UKZN set to welcome over 9 000 first-time students for 2026 academic year

THE University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is preparing to admit more than 9 000 first-time entering students (FTENs) for the 2026 academic year.

The university will begin issuing firm offers to FTENs from next week, following the official release of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) results on January 13. These offers will be issued in batches, subject to applicants meeting the conditions of their provisional offers.

A significant number of provisional offers were issued to applicants last year, with the university receiving more than 326 546 applications. This figure reflects multiple programme choices per applicant for the 9 124 first-year places available in 2026.

Among the most sought-after programmes are the Bachelor of Nursing, which received 27 763 applications; the Bachelor of Education, with 25 826 applicants; and the Bachelor of Laws, which attracted 25 231 applications.

The remote online registration process for returning students has officially commenced, having opened on Tuesday, January 6, and will conclude on Friday, February 13.

For FTENs the registration period will take place from February 2 to 7.

Executive Director for Corporate Relations at UKZN, Normah Zondo, said the university was looking forward to a smooth registration process.

“UKZN continues its annual practice of a strictly online registration process and urges prospective students to remain vigilant against registration scams. University management will not issue any invitation to prospective or current applicants to visit any UKZN campus to apply or submit documentation. All registration processes, including making and accepting an offer, as well as submitting a change-of-mind request, will be conducted online. So far, the registration process has proceeded smoothly, and early indications point to a well-managed and orderly registration period, consistent with the positive experience recorded in previous years.”

Zondo added: “Legal action will be taken against any individuals who misappropriate the University’s name, logo, or symbols to defraud prospective students. Places at UKZN are not for sale, and members of the public are urged to report any suspected fraudulent activity to the South African Police Service (SAPS).”

The university further urged the public to be wary of misinformation and to rely solely on information published on the official UKZN website (www.ukzn.ac.za) and UKZN’s verified social media platforms.

Access to UKZN campuses will be restricted to individuals who have received official confirmation from the University that they are registered for the academic year. Proof of registration will be required to gain entry.

First-semester lectures are scheduled to commence on February 9. 

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