The University of KwaZulu-Natal

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is a prominent institution of higher education located in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Established in 2004 through the merger of the University of Natal and the University of Durban-Westville, UKZN combines a rich history with a progressive vision for the future, making it a dynamic and innovative university.

UKZN is known for its diverse academic offerings and a strong focus on research, aiming to contribute to both local and global knowledge. The university is organized into five campuses, each specializing in different fields of study. These include disciplines in the arts, sciences, law, education, health sciences, and agricultural, engineering, and environmental sciences. This wide range of programs allows UKZN to cater to a variety of interests and career goals, attracting students from all over South Africa and beyond.

Vision

To be the Premier University of African Scholarship.

Mission

A truly South African university that is academically excellent, innovative in research, critically engaged with society and demographically representative, redressing the disadvantages, inequities and imbalances of the past.

Values Statement

UKZN is at work to establish a value-driven organisational culture that empowers the institution and its people to achieve institutional goals. The guiding values are respect, excellence, accountability, client orientation, honesty and trust - represented as R.E.A.C.H.T. The gist of these values is that the behaviour and actions of everyone at UKZN will demonstrate:

Respect

UKZN undertakes to promote mutual respect, courtesy, and inclusiveness.

Excellence

UKZN undertakes to display quality, leadership and energy in all that it does.

Accountability

UKZN promises to be responsible and accountable for the behaviour displayed towards all its stakeholders.

Client Orientation

UKZN undertakes to satisfy the needs of all its clients, stakeholders and partners, on a consistent basis.

Honesty

UKZN promises to deliver with steadfast integrity and with adherence to good governance.

Trust

Underpins all the other institutional values. The implicit trust enjoyed by every member of UKZN and their well-defined actions that embrace the R.E.A.C.H.T values are the important ingredients of the moral fibre of the institution.

The Goals of the University are:

• Excellent Teaching and Learning - Attract high-potential students and develop them to their full potential to become globally aware professionals, leaders and citizens.
• Excellent Student Experience - Produce graduates with knowledge, skills and networks to build meaningful and agile careers that can be sustained and adapted over the course of their lifetime.
• Excellent and High-Impact Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship - A globally ranked research-intensive university responding to major societal, economic and environmental challenges.
• High-Impact Societal and Stakeholders Community Engagement - Achieve meaningful interactions with stakeholders and communities for mutual benefit.
• Targeted Internationalisation - Achieve an international outlook that is integral to the University’s aspiration to be a world-class African university.

How to Apply?

To apply for admission to a full-time undergraduate program, submit your application through the Central Applications Office (CAO). A non-refundable CAO application fee of R250 is payable via the website or at any EasyPay outlet. Please ensure that your application is submitted to CAO before the closing date.

Refugee applicants must possess a valid Section 41 permit or Refugee identity document, which grants permission to study in South Africa. The application procedures and fees for local students apply equally to refugee applicants. All applications should be made via the Central Applications Office (CAO).

International students, as well as postgraduate and returning students, must apply via the UKZN website. Please note that international students are required to pay the full tuition fees prior to registration.

At UKZN, you will have the opportunity to connect with not only world-renowned academics but also with a network of future leaders and innovators.

As they say, the extent of your success is shaped by the people you surround yourself with. Make sure to connect with like-minded individuals who will inspire and challenge you.

You must be in possession of a passport which is valid for at least one year. You need obtain a study visa from a South African Embassy, Consulate or High Commission in your home country, study visas can take 4-8 weeks to process and it is advisable to apply for study visa well in advance.

You need the following documents to apply for a study visa:

First Time Application

• A letter of acceptance from UKZN
• A letter from the university in support of your study visa
• The relevant application fee (this will depend on the Embassy in your country)
• Proof of financial means
• Proof of a South African medical health cover
• Proof of residence in South Africa
• Yellow fever vaccination (if coming from / traveling through an endemic country)
• A police clearance certificate (Not more than 12 months old)
• Repatriation fee or a return ticket (Original proof of payment)

For more information, please consult the Embassy, High Commission or Consulate in your country.

Upon arrival at UKZN, you will need to produce the following documents to the International Student Office in order to obtain a Certificate of Clearance for the purpose of academic registration:

• Passport
• Study Visa and
• Proof of a South African medical aid cover (12 months)

Medical health coverage must cover you for at least ONE year or for the duration of your study that is listed on the International Relations website.

