MOST colleges and universities open for applications in April and application deadlines can come as soon as July 30.

With an issue of limited spaces and the high number of applications institutions receive, matriculants are advised to apply early.

Caxton Local Media spoke to a University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) official who shared details on where and how to apply.

Executive director of the Corporate Relations Division at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), Normah Zondo, said applications to study at UKZN in 2026 opened on March 1 and will close on September 30 for most undergraduate programmes, with the exception of the Bachelor of Medicine programme, which closes on June 30.

Also read: Unacknowledged matriculants encouraged to sign up for CACH

She emphasised that all South African first-time undergraduate applicants applying to UKZN must apply via the Central Application Office (CAO) by visiting their website www.cao.ac.za.

Through the CAO applicants can apply to the Durban University of Technology (DUT), Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT), UKZN, and University of Zululand (UNIZULU), as well as most private colleges in KwaZulu-Natal.

Zondo encouraged matriculants to check and understand the minimum requirements before applying.

Documents required when applying

She said a certified copy of your identity document, a certified December Grade 11 report (if you are currently in grade 12), a grade 12 March / June / September report (if currently in grade 12 – depending on when you will do your application), a certified copy of Senior Certificate / National Senior Certificate if already passed matric.

“The CAO website contains a career guidance tool to assist applicants on how to select the correct degree programme for one’s chosen career path.

“A maximum of six choices can be made. It is important to list choices in order of preference as UKZN will make considerations from the first listed choice onwards,” explained Zondo.

Also read: Warning to matriculants: Beware of unregistered institutions

She said points and subject requirements differ for each of the various programmes offered.

“As the number of applications far exceed the number of places available at UKZN, applicants are encouraged to aim to achieve scores that are higher than the minimum requirements stipulated – the higher the points achieved, the higher an applicant’s chances to gain admission. UKZN selects the best from thousands of applications received.”

Selection process

Zondo said selection commences when final results are released and continues until all available places are allocated. Students are admitted on the basis of academic merit, which is assessed by converting NSC or Senior Certificate symbols into a point score.

“Scores of applicants are calculated and ranked in descending order for their choice of programme. Selection takes place from the top down until the number of applicants who may be accepted for that programme is reached. The minimum point scores for applications to UKZN qualifications have been provided in the qualification entrance requirement tabulations.

“Applicants with point scores below the required threshold are typically not selected and should not apply to UKZN.

“In addition to SMSs from the CAO, successful applicants will also receive official offer letters from the University. To secure their places, applicants must complete and submit the Acceptance of Offer forms,” she said.

Detailed information on programmes offered are accessible in the UKZN prospectus and CAO handbook, which are available on the UKZN website – www.ukzn.ac.za / https://ww1.applications.ukzn.ac.za/prospectus/

For guidance on career choices to suit each personality, visit https://www.cao.ac.za/Career.aspx?Content=Career

If a prospective student has any questions regarding his / her 2026 application, contact the UKZN Application and Information office via Tel: 031 260 2212 / 3297 / 1667 / 2248. Enquiries: https://freshdeskportal.ukzn.ac.za/support/home

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