UKZN Admission Requirements 2024/2025 | The official University of KwaZulu-Natal course application entrance requirements and fees for undergraduate, postgraduate, and international students have been released for the 2024 academic year.
The management of the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) has released the 2024 Intake application entry requirements for successful admission into the undergraduate, postgraduate, and international students (Degree, MBA, Ph.D., Master, Diploma, Certificate, Short Course, and Non-Degree) programs respectively for the 2024 academic year.
Southafricaportal has published the University of KwaZulu-Natal admission entry requirements below as released on the official website.
University of KwaZulu-Natal Admission Requirements 2024
UKZN Undergraduate Entrance Requirements
| Undergraduate programmes |
| 1. National Senior Certificate or Senior Certificate |
1.1 Applicants to undergraduate degree programs must be in possession of a National Senior Certificate for Degree Studies (NSC-Deg) or a Senior Certificate with endorsement.
1.2 Applicants to undergraduate diploma programs must be in possession of a National Senior Certificate for Diploma studies (NSC-Dip) or Senior Certificate.
| 2. Medium of Instruction |
The medium of instruction at UKZN is English, and UKZN requires a pass in English (Home Language or First Additional Language (FAL)) at Level 4 (50% or above) but note that the College of Law requires a pass in English Home language at Level 5 or English as FAL on Level 6. For admission to Diplomas or Alternative Access programs, a lower performance in English may be acceptable. In the Senior Certificate, a pass for English as a First or Second Language HG E is required.
| 3. Life Orientation |
UKZN degree programs require a pass in Life orientation at Level 4. Access Programmes may consider a pass at Level 3.
| 4. Minimum Composite Academic Performance Score |
(NSC-Deg and Senior Certificate)
Each program has determined a minimum composite Academic Performance Score required for admission to the program. This is however the minimum score required for consideration and learners just meeting this minimum cannot be assured of admission. Applicants to programs are ranked according to APS and selection is done from the top down until the number of places available in the specific program is filled. Competition for places is high and it is unlikely that applicants not meeting the APS for a specific programme will be considered.
| 5. Subject requirements and Levels of Performance |
In addition, subject requirements and minimum Levels of performance in specific subjects are set for admission to UKZN programs. Applicants who did not include the correct subjects in their NSC-Deg or who did not obtain the required level of performance in specific subjects required for admission to a programme, will not be considered.
UKZN Postgraduate Entrance Requirements
| Postgraduate Diplomas (NQF 8) |
| Requirements |
- An appropriate Bachelor’s degree OR
- Admission to the status of that degree in terms of Rule GR7 (a) OR
- Attained a level of competence as defined by rule GR7 (b)
- A School/College may prescribe further criteria for admission to study. Consult College Handbooks on www.ukzn.ac.za.
- Some Schools/Colleges may accept an Advanced Diploma for entry into a Postgraduate Diploma if HEQF (Higher Education Qualification Framework) requirements are met.
Duration
- A minimum of at least two consecutive semesters. Except with the permission of the Senate, all modules shall be completed at the University.
Curriculum
- The curriculum will contain advanced reflection, practice, and research methods in the area of specialization and may include a sustained research project in accordance with College rules approved by Senate.
| Bachelor of Honours Degrees (NQF 8) |
| Requirements |
- An appropriate Bachelor’s degree OR
- Admission to the status of that degree in terms of Rule GR7 (a) OR
- Attained a level of competence as defined by Rule GR7 (b)
- A school/College may prescribe further criteria for admission to study. Consult College Handbooks on www.ukzn.ac.za.
Duration
- A minimum of at least two consecutive semesters. Except with the permission of Senate, all modules shall be completed at the University.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the Honors degree shall include a prescribed research project as one of the modules which shall account for a minimum of 25% of the credits for the degree.
| Masters by Coursework and Masters by Research (NQF9) |
| Requirements |
- A relevant prerequisite degree OR
- Admission to the status of that degree in terms of Rule GR7 (a) OR
- Attained a level of competence as defined by rule GR7 (b)
- A School/College may prescribe further criteria for admission to study. Consult College Handbooks on www.ukzn.ac.za
Duration
Coursework
- A minimum of two consecutive semesters (full-time) or 4 consecutive semesters (part-time) before the degree may be conferred.
- With permission and in terms of College regulations, periods of attendance at the graduate level at another institution or in another College may be accepted. (Consult with relevant School).
Research
- A minimum of two consecutive semesters (full-time) or 4 consecutive semesters (part-time) before the degree may be conferred.
Curriculum
Coursework
- Candidates shall complete all modules of which one will be a dissertation on a research topic to be approved by the Senate. The dissertation module will normally comprise 33-50% of the credit value of the degree.
Research
- Candidates shall be required to pursue an appropriate program of research on a subject on a subject falling within the scope of the studies presented at the University. Students must also adhere to possible other conditions prescribed by Colleges/Schools.
| Doctor of philosophy or supervised Doctor degrees by research (NQF 10) |
| Requirements |
- A relevant prerequisite degree OR
- Admission to the status of that degree in terms of Rule GR7 (b)
- A School/College may prescribe further criteria for admission on www.ukzn.ac.za.
Duration
- A minimum of four consecutive semesters (full-time) or eight consecutive semesters (part-time) before the degree may be conferred.
Curriculum
- Students will be required to pursue an approved program of research on a subject falling within the scope of studies at the University. Such a program shall make a distinct contribution to the knowledge or understanding of the subject and afford evidence of originality shown either by the discovery of new facts or by the exercise of independent critical power. Students must also adhere to other possible conditions prescribed by Colleges/Schools.
UKZN International Students Entrance Requirements
| Undergraduate |
International applicants are subject to a selection procedure based on academic merit and the number of spaces available. Applicants with non–South African school-leaving certificates must contact the South African Matriculation Board directly to determine if they qualify for admission to degree studies in South Africa. Please contact Tel: +27 (0) 12 4812487 or consult www.hesa-enrol.ac.za or write to exemptions@hesa-enrol.ac.za
International applicants may qualify for an exemption through AEB or Cambridge examinations if they have two A-levels (‘A’ – ‘E’) and three O-level passes (‘A’, ‘B’ or ‘C’) or equivalent. However, certain subject groupings are also required. It is not sufficient to pass in O-levels only. Please note that Faculties may have subject, level, and minimum performance (in O and A-levels) requirements for admission to their programs. Please ensure that you have your original documents available at registration and arrange for official translations where applicable.
| Postgraduate |
Candidates should have completed a four-year Bachelor’s degree or a three-year degree plus a one-year full time Honors degree in the relevant field to enroll for a Master’s degree. All applicants should apply to the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) to obtain a certificate of evaluation of qualifications prior to submitting an application to the University.
For more information and inquiries about the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) admission entry requirements 2024, visit the institution’s official website.