{"id":29,"date":"2026-03-14T10:39:20","date_gmt":"2026-03-14T10:39:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bursariesafrica.co.za\/universities\/?page_id=29"},"modified":"2026-03-14T10:39:39","modified_gmt":"2026-03-14T10:39:39","slug":"how-to-apply-to-the-university-of-kwazulu-natal-for-2026","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bursariesafrica.co.za\/universities\/how-to-apply-to-the-university-of-kwazulu-natal-for-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"University of KwaZulu-Natal 2027 Application: Admission Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>The University of KwaZulu\u2011Natal (UKZN) is a leading public university with <strong>five campuses<\/strong> across KwaZulu\u2011Natal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">University of KwaZulu-Natal for 2027 Application<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This guide explains how to apply via <strong>CAO<\/strong> and <strong>UKZN<\/strong>, deadlines, admission requirements, required documents, fees, and application tracking, based on official sources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When does UKZN open applications for 2027?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>South African first-time undergraduate applicants:<\/strong><br>Applications open on <strong>1 March 2026<\/strong> via the <strong>Central Applications Office (CAO)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>All other applicants<\/strong> (international, postgraduate, transfer, or returning students) apply directly through the UKZN portal at <strong>ukzn.ac.za<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are the application deadlines for UKZN?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Medicine (MBChB):<\/strong> closes <strong>30 June 2026<\/strong> (no late applications accepted)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Other undergraduate programmes:<\/strong> closes <strong>30 September 2026<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Postgraduate programmes:<\/strong> deadlines vary by faculty; consult the postgraduate prospectus or relevant faculty page for exact dates<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who must apply via CAO and who applies via UKZN?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>CAO:<\/strong> South African first-time undergraduate applicants at <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.cao.ac.za\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">www.cao.ac.za<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>UKZN portal:<\/strong> International students, postgraduate applicants, returning students, and internal transfer applicants<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What documents are required for a UKZN application?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Applicants must upload <strong>certified copies<\/strong> of the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>South African ID or passport (for international students)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Grade\u202f11 final or Grade\u202f12 June results; or full NSC certificate<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Academic transcripts for transfer or postgraduate applicants<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>SAQA evaluation certificate (if qualifications are from foreign institutions)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Proof of payment of application fee<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>English proficiency proof if required<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Additional documents depending on programme, e.g., medical insurance, police clearance, or certificate of conduct for postgraduate applicants<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How much does it cost to apply to UKZN?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>South African undergraduate applications via CAO:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>On-time submission: <strong>R250<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Late application (from 1 November 2026): <strong>R420<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>International applicants via UKZN portal:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>SADC \/ other African countries: <strong>R490<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Outside Africa: approximately <strong>USD 153<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How can I apply online to UKZN?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>South African first-time undergraduates via CAO:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Go to <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.cao.ac.za\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">www.cao.ac.za<\/a><\/strong> and select <strong>2027<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Complete personal details and select <strong>up to six programme choices<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Upload academic results and supporting documents<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pay application fee using the provided reference (EasyPay or online payment)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Finalise submission and obtain your <strong>CAO reference number<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>International, postgraduate, and transfer applicants via UKZN portal:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Visit <strong>ukzn.ac.za<\/strong> \u2192 click <strong>UKZN Applications<\/strong> \u2192 <strong>Apply Now<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Register and complete all fields in the application portal<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Upload supporting documents and pay fees within the portal<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Submit your application and save your <strong>UKZN student number<\/strong> or reference<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How do I track the status of my UKZN application?