FAQs

My Application

What are the application dates for the University of KwaZulu-Natal?

01 March – Applications open

30 June – Medicine (MBChB) applications close

30 September – All other programmes close

How do I start my application?

For international students and postgraduate studies

  • Go to ukzn.ac.za. and click on “UKZN Applications” on the homepage, scroll down and click on “how to apply”, scroll down and click on “click here to apply” and start your application, or follow the link to Apply >
  • Create a profile, complete all compulsory fields, and submit your completed application.

For students within South Africa

  • Go to the CAO site, on cao.ac.za. Click on “Apply
  • Follow instructions on the page, continue to creating a profile, complete all compulsory fields, and submit your application.
How much is the application fee for undergraduate studies?
  • CAO charges an amount of R250 per applicant. Once the amount is paid to CAO, your application will be made available to UKZN.
  • International students pay R490 directly to UKZN.
Can I pay my application fee after the closing date?

No. All applications must be submitted and paid for before the closing date.

Where can I find more information on the programmes that UKZN offers?
How do I check my application status?

To check your UKZN Application Status go to: https://caocheck.ukzn.ac.za/Start.aspx.  

Select the Application Year (e.g. 2024) and enter one of the following: the CAO, UKZN Student, ID or Passport Number and then click Check button. It’s that easy!

What does “Pending” mean on my application status?

This means your application is being processed and no offer has been made.

What does “Waiting list” mean on my application status?

This means they are waiting for other candidates to accept or decline an offer in order for you to be given an offer. If someone declines, the candidates on the waiting list stand a chance of getting a firm offer.

What does “Firm offer” mean on my application status?

Final offer is made based on your final Grade 12 results released at the beginning of the entry year. You will have three days to accept this final offer; if not, the offer will lapse.

What does “Conditional offer” mean on my application status?

If you apply with your Grade 11 results, you may be admitted on the condition that you pass your final NSC or equivalent exam, and that your results meet the conditions set for the programme you applied for.

What does “Programme Full” mean on my application status?

This status means that the College office has reached its maximum number of students for a class to be full.

What does “Offer Withdrawn” mean on my application status?

This means the College office had given you a firm offer but had to withdraw it due to the late response. Please note that a firm offer is only valid for three days.

How do I accept an offer.

On the link that is provided on your SMS or email submit certified copy of ID, Matric certificate/statement and proof of payment of R250 for accepting the offer.

Alternatively, download the offer form on this link > https://ww2.saa.ukzn.ac.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/2024-Acceptance-of-offer_-Undergraduate-South-African-students.pdf and indemnity form on this link> https://ww2.saa.ukzn.ac.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Indemnity-form-English.pdf and submit to the College administration listed at the bottom of the offer form according to your programme, your surname, along with a certified copy of your ID and Matric certificate/statement.

What is the difference between a conditional and final offer?

If you apply with your Grade 11 results, we may admit you on the condition that you pass your final NSC or equivalent exam, and your results meet the conditions set for the programme you applied for. This would be a conditional offer.

Final offer is made based on your final Grade 12 results released at the beginning of the entry year. You will have three days to accept this final offer; if not, the offer will lapse.

Does UKZN accept late applications?

Late Applications may be allowed for certain programmes depending on the College office having reached its targets or not. Please note that an additional fee for a late application will be charged.

I made a mistake on my application while applying, can I edit it to correct the mistake or upload a missing document?

No, you will have to communicate with the College office that your application has been sent to and see if they will be able to add or change the missing information before their shortlisting.

Can I receive multiple offers?

You can apply and be considered for more than one programme/degree. Meaning it is possible that you receive more than one offer from your programme choices. However, you may accept only one offer at any given time.

If I accept a conditional officer of a programme that was not my first choice, will I still be considered for my first one? Or others that I applied for?

If you accept a conditional offer while waiting for the outcome of another programme application, this will have no influence on such other applications whatsoever. You will still be considered for the other programmes.

Once you receive the conditional offer that you would like to accept, you may decline any other conditional offers that you have accepted up until then.

How do I decline an already made offer for another offer?

