluding Life Orientation. First-time entering students apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO), which lets you apply for up to six programme choices — potentially across several KZN institutions — with a single fee.
Plan ahead
2027 key application dates
UKZN applies one general closing date across most programmes, but Medicine closes much earlier — always check your specific programme before you wait.
1 MARCH 2026
CAO applications open
The Central Applications Office online portal opens for the 2027 academic year, covering UKZN and other KZN institutions.
30 JUNE 2026
Medicine closes
The MBChB programme has a strict, early closing date. No late applications are accepted for this programme.
30 SEPTEMBER 2026
General closing date
Final date for all other undergraduate applications. Late applications attract a higher CAO fee and are processed after this date.
CHECK PROSPECTUS
Some programmes vary
The official UKZN prospectus and CAO handbook may list additional, programme-specific deadlines — always verify directly.
Via CAO
How to apply to UKZN
First-time entering students (e.g. high school learners) apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO); returning undergraduates and postgraduates apply directly through UKZN's own online application system.
01
Before you start
- Calculate your APS score using your six best subjects, excluding Life Orientation.
- Gather a certified copy of your ID or passport and your latest school results or matric certificate.
- Have proof-of-payment ready for the R250 CAO application fee, referenced with your CAO number.
02
Submit online
- Go to the official CAO website at www.cao.ac.za and start a new application.
- Select the University of KwaZulu-Natal and your preferred programme (up to six choices in total, across institutions).
- Pay the CAO administration fee online or via EasyPay at a participating retailer.
- Upload your supporting documents and submit before your programme's closing date.
Checklist
Documents you'll need
- Certified copy of your South African ID or passport
- Grade 11 final results, or latest Grade 12 mid-year results if you're a current matriculant
- National Senior Certificate interim or final results, once available
- Proof of payment for the CAO application fee, referenced with your CAO number
- Supporting documents for international applicants
Costs
Application fees
South African applicants (on time)R250 (non-refundable)
International applicants (on time)R300 (non-refundable)
Late applications (from 1 Nov 2026)R470 / R580
⚠️ Meeting the minimum APS and subject requirements does not guarantee admission — many UKZN programmes are competitive with limited space. Apply as early as possible, and double-check your CAO reference on any payment.
Where you could study
Colleges at a glance
College
Agriculture, Engineering and Science
Includes South Africa's only ECSA-accredited agricultural engineering programme, alongside science and technology fields.
College
Health Sciences
Medicine and allied health programmes, based largely at the Medical School and Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine in Durban.
College
Humanities
Education, arts, social sciences and the School of Education's coding and robotics-integrated teacher training.
College
Law and Management Studies
Legal and business programmes, including a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting recognised by SAIGA.
Five campuses, one province
Where UKZN is based
Howard College
Durban campus and one of UKZN's main administrative sites.
Medical School
Durban campus, home to the Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine.
Westville
Durban campus with a broad spread of faculties and student housing.
Edgewood
Pinetown campus, focused on Education.
Pietermaritzburg
Serves students in the KZN Midlands.
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Frequently asked questions
When do UKZN 2027 applications open and close?
Applications open through the CAO on 1 March 2026. Medicine closes on 30 June 2026, while all other undergraduate programmes close on 30 September 2026 — always confirm the exact date for your programme.
How much is the application fee?
The CAO administration fee is R250 for South African applicants and R300 for international applicants when submitted on time. Late applications from 1 November 2026 cost R470 and R580 respectively.
How is my APS calculated?
Your six best subjects from your final school year are added together, excluding Life Orientation.
Where is UKZN located?
UKZN has five campuses across KwaZulu-Natal — Howard College, the Medical School and Westville in Durban, Edgewood in Pinetown, and Pietermaritzburg. It's one of South Africa's top four universities.
What colleges does UKZN offer?
Four colleges: Agriculture, Engineering and Science; Health Sciences; Humanities; and Law and Management Studies — including South Africa's only ECSA-accredited agricultural engineering programme.
Inspiring Greatness starts with applying.
Get your documents ready and submit your CAO application for the University of KwaZulu-Natal before your programme's closing date.
Apply to UKZN Now →