The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) offers postgraduate certificates and diplomas, honours degrees, master's degrees by coursework or research, and doctoral degrees across its four colleges. Unlike first-year study, postgraduate applications go directly to UKZN, not through the CAO. Here is how it works, based on UKZN's official application pages.
Closing dates for 2027
- Postgraduate diplomas, certificates and honours: 30 September for semester 1, and 30 April for semester 2
- Master's by coursework: 30 April for semester 2
- Research master's and doctoral degrees: no closing date
Some schools set their own dates, so check your school's page as well.
How to apply
- Apply online through UKZN's applications website.
- Upload your documents, such as a certified ID or passport, your school certificate, and certified degree certificates and academic records from other universities.
- If you have a foreign qualification, include a SAQA evaluation.
- For a master's or PhD, include a research proposal and speak to your intended supervisor first.
- Pay the application fee, using APPN followed by your student number as the reference.
Once your application is complete, UKZN issues a student number straight away, with the fee details and a payment reference. Allow 24 to 48 hours for your payment to clear.
Application fees for 2027
The non-refundable fee is R210 for South African applicants who apply on time and R420 for late applicants. For applicants from SADC and the rest of Africa, it is R490, and for applicants from outside Africa, it is $153. UKZN does not accept late international applications. Returning students with a break in their studies may have to pay again, but there is no fee if there has been no break.
Fee remission for research students
All first-time, full-time research master's and doctoral students may apply for fee remission. You apply through the Higher Degrees Office, using the Higher Degrees Management System. The remission period is 12 months for a master's student and 36 months for a doctoral student. A full-time student is one who can give at least 40 hours a week to their studies.
If you register full-time and later change to part-time study, UKZN charges continuation fees at the full-time rate, but you do not have to repay the remission already received. Students who default on any payment due to UKZN may not register or remain registered.
Funding caps
UKZN capped student award values for 2026 at R200,000 for honours and postgraduate diplomas, R270,000 for master's degrees and R340,000 for doctoral degrees. Its fee figures cover tuition only, not accommodation, food or transport.
NRF scholarships
For the 2027 DSI-NRF master's and doctoral scholarships, UKZN listed 4 September 2026 for first-time applications, made through the NRF Connect system.
Related pages
See UKZN fees, UKZN bursaries and UKZN courses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I apply to UKZN postgraduate study through the CAO?
No. Postgraduate applications go directly to UKZN online.
When do UKZN honours applications close?
On 30 September for semester 1 and 30 April for semester 2.
Do UKZN research master's have a closing date?
No. Research master's and doctoral degrees have no closing date.