South Africa is well known for its world-class universities. These universities offer qualifications that I recognised internationally. The University of KwaZulu Natal is one of these universities. It was formed in 2004 by merging the University of Natal and the University of Durban-Westville. It is no surprise then that this university is rich in history.
University of KwaZulu Natal (UKZN) has five beautiful and scenic campuses stretched across the province of KwaZulu Natal in South Africa. The views of the Drakensberg mountain and Maputaland game reserve can be seen on some campuses. These campuses are:
- Medical School Campus
If there is any medical school that has a rich history of South African injustices, then it is this one. This campus has been producing doctors for 71 years. According to the UKZN website, it was founded in 1950 as a “black faculty” in a “white institution,” i.e. it fought for democracy.
- Pietermaritzburg
Surrounded by the enchanting nature reserves and parks, the campus is a sight for sore eyes. It is situated in the centre of Natal Midlands. It is only an hour’s drive away from Durban (the capital city of KwaZulu Natal). The campus has a school of Education, Agriculture, Law, Science, and Human and Management Sciences. It is the only campus that offers Agriculture, Fine Art, and Theology.
- Howard College Campus
The Howard College is located in the Berea and has scenic views of the Durban Harbour. With beautiful gardens and historic buildings, this campus is a step into a fairy-tale. There are amnesties all around Howard College. Not too far away, it is the beaches and tourist attractions. The campus has various qualifications to choose from.
- Westville
This is the main campus of UKZN. It houses the Vice-Chancellor, University Executive members, and administrations. It is situated 8km from the Durban CBD and Pinetown. Like all the other campuses, Westville embraces different cultures. This is symbolic of its Hindu and Islamic places of worship.
- Edgewood
The Education Campus is what students call the Edgewood campus. This campus offers a school of education. It is actively involved in the policymaking of the South African education system. The school of education of the University of KwaZulu Natal is constantly engaged in research about the relevancy of South African education in comparison to the international market.
UKZN Application process
Before you apply, you need to download the University of KwaZulu Natal undergraduate prospectus and view all the programmes they are offering and the minimum requirements per course. The prospectus is available on the official website of the institution under the applications tab. This link will take you to the applications tab https://aplications.ukzn.ac.za.
Applications-Hardcopy
After downloading the prospectus and choosing a suitable course for yourself, you can now download the application form. The application form is also available on the link provided above.
- Fill in the form in full.
- Please write your name and surname as they appear on your identity document.
- Indicate if you need financial assistance (such as NSFAS)
- Provide your student number if you already have one
- List the programmes you wish to apply for
- Indicate if you wish to stay at the University of KwaZulu Natal student accommodation.
- Pay application fee
- Attach the proof of payment
- Attach all the required documents e.g. certified ID copy, latest academic results, Guardian’s/ Parent’s ID copy.
- Return the application form, proof of payment and supporting documents to the UKZN before the closing date.
Students will receive a student number that should be quoted in all their correspondence with the institution
Online Application
The online application process of the University of KwaZulu Natal is one of the easiest ones to follow. Their portal is user-friendly and made up in a way that does jog one’s mind. The web registration can be found on the university’s official website. You have to click on the “online application” tab and follow the prompts. You will need certified copies of the following documents:
- Your Identity Document/Birth Certificate/Passport
- Guardian’s/Parent’s Identity Document
- Your grade 11 or Grade the 12th of June/Trial results
- Proof of English Proficiency if you are from a non-English country
- A valid Visa (for international students)
- South African Qualifications Authorisation (SAQA) evaluations for qualifications obtained outside of South Africa.
- A research proposal/title for your dissertation or thesis if you are applying for a Master’s degree or PhD
More guidelines are available upon starting an application process.
UKZN Application Fees and Closing dates
The application fee is R200.00 for on-time applications and R400.00 for late applications where applicable.
Banking Details for Application Fees are:
NAME: University of KwaZulu Natal
BANK: Standard Bank
ACCOUNT NUMBER: 053080998
BRANCH: Westville
BRANCH CODE: 045426
REFERENCE: F001 11402 with applicant’s full name
Closing Dates:
Semester One (February to June)
- Medicine: the 31st of July, no late applications
- All other programmes on the 30th of September
Semester Two (August to November)
- All programmes closing date is the 30th of April
UKZN Requirements for Undergraduate Programmes
Each programme has different requirements tailored for the course in question; however, they all have common underlying requirements. These are the requirements that are considered by all faculties of the University of KwaZulu Natal.
- National Senior Certificate
In order to qualify for a diploma or a degree, you need to be in possession of the National Senior Certificate as issued by Malusi. For degree programmes, you need to have obtained admission to a bachelor’s degree in your matric. For a diploma, you need to have obtained admission to a diploma in your matric.
- Medium of Instruction
UKZN is an English medium institution; therefore, it is important for the applicant to be proficient in English. The minimum requirement is that applicants must have obtained a level 4(50%) pass in Matric for English (Home Language or First Additional Language). The law department requires level 5(60%) for English Home Language and Level 6(70%) for English First Additional Language.
- Life Orientation
A 50% pass for Life Orientation is a minimum requirement at UKZN however, applicants with a higher mark might be given a preference.
- Minimum Composite Academic Performance Score (APS)
APS is the symbols you obtained in your National Senior Certificate added together, excluding a symbol for LO. Each programme has a different APS requirement for admission. Applicants who do not meet the APS requirements may not be considered as the competition is high.
- Subject requirements and level of Performance
These are the required marks for certain subjects to obtain access to the degree programme. For example, in order to qualify for BCom in Accounting Sciences, one needs to obtain at least a 50% pass in Mathematics and a 60% pass in Accounting.
UKZN Registration Process
After your application is approved, you will need to register for the academic year. Due to the novel Coronavirus and restrictions put in place by the President of South Africa, all UKZN registrations are online for the academic year 2022. Below are the steps to follow when registering online:
Step 1: Visit the official website of UKZN and Click on the Web Registration tab.
Step 2: Read through the document and Accept the terms and conditions. You will not be able to register unless you accept the document.
Step 3: Once accepted, click on the address verification link to verify your address, and modify and update where necessary
Step 4: Verify your details and ensure that your email and personal details are up to date.
Step 5: Click on the New registration link. If you are accepted in more than one qualification, click on the most appropriate one for you.
Step 6: Ensure that the qualification is displayed correctly and select your majors if required. Select your employment status and then “Save and continue”.
Step 7: Select your modules. Be mindful of the subject groupings and the minimum and maximum required modules per group.
Step 8: Upload documents in pdf form. All the required documents will be listed on the screen.
Step 9: After you are done, you will be presented with the costs of registration. Click on ‘Accept Registration’ to finalise your registration. Then await communication from the university.
Also Read: UKZN Application Status And Prospectus
Payable Fees at Registration
These are the minimum fees payable before your registration can be finalised. NSFAS students are not required to pay these amounts.
Tuition: R4000.00 and Residence: R3000.00
