{"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":"2026-09-22T13:41:59","modified_gmt":"2026-09-22T13:41:59","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<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1790000002900\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">When do UKZN applications open?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>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>.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1790000002901\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">What is the deadline for UKZN Medicine?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Medicine (MBChB) applications close on <strong>30 June 2026<\/strong>. No late applications are accepted.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1790000002902\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Who applies via CAO?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>South African first-time undergraduate applicants use CAO. International, postgraduate, returning, and transfer students apply directly through the UKZN portal.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1790000002903\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">What documents are required?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Applicants must upload certified ID\/passport, Grade 11 final or Grade 12 June results (or full NSC certificate), academic transcripts for transfers\/postgraduates, proof of payment, and SAQA evaluation or English proficiency documentation if applicable.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1790000002904\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">How much is the application fee?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>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).<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1790000002905\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">How do I apply online?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1790000002906\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">How do I track my application?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1790000002907\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Can I choose multiple programmes?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>CAO applicants may select **up to six programme choices**. Other applicants must follow portal instructions for multiple study options.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1790000002908\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Are late applications accepted?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Late applications are considered only if space remains in a programme. Strict deadlines apply for Medicine and other selective courses.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1790000002909\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">What happens if my CAO status remains &#8220;Awaiting decision&#8221;?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\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 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"_ba_keyfacts":"","_ba_provider_contact":"","_ba_provider_name":"","_ba_provider_type":"","_ba_provider_cat":"","_ba_writer":"pieter-van-der-merwe","_ba_reviewer":"naledi-khumalo","iawp_total_views":826,"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":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.bursariesafrica.co.za\/universities\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/29\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":892,"href":"https:\/\/www.bursariesafrica.co.za\/universities\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/29\/revisions\/892"}],"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}]}}