University of Zululand (UNIZULU)

The University of Zululand (UNIZULU) is a public comprehensive university in northern KwaZulu-Natal, with its main campus at KwaDlangezwa near Empangeni and a campus in Richards Bay. UNIZULU’s vision is to be a leading comprehensive African university with rural and urban campuses, producing globally competitive graduates relevant to the country’s development needs.

Registered name

University of Zululand (UNIZULU)

Type

Public comprehensive university

Website

unizulu.ac.za

African thought and Ubuntu

UNIZULU was founded in 1960 as a university college under apartheid. Today UNIZULU presents itself as a celebration of African thought, inviting students into a community that values Ubuntu and diversity of ideas. Its location near Richards Bay’s port and industries and in the rural uMhlathuze region means it serves both industrial and rural communities.

Recent activity

UNIZULU’s recent news shows a varied campus. Its Department of Nursing Science hosted a two-day forum of FUNDISA, the national forum of nursing university heads, in August 2026. The Department of Human Movement Science hosted Grade 12 learners from Empangeni, UNIZULU completed a 40-day residency with Fulbright Specialist Professor Jesse Lutabingwa, and volleyball player Nomkhosi Mathula made history for the university. UNIZULU also runs public education on topics such as why every person should have a will.

Admissions through CAO

UNIZULU processes first-year undergraduate applications through the Central Applications Office (CAO) in Durban, which handles applications for several KwaZulu-Natal institutions. UNIZULU’s admissions office helps faculties meet enrolment targets by admitting applicants with the ability to succeed, advises applicants and parents, and provides information booklets on programme requirements and duration.

UNIZULU’s Quality Assurance Office manages programme accreditation and reviews, benchmarking UNIZULU’s programmes against other universities.

Bursaries and loans page

UNIZULU keeps a bursaries and loans page that gathers opportunities from companies and organisations, such as the South African National Biodiversity Institute’s biological invasions programme, to help students solve financial problems and graduate.

Points ranges at UNIZULU

UNIZULU’s minimum APS typically ranges from about 22 for applied certificates to 30 or more for commerce, law and science programmes. UNIZULU first-years apply through CAO, so the status check guide below explains how to follow an application there.

Avoiding CAO late fees

Apply through CAO early, since CAO charges higher fees for late applications, and confirm whether your programme is taught at KwaDlangezwa or Richards Bay.

See our KwaZulu-Natal government bursaries.