A BACHELOR of Education, Bachelor of Nursing and Bachelor of Science are the most popular courses that students applied for at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN).

The University spokesperson, Normah Zondo, said they were gearing up to welcome over 8 000 first-time-entering new students (FTENS) for the 2023 academic year.

“UKZN has approximately 8 500 places available for FTENS in undergraduate academic programmes,” she said.

According to Zondo, the university received more than 250 000 applications from approximately 110 000 prospective students for these places.

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“This high number of applications is because most students apply for admission to more than one programme. Due to the high number of applications received, the university is thus unable to accommodate ‘walk-in’ applications,” she said.

She highlighted that all registration processes will be completed online and from remote locations.

The university commenced with issuing firm offers to qualifying first-entry applicants immediately after the matric results were released.

“Registration for all first-entry students then takes place immediately after the acceptance of offers are made. The late release of the matric results will not affect the admission process,” assured Zondo.

Returning students commenced registration on January 10. Both returning and first-entry registration will continue until February 24.

Parents, students and prospective students are encouraged to refer to the UKZN website (www.ukzn.ac.za) for help if required.

She warned that there is no payment required to use the UKZN online registration portal.

“Places in programmes are not for sale and cannot be bought, and no one can promise a place on the payment of a fee. If members of the public are approached to pay money in return for special assistance, they are urged to immediately report that to the SAPS and the university (https://forensicservices.ukzn.ac.za/tipoffsanonymous-contact) with as many details as possible,” said Zondo.

She added that all official communication and information will be made available on the UKZN website (www.ukzn.ac.za) or in the mainline printed media. They urge the public to be wary of social media sources and WhatsApp groups that purport to be official UKZN platforms.

UKZN encourages the use of the UKZN Chatbot (www.ukzn.ac.za ) or the official WhatsApp Chatline (060 578 3215) for correct and valid information. The live agents will be available throughout the registration period and during normal office hours.

Lectures will commence on Monday, February 13.