The University of KwaZulu‑Natal (UKZN) is a leading public university in South Africa with five campuses across KwaZulu‑Natal.

Applications for the 2026 academic year open soon. 

This guide outlines how to apply via CAO and UKZN, application deadlines, requirements, documents, fees, and application tracking, using only official and top-ranking sources.

When does UKZN open applications for the 2026 academic year?

Applications for first‑time South African undergraduates open on 1 March 2025 via the Central Applications Office (CAO). 

All other applicants (international, postgraduate, transfers, returning students) apply directly at ukzn.ac.za.

What are the application deadlines for UKZN?

  • Medicine (MBChB): closes 30 June 2025 (no late applications accepted)
  • All other undergraduate programmes: closes 30 September 2025
  • Postgraduate deadlines: vary by faculty—check the postgraduate prospectus for exact dates

Who must apply via CAO and who applies at UKZN?

  • South African first-time undergraduate applicants apply through www.cao.ac.za.
  • International applicants, postgraduate, returning and internal transfer students must apply via ukzn.ac.za

What documents are required for a UKZN application?

Applicants must upload certified copies of:

  1. South African ID or passport (international)
  2. Grade 11 final or Grade 12 June results; or full NSC certificate
  3. Academic transcripts for transfer/postgraduate applicants
  4. SAQA evaluation certificate (if qualifications from foreign institutions)
  5. Proof of application fee payment
  6. English proficiency proof (if needed)
  7. Additional documents like medical insurance, police clearance, certificate of conduct for postgraduate applicants

How much does it cost to apply to UKZN?

  • South African CAO applications: R250 if submitted on time; late application (from 1 November) R420
  • International applicants (via UKZN site):
     • SADC/other African countries: R490
     • Outside Africa: approximately USD 153.

How can I apply online to UKZN?

Steps for South African undergraduate applicants via CAO:

  1. Go to www.cao.ac.za, select 2026
  2. Complete personal details, select up to six programme choices
  3. Upload academic results and supporting documents
  4. Pay application fee using provided reference (EasyPay or online)
  5. Finalise submission and obtain CAO reference number

International, postgraduate, and transfer applicants via ukzn.ac.za:

  • Click “UKZN Applications” → “Apply Now” → register → complete application portal fields → upload documents and pay within portal.

How do I track the status of my UKZN application?

  • Use your CAO reference number or UKZN student number/ID/passport at caocheck.ukzn.ac.za to check status
  • CAO shows “Awaiting decision” or “Offer made”; applicants often follow‑up with CAO or UKZN admissions directly if delayed
  • Official confirmation emails or SMS messages are also sent once offers are made
1. When do UKZN applications open?
First‑time South African undergraduates start on 1 March 2025 via www.cao.ac.za. Others apply at ukzn.ac.za.
2. What is the deadline for UKZN Medicine?
Medicine (MBChB) applications close by 30 June 2025, with no late applications accepted.
3. Who applies via CAO?
South African first‑time undergraduate applicants use CAO. International, postgraduate, and transfer students apply via UKZN directly.
4. What documents are required?
Certified ID or passport, Grade 12 results or NSC certificate, academic transcripts if applicable, proof of payment, and SAQA or proficiency documents when needed.
5. How much is the application fee?
R250 for South African on‑time CAO applications; late applications R420. International applicants pay R490 or approx USD 153.
6. How do I apply online?
Use CAO for eligible applicants or the UKZN portal. Register, upload documents, pay, and submit through the relevant platform.
7. How do I track my application?
Visit caocheck.ukzn.ac.za, enter reference number, and follow status updates. Email/SMS notifications also provided.
8. Can I choose multiple programmes?
CAO applicants may select up to six programme choices on one application.
9. Are late applications accepted?
Late applications are accepted only if space remains; programmes like medicine strictly close on deadline.
10. What happens if CAO status stays at “Awaiting decision”?
You may contact CAO or UKZN admissions; delays are sometimes due to document verification or high volume.