University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) Late Applications Link 2027

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is a major public university in South Africa with multiple campuses across the province of KwaZulu-Natal. 

It offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and research-based qualifications. 

Many students plan to start at UKZN in the 2027 academic year, and some miss the main deadline and go looking for a late application link. 

Understanding UKZN’s application rules, where to apply, whether late applications are allowed, and how to reach the right contacts can make the process clearer. 

What are the official application dates for UKZN 2027?

First-time entering students apply to UKZN for 2027 through the Central Applications Office (CAO), and UKZN sets the closing date by programme. 

For 2027 entry, CAO applications for most UKZN undergraduate programmes close on 30 September 2026.

Medicine (MBChB) closed earlier, on 30 June 2026, and UKZN does not take late or walk-in applications for Medicine.

UKZN does not publish a single universal deadline for all study types; postgraduate programmes have varying closing dates depending on qualification and faculty. 

Prospective applicants should check the official prospectus and faculty pages for precise deadlines.

Does UKZN accept late applications for 2027?

UKZN may consider late applications on a limited basis after the main deadlines, but this is not guaranteed and depends on space availability and programme requirements.

According to an official registrar communiqué, the university states that late applications cannot be submitted through the province’s Central Applications Office (CAO) platform. 

When UKZN needs to fill spaces, it has opened specific programmes for late application after the matric results. For the 2026 intake that happened in late January 2026, so watch for any 2027 notice in January 2027. 

Further information will be posted on the official UKZN applications portal when available.

This means there is no separate public “late applications link” like at some other universities. 

UKZN announces any late application opportunities on its official applications portal.

Where is the official UKZN application portal?

UKZN’s official online applications portal for 2027 admissions is https://applications.ukzn.ac.za/.

This is where applicants begin the application process and find updates about admissions.

First-time South African undergraduate applicants should apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) at www.cao.ac.za, while returning students, postgraduate students, and international applicants apply directly online at UKZN’s portal or through Freshdesk tickets as instructed.

How do I apply online?

To apply for study at UKZN:

1. Visit the official UKZN application portal: https://applications.ukzn.ac.za/
2. For first-time undergraduate entry, apply via the Central Applications Office (CAO): https://www.cao.ac.za/
3. Create an account or log in.
4. Complete the online application form, including personal details, qualifications, and programme choices.
5. Upload certified copies of your ID, matric results, and any other required documents.
6. Submit before the closing date or check for available late application opportunities if the portal reopens for specific programmes.

What should I do if I missed the deadline?

If you missed the main closing date, you should:

1. Check the official UKZN website regularly for any announcements of late application openings.
2. Contact UKZN’s Applications Office to ask whether specific programmes have late application windows.
3. Consider second-semester entry where UKZN offers it. For 2026, UKZN accepted some second-semester applications until 30 April 2026, so check the 2027 prospectus for the equivalent date.

How do I check my application status?

Once you’ve applied, you can track your application using the UKZN student portal at the official site. 

The portal provides tools for status checks and accepting offers.

UKZN does not allow walk-in queries on campus. All official communication regarding application status and offers is done online or by email.

Official UKZN contact information 

General Admissions Contacts

• Applications & Information Office – UKZN Student Academic Administration
  • Ms S. Njapha (Head) — Tel: +27 31 260 1088 — Email: njaphas2@ukzn.ac.za
  • Mr N. Radebe — Tel: +27 31 260 3297 — Email: RadebeN6@ukzn.ac.za
  • Mrs J. Wyngaard — Tel: +27 31 260 1298 — Email: wyngaard@ukzn.ac.za
  • Mr S. Mbhele — Tel: +27 31 260 2212 — Email: MbheleS@ukzn.ac.za
  • Ms N. Zungula — Tel: +27 31 260 2242 — Email: zungulan@ukzn.ac.za

UKZN Main Campus Contacts

• Durban (MAIN) — Tel: +27 31 260 1111
• Pietermaritzburg (PMB) — Tel: +27 33 260 5111
• General Enquiries — Tel: +27 31 260 8596 — Emails: enquiries@ukzn.ac.za, undergrad@ukzn.ac.za
• Official Website: https://www.ukzn.ac.za/

These are the official ways to ask about applications, late options, and general admissions guidance for UKZN.

FAQs

About the University of KwaZulu-Natal: If you are still weighing up your options, our University of KwaZulu-Natal profile explains the university’s history, campuses and funding.