Introduction to UKZN Applications 2025

If you plan to study at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) for the admission 2025 intake, you can now submit your application online through the Central Applications Office (CAO) if you are a South African first-time undergraduate applicant, or via UKZN Online Application portal if you are applying for postgraduate, you are international or returning student.

The application window is still open until September 30, for Undergraduate Applicants. So, you are submitting your application in early before the deadline. UKZN will not accept more applications after September 30, for the 2025 intake.

In this article, we have provided application key dates, Admission Requirements and the comprehensive step by step guide to help you with a successful Online application process.

UKZN Application Dates for 2025

Before you submit your application to UKZN, you must consider tracking the important application deadlines. Being aware of these dates will help you plan effectively and avoid last-minute stress.

By keeping track of important application dates for 2025, you’re ensuring a successful application process. The application closing dates can be found on the UKZN website. Generally, the application deadlines for the UKZN admission process are almost the same every year. The following are the important admission dates for 2025 applications.

• All other Undergraduate Programmes Closing Date: 30 September
• Closing Dates Postgrad Diploma/Certificate and Honours: 30 September, 30 April, 31 October

Keep in mind that delaying sending your application could mean missing out on placement, so it’s important to send your applications as soon as possible, keeping these deadlines in mind for successful application.

If you encounter any challenges during application, please don’t hesitate to contact the admissions department for further assistance via Enquiries@ukzn.ac.za

UKZN Minimum Admission Requirements

When preparing for the UKZN application process, make sure that you have thoroughly researched the courses and the required qualifications and criteria. The UKZN Minimum Admission Requirements are the qualifications and criteria set that all students must meet to be accepted into the various programs offered.

The UKZN minimum admission requirements can vary depending on the course you want to apply. However, there are some basic criteria that apply to all programs.

Admission Requirements for degree study

If you are applying for degree study, you must meet the following Minimum Requirements

• Must obtain at least 40% for Home Language
• Must obtain at least 50% for FOUR other subjects excluding Life Orientation
• Must obtain at least 30% for ONE other subject
• Must obtain at least 30% in Language of Learning and Teaching (LOLT) of the Higher Education Institution where you intend studying
• Must pass at least 6 out of 7 subjects

Where you see NSC Degree as an entry requirement in the Programme Choice List, this means that you must meet the above requirements. If the institution has additional requirements, it will be indicated

Admission Requirements for Postgraduate Diplomas (NQF 8)

If you are applying for Postgraduate Diplomas (NQF 8), you must meet the following Minimum Requirements

• An appropriate bachelor’s degree; OR
• Admission to the status of that degree in terms of Rule GR7 (a); OR
• Attained a level of competence as defined by Rule GR7 (b);
• A School/College may prescribe further criteria for admission to study. Consult College Handbooks on ukzn.ac.za;
• Some Schools/Colleges may accept an Advanced Diploma for entry into a Postgraduate Diploma if HEQF (Higher Education Qualification Framework) requirements are met.

Admission Requirements for Bachelor of Honours Degrees (NQF 8)

If you are applying for Bachelor of Honours Degrees (NQF 8), you must meet the following Minimum Requirements

• An appropriate bachelor’s degree; OR
• Admission to the status of that degree in terms of Rule GR7 (a); OR
• Attained a level of competence as defined by Rule GR7 (b);
• A School/College may prescribe further criteria for admission to study. Consult College Handbooks on www.ukzn.ac.za

Masters by Coursework and Masters by Research (NQF9)

If you are applying for master’s by Coursework and master’s by Research (NQF9), you must meet the following Minimum Requirements

• A relevant prerequisite degree; OR
• Admission to the status of that degree in terms of Rule GR7 (a); OR
• Attained a level of competence as defined by rule GR7 (b);
• A School/College may prescribe further criteria for admission to study. Consult College Handbooks on www.ukzn.ac.za.

Doctor of Philosophy or Supervised Doctoral Degrees by Research (NQF 10)

If you are applying for Doctor of Philosophy or Supervised Doctoral Degrees by Research (NQF 10) you must meet the following Minimum Requirements

• A relevant prerequisite degree; OR
• Admission to the status of that degree in terms of Rule GR7 (a); OR
• Attained a level of competence as defined by rule GR7 (b);
• A School/College may prescribe further criteria for admission to study. Consult College Handbooks on www.ukzn.ac.za under ‘Student Portal’

These are general requirements; each course has its unique requirements listed in the UKZN Prospectuses

