The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), situated on South Africa’s vibrant east coast, is a beacon of academic excellence and African scholarship. With five dynamic campuses—Edgewood, Howard College, Medical School, Pietermaritzburg, and Westville—UKZN offers a rich variety of programs designed to prepare students for the challenges of the modern world. If you’re planning to study at UKZN in 2026, this blog post provides a clear and comprehensive overview of the courses available across its colleges, along with important application details.
Application Deadlines for 2026
- Medicine: Applications close on 30 June 2025
- All other programs: Applications close on 30 September 2025
- First-time undergraduate applicants must apply via the Central Applications Office (CAO) at www.cao.ac.za.
Colleges and Their Course Offerings
UKZN’s academic programs are organized into four main colleges, each with a wide range of qualifications:
1. College of Agriculture, Engineering, and Science
This college offers a variety of science and engineering degrees, including:
- Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering (offered at Howard College and Pietermaritzburg campuses).
- Bachelor of Science degrees in Land Surveying, Property Development, Agricultural Management, Agricultural Economics, Plant Sciences, Animal and Poultry Science, Soil Science, Environmental Science, Dietetics, Marine Biology, and more.
- Extended and augmented programs to support students needing additional academic assistance.
2. College of Health Sciences
Known for its rigorous health-related programs, this college offers:
- Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) at the Medical School campus.
- Degrees in Nursing, Physiotherapy, Pharmacy, Occupational Therapy, Speech-Language Therapy, Audiology, Dental Therapy, Medical Sciences (Anatomy and Physiology), and Sport Science.
3. College of Humanities
This college provides a broad spectrum of humanities and social sciences programs such as:
- Bachelor of Education (Foundation, Intermediate, and Senior Phases) at Edgewood campus.
- Bachelor of Arts degrees in Cultural & Heritage Tourism, Philosophy, Politics and Law, International Studies, Music, Drama, Visual Arts, Social Work, Theology, and extended curriculum programs.
- Bachelor of Social Sciences in Geography, Environmental Management, Government, Business & Ethics, and Housing.
4. College of Law and Management Studies
Focused on preparing students for the professional world, this college offers:
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degrees (full-time and part-time) at Howard College and Pietermaritzburg campuses.
- Bachelor of Administration, Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Business Science, and Bachelor of Commerce with various specializations including Accounting and Extended Curriculum options.
Why Choose UKZN?
- Accredited and Recognized Programs: UKZN is the only South African university offering an Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA)-accredited agricultural engineering program.
- Cutting-Edge Research: Home to world-class research centers like the Astrophysics Research Centre and the Aerospace Systems Research Institute.
- Innovative Education: Integration of coding and robotics in education programs, and initiatives like the Municipality Innovation Index to improve public service delivery.
- Vibrant Student Life: Over 200 clubs and societies, excellent sports facilities, and a supportive campus environment.
- Strong Alumni Network: Graduates who have made significant impacts in academia, business, government, sports, and the arts.
Application Tips
- Apply early via the CAO to avoid missing deadlines.
- Ensure all your documents are certified and uploaded correctly.
- Review specific admission requirements for your chosen program in the official UKZN prospectus.
- Keep your contact details updated with the university, especially if you are a returning or transfer student.
- Reach out to UKZN’s admissions office for any queries or assistance.
UKZN offers a diverse and comprehensive range of courses that cater to various academic interests and career aspirations. Its commitment to innovation, research, and student development makes it a top choice for students seeking quality education in South Africa.
For the most accurate and detailed information on programs and application procedures, visit the official UKZN website at www.ukzn.ac.za.