To decline an already accepted final offer in order to accept another offer, fill in the non-acceptance of offer part on the offer form only, and submit to the relevant faculty officer/administrator to cancel the offer you already accepted. Use link to find the form> https://ww2.saa.ukzn.ac.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/2024-Acceptance-of-offer_-Undergraduate-South-African-students.pdf

Does UKZN require me to write the National benchmark test (NBTs)?

UKZN does not require NBT’s for any degree or programme.

What should I do with my Grade 12 results once I have received them?

We receive NSC and IEB results directly from the Department of Basic Education, so there is no need for you to forward these.

My Registration

When can I register at UKZN?

First year students can register online on a date to be advised by the University (normally at the beginning of February). Returning students can register online from the second week of January.

What should I do if I can’t remember the password I chose when I created my profile?

If you have forgotten your password, click on “Forgot password?”. A new password will be generated and emailed to you. For further assistance, you can also contact Itstudenthelp@ukzn.ac.za

Is there orientation held for new students?

All new undergraduates and postgraduates undergo orientation in February, the week before the academic programme starts.

Is orientation compulsory?

It is compulsory for first year students, and recommended for all new students, especially where students have undertaken to complete postgraduate studies at UKZN for the first time. Library orientation is essential as it familiarises the student to the electronic resource systems and cataloguing processes which students will engage in during their study period.

I have an FHR - International student hold that is blocking me from finishing my registration.

FHR is a financial clearance hold, that appears on international students only, indicating financial levy has not reflected. You may contact student fees to have the hold cleared, and submit your proof of payment to:

Campus

Emails Address for fees

Howard College

Howardfees@ukzn.ac.za

Westville

westvillefees@ukzn.ac.za

Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine 

Medschfees@ukzn.ac.za

Pietermaritzburg

Pmbfees@ukzn.ac.za

Edgewood

Edgewoodfees@ukzn.ac.za

I have an FCR – Financial clearance hold that is blocking me from finishing my registration.

This is a financial hold, meaning you are owing the University.

I have a SPRA – Alien expiry date hold that is blocking me from finishing my registration.

This is an international hold, which means you will require international clearance from the international office. You will need to contact the international office and submit a certified copy of your passport, Study visa and proof of medical aid. Contact international officer on:

Campus

Responsible International Officer

Westville and Edgewood

Gcaban1@ukzn.ac.za

Pietermaritzburg

MtshatshaS@ukzn.ac.za  

Howard College and Medical School

Mtshalin@ukzn.ac.za

 



I have a SAQA hold that is blocking me from finishing my registration.

This hold means you are missing as a document on your application. It best to contact your College office or applications office in order to submit the missing document.

I have an FHH hold on my registration page. What does it mean?

This is a housing hold. This means you are owing for your residence if you are staying at a residence. Contact the housing department to find out how much is due, and settle amount with student fees.

Student Card, and Student Portal

What should I do if I can’t remember the password I chose when I created my profile?

If you have forgotten your password, click on “Forgot password?”. A new password will be generated and emailed to you. For further assistance, you can also contact Itstudenthelp@ukzn.ac.za

How do I get my student card?

You can make your student card after you have been registered to study. You can go to your respective campus Risk Management Services (RMS) Cards and Disks Office to make your student card. Please have with you your proof of registration.

My Bursary Application

What bursaries does UKZN offer?

We offer a range of bursaries. For Undergraduate Bursaries and Loans, please use this link for more information > https://studentfunding.ukzn.ac.za/

How do I apply to the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS)?
  • NSFAS funds for first-time entering (FTEN) students at public universities.
  • All applicants from households with a gross income (total income before tax) below R350 000 per year may be considered for a full-cost bursary from NSFAS.
  • You may submit your NSFAS application at https://www.nsfas.org.za/content/ between the dates listed on the NSFAS website. from 28 September 2023 to 31 January 2024. We recommend that you visit the official NSFAS website regularly for updates.
  • UKZN does not manage the application or selection process for NSFAS. We only help administer bursary disbursements to successful applicants as instructed by government.

Please make use of our WhatsApp chatbot for any other questions that may not have been addressed on this page on 060 578 3215