UKZN Required documents for Online Applications

• Certified copy of your ID/passport.
• Certified copy of your National Senior/Matric Certificate or O/A Levels or relevant school leaving qualification/certificate.
• Proof from Universities South Africa (previously known as HESA), that you qualify for admission to degree studies at South Africa universities, if you are an international applicant. For more information, refer to the undergraduate prospectus.
• An applicant who has studied at any other tertiary institution must, in addition, present certified copies of degree certificates, full academic record, proof of financial clearance and a certificate of conduct from that institution.
• Proof of English proficiency for international applicants from non-English speaking countries.
• South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) evaluations if the previous qualification(s) was/were obtained at foreign universities (outside South Africa).
• A research proposal/proposed title of the dissertation/thesis if you are applying for a master’s degree or PhD.
• Copy of study/residence permit (if you are a non South African applicant)

Other Application Instructions

• Before applying online please make sure that you have read the guidelines above.
• Please ensure that you have the USAF/SAQA documents to be uploaded to complete your application.
• Please ensure to use reference APPN (followed by your student number) when making application fee payment.
• Please allow the system 24 hrs. to 48 hrs. to clear your payment.
• South African first-time undergraduate applicants applying to UKZN must apply via CAO at www.cao.ac.za

2025 UKZN Application Fees

To ensure that your application is processed and accepted, it is important to make the application fee payment on time.

The application fee amount may change each year, you can visit the UKZN Application Fees page for more information about the admission application fees for the year 2025.

In addition, you should pay the application fee on time to avoid last-minute congestion and ensure that your application is processed as quickly as possible. The latest UKZN application fees are as follows:

South African 

• On-time applications R210
• Late applications R420

International

• SADC and rest of Africa R490
• Outside Africa $153

Application fees for SA applicants can be paid into:

• Name of Account: UKZN Main
• Bank: Standard Bank
• Type of Account: Business Current Account
• Account Number: 05 308 0998
• Branch: Westville
• Branch Code: 045426
• Reference: APPN (followed by your student number

Application fees for international applicants can be paid into:

• Name of Account: UKZN Foreign Deposit
• Bank: Standard Bank
• Type of Account: Business Current Account
• Account Number: 05 308 2826
• Branch: Westville
• Branch Code: 045426
• Reference: APPN (followed by your student number)

N.B. Please ensure to use reference APPN (followed by your student number) when making an application fee payment.

UKZN Online Application Process

The application process for admission to undergraduate and postgraduate programs at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is conducted online through the Central Applications Office (CAO) if you are a South African first-time undergraduate applicant, and via UKZN Online Application Portal if you are a postgraduate, international, or returning student.

Before applying, make sure you understand the Required admission requirements. If you meet the admission criteria, you can proceed with the Online application procedure.

The UKZN application process involves filling out an online application form by submitting the required documents, such as school certificates, personal information, and paying the required application fee.

How to Apply for UKZN admission via Central Applications Office (CAO)

All first-time South African applicants to UKZN for entry into degree/ diploma study in the first semester (February) of an academic year (Grade 12s as well as undergraduate transfer students from other institutions) must apply via the Central Applications Office (CAO).

For Central Applications Office (CAO ) manual offline applications : Obtain the CAO application form and CAO Handbook from the CAO on +27 (0)31 268 4444 or CAO’s website at www.cao.ac.za OR institutions OR high schools. For UKZN, write to enquiries@ukzn.ac.za.

The CAO also has an online application facility. The CAO system allows you to apply to more than one institution. You can use the same application number for all institutions. To apply for UKZN admission via Central Applications Office (CAO) Online application system kindly follow the provided step by step instructions.

1.      PREPARATION BEFORE YOU APPLY:

If you are currently in Grade 12.

• Your ID Number (Found on your ID Document and/or Birth Certificate)
• At least your Final Grade 11 Results.
• Also, Your Grade 12 June and/or Trials (September results) if you already have it or as soon as you get it.

If you have already passed the Grade 12 Final Examinations

• Your ID Number (Found on your ID Document and/or Birth Certificate)
• Your Final NSC results

2.      DURING YOUR APPLICATION:

• Visit the Central Applications Office website: cao.ac.za
• Click on ‘Apply’ on the top navigation bar
• Carefully read the Application instructions and click on ‘Continue with Application’
• Enter your ID Number and click on ‘Submit’.
• Enter ALL the details requested. Once you have entered all the requested information, click on ‘Next’
• Click on ‘Continue with Online Application’.
• A pop-up window will appear with your CAO number, password and EasyPay number. Read the instructions. The same information will also be sent to the email address you provided. This information is important to access your information later and track the progress of your application.
• Click on ‘Continue with Online Application’.
• Follow the instructions, complete ALL the information requested and click ‘Next’ on each page as you navigate through the application
• At the end of the application, view the summary of YOUR application presented on screen. Should any information be incorrect, click on ‘Edit’ and update the information immediately.
• To submit your application, click on ‘Process My Application’ at the bottom of the page.
• You will know that you have successfully submitted your application when you receive the prompt “Your Application has been successfully submitted to CAO.”

