UKZN application: The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is reputable for providing the best higher education in South Africa and Africa in general, The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is a truly South African University of Choice that is academically excellent, innovative in research, entrepreneurial, and critically engaged with society. The University of KwaZulu-Natal was formed on 1 January 2004 as a result of the merger between the University of Durban-Westville and the University of Natal. The new university brings together the rich histories of both the former Universities’ is visioning being the Premier University of African Scholarship.
The University of KwaZulu-Natal is made up of about four faculties or colleges, consisting of several subject areas and schools. The UKZN faculties and colleges are:
- College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science
- College of Health Sciences
- College of Humanities
- College of Law and Management Studies
The UKZN faculties, colleges, and schools have been clarified through the Official UKZN faculties pages here
University of KwaZulu-Natal UKZN admission
The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) usually invites admission to new applicants for various programs including undergraduate and postgraduate levels every year. The UKZN admission process involves Online registration and application through the Central Applications Office (CAO) or the UKZN Online Application portal, the CAO system is used only by the first-time south African undergraduate applicants while the UKZN Online Application portal is for Postgraduate applicants, International and Returning Students only.
However, applying for admission at UNISA for first-time applicants might occasionally be challenging, on that account through this article, we have enlightened the complete guide for the UKZN application process for the 2023/2026 academic year.
The University of KwaZulu-Natal UKZN application for 2026
The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is now accepting applications for undergraduate and postgraduate courses. The UKZN application 2023 window for undergraduate applicants is open from April 2023 to 31 October 2023.
UKZN application 2026 dates have been shown in the table below
| EVENT | DATE |
| Application opening date | 1 April 2023 |
| Application closing date | 31 October 2023 |
| Late application opening date | February 2026 |
| Late application closing dates | February 2026 |
Aspiring candidates can apply for UKZN admission by filling out the UKZN application forms or sending their applications online via the UKZN Online Application portal or by visiting the Central Applications Office (CAO) at www.cao.ac.za.
UKZN application fee 2026
To apply for Admission at UKZN, aspirants must pay a non-refundable application fee of R465 (For CAO applicants) and R470 for R470 for SADC and Africa applicants, and $146 for international applicants applying via the UKZN Online application portal.
The UKZN application fee has been shown in detail in the Table below.
| Applicants Type | Application Fees |
| South African applicants | R465 |
| SADC and African applicants | R470 |
| International Applicants | $146 |
The application fee Can be paid Either by cheque or postal order direct to the CAO on submission of your completed application form. The cheque or postal order must be made out to the Central Applications Office and the cheque must be crossed. No cash payments are accepted. Or by direct deposit at any branch of ABSA Bank or via the Internet. More details on the UKZN Application fee are available here
UKZN application forms 2026
As described above, an applicant applying for admission at UKZN will need an application form, The UKZN application form allows an applicant or candidate to fill in the required information. The application form includes the sections such as basic information, academic information, etc.
The UKZN Application forms are usually completed and submitted online, although offline paper versions are also available in some cases, the offline application forms can be downloaded below
UKZN Application forms pdf downloads
| FORMS | Download Links |
| Undergraduate Internal transfer form | Download pdf |
| Undergraduate Application form | Download pdf |
| Postgraduate Application form | Download pdf |
| Postgraduate Internal transfer form | Download pdf |
The Completed application forms must be emailed to enquiries@ukzn.ac.za
Admission to UKZN is typically done online, therefore aspirants shall visit the UKZN online application portal and fill out the online application forms instantly. South African Applicants can access the application forms through this link
While, Postgraduate, International, and Returning Students can access their special online application here.
The comprehensive guide on how to apply for UKZN admission online has been explained below.
How to apply online to the University of KwaZulu-Natal through UKZN online application portal & CAO
As mentioned earlier, the application to the University of KwaZulu-Natal is usually done online through the UKZN online application portal or Central Applications Office (CAO). To apply for admission, candidates shall visit the CAO website or UKZN online application portal.
UKZN Online application through the Central Applications Office (CAO)
When applying for admission to the University of KwaZulu-Natal, candidates should prepare all the required documents including:
- Copy of ID
- Final grade 11 report or highest qualification achieved
- Copy of study/residence permit if you are a non-South African applicant
- June grade 12 report (as soon as you receive it)
- September/Trial Grade 12 report (as soon as you receive it)
To apply for admission on the CAO website;
- Visit CAO website http://www.cao.ac.za/
- Click on the Apply link from the menu
- The new page will open, kindly Read the instruction on the page carefully and click the Continue with the Application link.
- Enter your ID number and click on ‘Submit’
- Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on ‘Continue with Application’
- Enter the required details and click on ‘Next’
- Enter your school details, the year you attended and the year you completed that school
- Click ‘Next’.
- Pay your application fee online and upload your supporting documents.
For inquiries about CAO application please contact the Central Applications Office (CAO) at Tel: (031) 268 4444 or visit https://cao.ac.za/ for more details
Apply for admission via UKZN online application portal
If you are Postgraduate or International aspirants you can apply for admission via the UKZN online admission portal. To apply for admission, follow the step below;
- Visit the UKZN online application portal https://erpweb.ukzn.ac.za/pls/ukznint/gen.gw1pkg.gw1view
- Enter the required details such as email address, mobile phone number your name, and other info are as shown on the display
- Verify the Data capture verification challenge
- And click the continue button
- Follow the on-screen instructions to apply for admission
For more details on UKZN applications, you can visit the UKZN Applications and Information Office webpage at http://applications.ukzn.ac.za/Homepage.aspx
UKZN late applications for 2026
The University of KwaZulu-Natal provides an opportunity for late applicants, candidates who for one reason or another were unable to apply during the normal application window can use the chance to apply for their desired programs or courses.
The UKZN late application also provides an opportunity to aspirants who wish to change to another course. The UKZN late applications for 2026 are expected to be open from January 2026 to February 2026. Only through this opportunity, new applicants will be able to send their applications, and also the previous applicants who wish to make changes or edit their applications will have the opportunity to do so.