• Top 5 in South Africa
• One of South Africa's Top-Research Focused Universitites
• Largest University in Sub Saharan Africa
• Top 2.4% in the World
• Ranked 4th in Africa

• Globally, UKZN is one of four South African universities rated in the top 500 universities in the world. This is in accordance with the Center for World University Rankings (CWUR).
• UKZN is ranked in the top 2.5% of 19788 global universities (CWUR). The University has a worldwide reputation for academic excellence in teaching and research, and the degrees offered have international standing. The University has formal links, exchange programmes and collaborative teaching and research programmes with many other universities around the globe.
• UKZN offers an exceptionally wide range of exciting and innovative courses that will broaden perspectives, foster a capacity for independent critical thinking, and provide intellectual tools to develop your mind while enhancing your career opportunities in the local and global marketplace.
• UKZN is the only University in South Africa to offer a degree in Agricultural (Bioresources) Engineering that is fully accredited by the Engineering Council of South Africa.
• The multi-million rand KwaZulu-Natal Research Institute for Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS (K-RITH) and international centre of scientific research is located on the Medical School campus. K-RITH is a groundbreaking partnership between UKZN and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute in the United States.
• UKZN is the only University in South Africa to offer a degree in Agricultural (Bioresources) Engineering that is fully accredited by the Engineering Council of South Africa.
• UKZN has partnerships in 66 countries.

Support Services

• UKZN Foundation
• Forensic Services
• Legal Services
• Corporate Relations
• Research Office
• Finance
• Human Resources
• Internal Audit Services
• Institutional Intelligence
• IP & Technology Transfer Office
• Quality Promotion & Assurance
• University Teaching & Learning Office
• Risk Management Services
• Student Academic Administration
• Student Funding Centre
• Student Services Division @ aGlance
• Information & Communication Services Division (ICS)

Residential Accommodation

PMB Residence

On-Campus Residences

Pietermaritzburg on-campus residences accommodate approximately 2200 students. Competition for placement is keen and it is not possible to accept all applicants for on-campus accommodation. The on-campus residence accommodates first-entrant students, undergraduates, postgraduates and international students (depending on availability of space).

The on-campus residences are comprised of a number of individual residences close to the main academic buildings, with full access to banking services, shops and cafeteria facilities. All residences are self-catering and have access control, lounges, television rooms and parking space. Students are accommodated in single rooms and double rooms.

Off-Campus University Owned Residences

Off-Campus University owned Residences are situated away from a campus with full access to relevant amenities such as shopping malls, hospitals, public transport and other related services.

Edgewood Residences

On-Campus Residences

Edgewood campus is home to 875 students who stay in 13 on-campus residences. Competition for placement is keen, and it is not possible to accept all applicants for on-campus accommodation. The on-campus residence accommodates first-entrant students, undergraduates, postgraduates, PGCE and international students (depending on availability of space).

The on-campus residences are comprised of a number of individual residences close to the main academic buildings, with full access to banking services, shops and cafeteria facilities. All residences are self-catering and have access control, lounges, television rooms and parking space. Students are accommodated in single rooms and double rooms.

Off-Campus University Owned Residences

Off-Campus University owned Residences are situated away from a campus with full access to relevant amenities such as shopping malls, hospitals, public transport and other related services.

Westville Residences

On-Campus Residences

Westville on-campus residences accommodate approximately 2161 students. Competition for placement is keen, and it is not possible to accept all applicants for on-campus accommodation. The on-campus residence accommodates first-entrant students, undergraduates, postgraduates and international students (depending on availability of space).

The on-campus residences are comprised of a number of individual residences close to the main academic buildings, with full access to banking services, shops and cafeteria facilities. All residences are self-catering and have access control, lounges, television rooms and parking space. Students are accommodated in single rooms and double rooms.

Off-Campus University Owned Residences

Off-Campus University owned Residences are situated away from a campus with full access to relevant amenities such as shopping malls, hospitals, public transport and other related services. Off-campus residences accommodate 543 students.

Howard College and Medical School Residences

On-Campus Residences

Howard College on-campus residences accommodate approximately 2379 students. Competition for placement is keen and it is not possible to accept all applicants for on-campus accommodation. The on-campus residence accommodates first-entrant students, undergraduates, postgraduates and international students (depending on availability of space).

The on-campus residences are comprised of a number of individual residences close to the main academic buildings, with full access to banking services, shops and cafeteria facilities. All residences are self-catering and have access control, lounges, television rooms and parking space. Students are accommodated in single rooms and double rooms.

Off-Campus University Owned Residences

Off-Campus University owned Residences are situated away from a campus with full access to relevant amenities such as shopping malls, hospitals, public transport and other related services.

Student Life

Information & Communication Services Division (ICS)

The Information & Communication Services Division (ICS) maintains a highly sophisticated data network and places a strong emphasis on facilities for students. All students have access to the network through PC labs, many of which are open 24 hours a day. All labs have laser printing facilities, and consultants are on duty to assist students. Available software includes the standard office suites from our scanning, colour printing and linuxlab, Microsoft, as well as more specialised academic software packages such as Mathematica and SPSS. All students receive an e-mail address and have access to the Internet. Expert consultancy in advanced statistical and mathematical software packages is also available to postgraduates.

Driving Lessons

Key Campus Driving Academy, based at Howard College Campus, offers driving lessons to staff and registered students from all UKZN campuses.

Libraries

The five campuses of the University of KwaZulu-Natal have excellent library collections. Qualified subject librarians provide general reference and instructional services to students, staff and the wider community. The libraries are fully computerised and operate in a networked environment that provides access to the computerised catalogues and a range of local, national and international databases.