University of KwaZulu-Natal

About UKZN

University of KwaZulu-Natal was formed by merging the University of Natal and the University of Durban-Westville, creating one of the country's larger multi-campus research universities with five campuses across Durban and Pietermaritzburg.

UKZN is particularly known for medicine, engineering and its African-language scholarship — it has one of the strongest isiZulu-language academic programmes of any South African university, alongside a large and highly regarded medical school at the Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine.

Its coastal Durban campuses put students close to some of the country's busiest beaches and one of Africa's largest ports, while the Pietermaritzburg campus offers a quieter, more traditional university-town setting an hour inland.

Why students choose UKZN

• One of the strongest isiZulu academic programmes in the country
• Large, well-regarded medical school
• Five campuses spanning Durban and Pietermaritzburg

Fields of study

• Engineering
• Health Sciences
• Humanities
• Law & Management Studies
• Science & Agriculture

What you'll need to apply

Every South African public university sets its own admission point score and subject requirements per programme, so the details below are general guidance rather than UKZN-specific rules — always confirm exact requirements on the official site before applying.

• A National Senior Certificate (NSC) that meets the minimum admission point score for your chosen programme.
• Specific subject and mark requirements, which vary by faculty — competitive programmes like medicine or engineering typically set higher thresholds.
• An online application through the university's own portal, usually opening the year before you intend to start.
• Supporting documents such as certified copies of your ID and academic records, and proof of application fee payment where applicable.