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Use your <strong>CAO reference number<\/strong> or <strong>UKZN student number \/ ID \/ passport<\/strong> at <strong>caocheck.ukzn.ac.za<\/strong> to check your application status<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Status updates include <strong>\u201cAwaiting decision\u201d<\/strong> or <strong>\u201cOffer made\u201d<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Applicants may follow up with CAO or UKZN admissions directly if updates are delayed<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Official confirmation emails and SMS notifications are sent once offers are issued<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<style>\n  .faq-question {\n    cursor: pointer;\n    font-weight: bold;\n    margin-top: 10px;\n    padding: 8px;\n    background-color: #f5f5f5;\n    border: 1px solid #ddd;\n  }\n  .faq-answer {\n    display: none;\n    padding: 8px;\n    border-left: 3px solid #0073aa;\n    background-color: #fafafa;\n    margin-bottom: 10px;\n  }\n  .faq-answer a {\n    color: #0073aa;\n    text-decoration: underline;\n  }\n<\/style>\n\n<div id=\"faq-container\">\n\n  <div class=\"faq-item\">\n    <div class=\"faq-question\" onclick=\"toggleFAQ(this)\">1. When do UKZN applications open?<\/div>\n    <div class=\"faq-answer\">First\u2011time South African undergraduates can apply from <strong>1 March 2026<\/strong> via <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cao.ac.za\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">www.cao.ac.za<\/a>. All other applicants (international, postgraduate, returning, or transfer students) apply via <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ukzn.ac.za\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ukzn.ac.za<\/a>.<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"faq-item\">\n    <div class=\"faq-question\" onclick=\"toggleFAQ(this)\">2. What is the deadline for UKZN Medicine?<\/div>\n    <div class=\"faq-answer\">Medicine (MBChB) applications close on <strong>30 June 2026<\/strong>. No late applications are accepted.<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"faq-item\">\n    <div class=\"faq-question\" onclick=\"toggleFAQ(this)\">3. Who applies via CAO?<\/div>\n    <div class=\"faq-answer\">South African first-time undergraduate applicants use CAO. International, postgraduate, returning, and transfer students apply directly through the UKZN portal.<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"faq-item\">\n    <div class=\"faq-question\" onclick=\"toggleFAQ(this)\">4. What documents are required?<\/div>\n    <div class=\"faq-answer\">Applicants must upload certified ID\/passport, Grade\u202f11 final or Grade\u202f12 June results (or full NSC certificate), academic transcripts for transfers\/postgraduates, proof of payment, and SAQA evaluation or English proficiency documentation if applicable.<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"faq-item\">\n    <div class=\"faq-question\" onclick=\"toggleFAQ(this)\">5. How much is the application fee?<\/div>\n    <div class=\"faq-answer\">CAO applications for South African undergraduates cost <strong>R250<\/strong> on time; late applications (from 1 November 2026) are <strong>R420<\/strong>. International applicants pay <strong>R490<\/strong> (SADC\/other African countries) or approximately <strong>USD 153<\/strong> (outside Africa).<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"faq-item\">\n    <div class=\"faq-question\" onclick=\"toggleFAQ(this)\">6. How do I apply online?<\/div>\n    <div class=\"faq-answer\">Use CAO for first-time South African undergraduates or the UKZN portal for all others. Register, complete personal and academic details, upload documents, pay the required fee, and submit through the relevant platform.<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"faq-item\">\n    <div class=\"faq-question\" onclick=\"toggleFAQ(this)\">7. How do I track my application?<\/div>\n    <div class=\"faq-answer\">Check your status at <a href=\"https:\/\/caocheck.ukzn.ac.za\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">caocheck.ukzn.ac.za<\/a> using your CAO reference number or UKZN student number. Status updates and official offers are also sent via email or SMS.<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"faq-item\">\n    <div class=\"faq-question\" onclick=\"toggleFAQ(this)\">8. Can I choose multiple programmes?<\/div>\n    <div class=\"faq-answer\">CAO applicants may select **up to six programme choices**. Other applicants must follow portal instructions for multiple study options.<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"faq-item\">\n    <div class=\"faq-question\" onclick=\"toggleFAQ(this)\">9. Are late applications accepted?<\/div>\n    <div class=\"faq-answer\">Late applications are considered only if space remains in a programme. Strict deadlines apply for Medicine and other selective courses.<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"faq-item\">\n    <div class=\"faq-question\" onclick=\"toggleFAQ(this)\">10. What happens if my CAO status remains &#8220;Awaiting decision&#8221;?<\/div>\n    <div class=\"faq-answer\">You can contact CAO or UKZN admissions. Delays usually occur due to document verification or high application volume. Official notifications are sent once offers are made.<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<script>\n  function toggleFAQ(element) {\n    const answer = element.nextElementSibling;\n    answer.style.display = answer.style.display === 'block' ? 'none' : 'block';\n  }\n<\/script>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The University of KwaZulu\u2011Natal (UKZN) is a leading public university with five campuses across KwaZulu\u2011Natal. University of KwaZulu-Natal for 2027 Application This guide explains how to apply via CAO and UKZN, deadlines, admission requirements, required documents, fees, and application tracking, based on official sources. When does UKZN open applications for 2027? South African first-time undergraduate&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"iawp_total_views":698,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-29","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bursariesafrica.co.za\/universities\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/29","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bursariesafrica.co.za\/universities\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bursariesafrica.co.za\/universities\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bursariesafrica.co.za\/universities\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bursariesafrica.co.za\/universities\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=29"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.bursariesafrica.co.za\/universities\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/29\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":616,"href":"https:\/\/www.bursariesafrica.co.za\/universities\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/29\/revisions\/616"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bursariesafrica.co.za\/universities\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=29"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}