How to Apply to UKZN

First-time undergraduate students apply to the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) through the Central Applications Office (CAO), not directly to the university. One CAO application lets you apply to several KwaZulu-Natal institutions at once. For the 2027 intake, Medicine closed on 30 June 2026 and all other programmes on 30 September 2026.

Getting the CAO form

You can get the CAO application form and handbook from the CAO, by phone on 031 268 4444, or from its website at www.cao.ac.za. The CAO also offers an online application, and it gives you a CAO number when you apply. Read the handbook carefully, because it sets out the minimum requirements for each programme.

Making your choices

You may list six choices, in order of preference, across the institutions that use the CAO. Order matters, because some UKZN health sciences programmes only consider applicants who place them among their first three choices. If you later want to change your choices, you must tell the CAO in writing and pay an extra R140.

The application fee

You pay one administration fee to the CAO, however many institutions you apply to. According to UKZN's 2027 prospectus, the fee is R250 if you apply before 31 October 2026, and R470 if you apply from 1 November 2026. You can pay at any EasyPay facility, using the reference numbers on the form, or online. Do not pay the CAO fee to UKZN, and do not send cash.

After you apply

1. The CAO confirms by email that it has received your application.
2. Check your details and choices, and send any outstanding documents.
3. Wait for an offer. UKZN may make early offers based on strong Grade 11 or Grade 12 mid-year results.
4. Final offers follow once the National Senior Certificate results come out in January.

The CAO tells you by SMS as soon as an institution makes a decision, and UKZN then follows up with further correspondence.

Medicine applications

For the MBChB, your form and payment must reach the CAO or UKZN by 30 June. That is three months earlier than other programmes, so plan for it early in your matric year. UKZN does not consider international applicants for Medicine.

Getting help

For general enquiries, Student Academic Administration is on 031 260 2248. International applicants can call 031 260 2870 for help with their own application process. Keep your CAO number, because you will need it whenever you contact the CAO or UKZN about your application.

Also apply for funding early. NSFAS opens its applications separately, so do not wait until you receive a UKZN offer before applying.