3.      AT THE SAME TIME, WHILE COMPLETING YOUR APPLICATION YOU CAN:

Pay your admin fee online at the same time you apply or after or by choosing to pay at an EasyPay Outlet (See Page 24 on ‘Ways to Pay the Administration Fee’).

Submit/Upload your supporting documents eg. ID, School Results etc at the same time you apply or afterwards by clicking on the ‘Upload My Documents’ icon on the Homepage (See Page 22 on ‘How to Submit your Supporting Documents).

4.      AFTER YOU HAVE APPLIED

If you did not pay the administration fee or upload your documents at the time you applied, you must do so as soon possible.

• Pay the administration fee online by clicking on ‘Payments’ on the top menu bar OR Pay via an EasyPay outlet (See Page 24 on ‘Ways to Pay the Administration Fee’)
• Upload your Proof of Payment AND Upload supporting documents by clicking on the ‘Upload My Documents’ icon on the Homepage (See Page 22 on ‘How to Submit your Supporting Documents’).

How to Submit your Supporting Documents

1.       To login to upload your documents, you must have the following:

• Your CAO number or ID/Passport number AND
• Cell phone (with cell number entered on your application)
• Access to your email (which was entered on your application) AND YOU MUST HAVE YOUR DOCUMENTS SAVED IN A FILE ON YOUR COMPUTER OR ON A MEMORY STICK/ FLASH DRIVE
• Each document must be saved individually to upload to the respective document type that you are submitting

2.       Minimum documents required on application

• Copy of ID/Passport AND
• Final Grade 11 Report (if you are in Grade 12) OR
• Highest qualification achieved
• Copy of study/residence permit (if you are a non South African applicant)
• Proof of payment

3.       Further documents

• June Grade 12 Report (as soon as you receive it if you are currently in Grade 12)
• September/Trials Grade 12 Report (as soon as you receive it if you are currently in Grade 12)
• Any other document requested by the institution, eg. Academic Record, etc

4.       Uploading documents on the CAO website

• Go to the website cao.ac.za
• Click on the ‘Upload My Documents’ icon on the Home Page
• Read the instructions to know what you need ‘in order to login to upload your documents’
• Once logged in, follow the steps provided to upload your documents and enter your related examination results, where required
• Review and make sure that you have uploaded the correct documents and entered the correct results, where required
• If you are in Grade 12, it is compulsory to enter your Life Orientation result
• Once you are ready to submit, click the ‘Submit My Documents’ icon.

Additional instructions for applications through CAO

• If you are applying through CAO, you must download the CAO Handbook for more information on programmes available as well as information on minimum requirements for application to specific programmes. Applicants are allowed six choices that must be listed in order of preference.
• Applicants pay one administration fee only to the CAO, regardless of the number of institutions they apply to: » If students apply before 31 October 2024, the CAO application fee is R250. » If students apply from 1 November 2024 onwards, the CAO application fee is R470. » Administration fees are paid either: by payment at any EasyPay facility using an application number and EasyPay number on the form as reference OR via the Internet where applicants can print a deposit slip quoting the CAO number for bank deposits.
• Do not pay CAO administration fees to UKZN and do not enclose cash.
• The CAO will confirm receipt of applications by email; applicants must confirm their basic information, and their choices made; provide information on special programme requirements; and list outstanding documentation.
• Applicants must check the information and inform the CAO in writing if they want to make any changes to their programme choices. Any changes will require payment of an additional R140.
• Institutions will access the applications via the Internet. UKZN may make early/conditional offers based on National Senior Certificate (NSC) results, if already obtained, or excellent Grade 11, Grade 12 mid-year or trial results. Offers may only be made once the NSC results are received in January.
• The CAO advises applicants via SMS as soon as a decision has been made. UKZN will follow up with further correspondence. Refer to page 26 for information on UKZN selection procedures.
• The CAO obtains the NSC results from the Department of Education.

CAO CONTACT DETAILS

Applicants should contact the CAO call centre on Tel: +27 (0)31 268 4444 or 083 123 0000 OR consult the CAO web page at: www.cao.ac.za to check the progress of their application. A CAO 24-hour response service for selection decisions is available on Tel: +27 (0)83 123 2000.

