Tuition at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) depends on your college and programme. UKZN publishes approximate yearly fees for each degree in its student fees guide. The figures below come from the 2026 local student fees guide, so expect slightly higher amounts for 2027.
The registration deposit
Before you register, you must pay a compulsory registration deposit, unless NSFAS funds you. In 2026, the deposit was R7,300 for tuition and R6,800 for residence. Students who receive employee benefits also pay the deposit, as well as any fees still owing from the previous year. UKZN does not accept cheques at its cashiers, or cash deposits of more than R500 on campus.
Approximate yearly tuition in 2026
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB): about R54,911
- BCom: about R57,836
- BCom Accounting: about R63,618
- Bachelor of Business Science: about R60,133
- BSc Engineering (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical and others): about R64,300 to R64,910
- BSc Computer Science and Information Technology: about R55,218
- Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBChB): about R65,584
- Bachelor of Pharmacy: about R51,312
- Bachelor of Nursing: about R45,551
- BEd: about R47,854
- Bachelor of Social Work: about R66,030
Residence fees
In 2026, a residence place cost R48,896 a year for students in most degrees. Medical students paid R52,500 in their second and third years and R59,168 from the fourth year. International students paid R62,780, including vacation periods. Other students pay separately to stay in residence during the July and December vacations.
When to pay
For 2026, UKZN asked students to pay 60% of their fees by 30 April, or the full amount if they registered for the first semester only, and the full balance by 31 August. Interest applies to late amounts, and UKZN approved a rate of 9% a year for 2026. If you still owe fees, UKZN withholds your results, degree certificate and academic record.
Statements and refunds
UKZN emails fee statements to your university email address from time to time, so check it regularly. NSFAS-funded students who paid a registration deposit can claim it back once NSFAS has completed its payments. Refunds of credit balances are limited to R75,000 a week.
Withdrawing
UKZN does not have to refund fees if you withdraw. If you leave without completing the official withdrawal form, you remain liable for the full fees for the whole registration period. Withdrawing from university also does not cancel your residence place automatically.
Funding your studies
NSFAS-funded students are cleared for registration once UKZN receives the approved list from NSFAS. See the UKZN provider page, browse our bursaries, or read the UKZN overview.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the UKZN registration deposit?
In 2026, it was R7,300 for tuition and R6,800 for residence. NSFAS students do not pay it.
How much does a UKZN residence cost?
In 2026, most students paid R48,896 a year for a residence place.
When must UKZN fees be paid?
In 2026, 60% was due by 30 April and the full balance by 31 August.