Online Application via UKZN application portal (Applications Directly to UKZN )

The UKZN has developed an online application system. The following applicants can apply online:

• Postgraduate and international applicants;
• Returning former UKZN undergraduate Applicants;
• International Applicants Application for Admission to Full-time Undergraduate Studies
• Previously registered UKZN students wanting to return to complete their programmes.
• Previously registered UKZN students wanting to apply to another undergraduate programme.
• Applicants for non-degree studies.
• New applicants for admission to non-CAO programmes listed in the College section of this Prospectus.
• New applicants applying for admission to Semester 2. Consult with UKZN on availability of spaces in programmes before submitting applications for Semester 2.
• UKZN Undergraduate application forms are available from: » General Enquiry Offices on all campuses. www.ukzn.ac.za; » UKZN’s website under ‘Apply to UKZN’; and » On request from: enquiries@ukzn.ac.za.
• A non-refundable application fee of R210 is payable to UKZN on submission of an application and required documentation (late fee R420).

UKZN Online applications can be done by visiting this URL link is https://erpweb.ukzn.ac.za/pls/ukznint/gen.gw1pkg.gw1view

To complete your online application to University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), follow these steps:

• Visit the university’s official website at www.ukzn.ac.za.
• Go to the top ANNOUNEMENTS section of the site.
• Click on “2025 UKZN APPLICATIONS “to open the application pages.
• On the application page, navigate to Quick Links
• Click the How to apply link
• Carefully read instructions and click the “Click here to apply online” button
• You’ll be directed to the online application page (https://erpweb.ukzn.ac.za/pls/ukznint/gen.gw1pkg.gw1view), where you need to create your account and fill in your personal and educational details.
• Provide important information such as your contact details.
• Choose the course you want to apply for.
• Pay the application fee of R210, which must be deposited beforehand

Application fees for SA applicants can be paid into:

• Name of Account: UKZN Main
• Bank: Standard Bank
• Type of Account: Business Current Account
• Account Number: 05 308 0998
• Branch: Westville
• Branch Code: 045426
• Reference: APPN (followed by your student number
• After completing the payment step, make sure to verify your details and then click on ‘Submit’ to send your application form.

FOR MORE INFORMATION,

CONTACT: Tel: +27 (0)31 260 2212/2238/7577/ 7877/ 2011/3417/3297/1298 +27 (0)33 260 5212/5214 /5022

Late applications

• Applicants must take note of the dates and ensure that they apply on time. No walk-in applications will be allowed in January 2025.

For entry in Semester 2 2025

• 30 April 2025 (new applicants as well as returning UKZN students).
• Limited new applications may be allowed only to programmes where admission is considered. These applications are made directly to UKZN.

Postgraduate students

• All applicants for postgraduate study must complete a University of KwaZulu-Natal ‘Application for Postgraduate Admission’ form.
• Application forms are available from the General Enquiry Offices on campuses or on the UKZN web at www.ukzn.ac.za under ‘Apply to UKZN’, Application Procedures.
• An application fee must be paid to UKZN on submission of the application or at the bank
• Mail the form to the address provided on the cover of the form.
• Once the application is processed, a candidate will be issued with a student number and the application will be forwarded to the relevant School for consideration; and
• These steps will enable you to proceed with registration if offered a place.

Returning Students

Students currently registered at UKZN and wanting to apply for Postgraduate Diploma or Honours programmes must use the Returning Student Application for Admission to Graduate Studies form.

This form is available at the General Enquiries Offices on campus as well as on the UKZN web www.ukzn.ac.za under ‘Apply to UKZN’,

Application Procedures;

• Current students wanting to apply to Masters and PhD programmes must complete the UKZN ‘Application for Postgraduate Admission’ form. This form is available at the General Enquiries Offices on campus as well as on the UKZN web www.ukzn.ac.za under ‘Apply to UKZN’;
• No application fee is payable if there has been no break in studies. Applicants who have been out of the system for a full academic year or more will be required to pay a new application fee;
• Please provide your student number on the application.
• Submit the forms at the General Enquiries Office on your campus OR mail to the address provided on the cover of the application form; and
• Once the application is processed, it will be forwarded to the relevant School for consideration

UKZN online applications are available to international and SADC (undergrad and postgrad) applicants and local postgraduate (new and returning) applicants.

ONLINE APPLICATIONS

The URL link for online applications is available on our UKZN web page. https://erpweb.ukzn.ac.za/pls/ukznint/gen.gw1pkg.gw1view.

For the application to be finalized and processed, the uploading of documents is required. It is, therefore, recommended that these documents are electronically accessible for upload at the time of application.

Once the application is complete, a student number is immediately issued with details of the application fee payable as well as banking details and a reference number to use when making payment.