University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) Admission Requirements 2028

University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) Admission Requirements 2028: UKZN admission requirements 2028, UKZN APS score 2028, UKZN courses and requirements, UKZN application 2028

If you are planning to study at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) in 2028, understanding the admission requirements is one of the most important steps you can take before applying.

UKZN does not have one admission requirement that applies to every qualification. The required Academic Performance Score (APS), school subjects, achievement levels and other selection criteria vary according to the programme you choose.

Applicants should check out University of KwaZulu-Natal Courses Available for 2028

What Are the UKZN Admission Requirements for 2028?

For most South African undergraduate applicants, admission to UKZN begins with having the appropriate National Senior Certificate (NSC) for the qualification you want to study.

However, having an NSC alone is not enough. Applicants must also satisfy the admission requirements for their chosen programme.

These requirements may include:

An NSC with degree admission;
A minimum UKZN APS;
Specific Grade 12 subjects;
Minimum achievement levels in particular subjects;
English-language requirements;
Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy requirements;
Life Sciences and/or Physical Sciences requirements for certain programmes;
Additional selection criteria for some programmes;
Programme-specific quotas or selection procedures.

UKZN’s latest prospectus explicitly states that programmes have their own entrance requirements based on overall performance and performance in required subjects.

Read on:

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UKZN Admission Requirements for South African Students

For undergraduate degree studies, the basic qualification is a National Senior Certificate for degree studies (NSC-Deg) or an appropriate Senior Certificate obtained before 2008.

For diploma studies, applicants generally need an NSC for diploma studies (NSC-Dip) or the appropriate Senior Certificate.

UKZN also specifies an English requirement for diploma applicants: an NSC applicant needs at least Level 4 in English Home Language or First Additional Language, while applicants with the older Senior Certificate require a 50% (D) pass in English HG as a first or second language. NSC diploma applicants must also have at least Level 4 in Life Orientation.

For degree applicants, however, the exact subject combination and achievement levels depend on the qualification.

What APS Score Is Required at UKZN?

The Academic Performance Score (APS) is a key part of UKZN’s undergraduate admission and selection process.

Unlike some universities that award additional points for Life Orientation, UKZN does not include Life Orientation in the APS calculation.

UKZN APS Score Table

NSC Level	Percentage	UKZN APS Points
Level 7	80–100%	7
Level 6	70–79%	6
Level 5	60–69%	5
Level 4	50–59%	4
Level 3	40–49%	3
Level 2	30–39%	2
Level 1	0–29%	1

The maximum APS under this system is 48 points.

UKZN’s 2027 prospectus explains that if a learner takes more than seven subjects, the calculation includes English, Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy and the best four other subjects, excluding Life Orientation and Mathematics Paper 3. There are no bonus points for additional subjects.

Example of a UKZN APS calculation

Suppose your results are:

English HL – Level 5 = 5 points
isiZulu FAL – Level 6 = 6 points
Mathematics – Level 5 = 5 points
Accounting – Level 6 = 6 points
Business Studies – Level 6 = 6 points
CAT – Level 7 = 7 points
Life Orientation – Level 4 = 0 points

Your UKZN APS would be:

5 + 6 + 5 + 6 + 6 + 7 = 35 APS points.

This example follows the calculation demonstrated in the UKZN prospectus.

Does UKZN Have a Minimum APS Score?

Yes, but there is no single APS score for all UKZN courses.

The minimum or selection range depends on the programme.

For example, the latest prospectus lists ranges such as:

Engineering: 33–48
Law: 32–48
Medicine: No APS range
Pharmacy: 33–48
Optometry: 33–48
Computer Science and Information Technology: 30–48
BCom General: 30–48
BCom Accounting: 32–48
Bachelor of Administration: 26–48
BA General: 28–48

These are based on UKZN’s latest published 2027 requirements and should not be presented as confirmed 2028 cut-offs until UKZN releases the 2028 prospectus.

UKZN Admission Requirements for Engineering

Engineering is among the more competitive areas at UKZN.

The latest undergraduate prospectus lists several BSc Engineering programmes, including:

Agricultural Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Computer Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Electronic Engineering
Mechanical Engineering

For these programmes, the 2027 prospectus lists an APS range of 33–48 and requires Mathematics and Physical Science at Level 5, with at least 65%, together with English and Life Orientation at Level 4.

Students hoping to study Engineering in 2028 should therefore prioritise strong Mathematics and Physical Science results rather than focusing only on their overall APS.

UKZN Computer Science Admission Requirements

The BSc Computer Science and Information Technology programme requires an NSC for degree studies, with:

Mathematics at Level 5;
English;
Life Orientation at Level 4;
Agricultural Science, Life Sciences or Physical Sciences at Level 4.

The latest published APS range is 30–48.

Because the university can update requirements, applicants should check the 2028 programme listing before submitting their final application.

UKZN Medicine Admission Requirements 2028

Medicine is one of the most competitive programmes at UKZN.

The latest prospectus lists the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) with the following school requirements:

NSC for degree studies;
English;
Life Sciences;
Mathematics;
Physical Sciences;
Level 5 in the required subjects;
Life Orientation at Level 4;
At least a 65% aggregate.

The prospectus does not provide a conventional APS range for Medicine.

Importantly, Medicine is selected differently from most other programmes. UKZN’s selection information states that MBChB applicants are ranked according to their average percentage score, rather than the standard APS ranking used for most other programmes.

This makes Medicine particularly competitive, and applicants should aim substantially higher than the basic minimum.

UKZN Nursing Admission Requirements

For the Bachelor of Nursing, the latest requirements include:

NSC for degree studies;
English and Life Orientation at Level 4;
Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy at Level 3;
Life Sciences at Level 4.

The programme has a published APS range of 30–48 and the latest prospectus specifies that Nursing applicants should place the programme as Choice 1.

Because Health Sciences programmes can have limited spaces and additional selection rules, satisfying the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.

UKZN Pharmacy Admission Requirements

For the Bachelor of Pharmacy, the latest UKZN prospectus requires:

English;
Life Sciences;
Life Orientation;
Mathematics;
Physical Sciences;

with the relevant subjects at Level 4.

The published APS range is 33–48, and Pharmacy is among the programmes where applicants are restricted to their first three choices.

UKZN Law Admission Requirements

The Bachelor of Laws (LLB) requires:

NSC for degree studies;
English Home Language Level 5 or First Additional Language Level 6;
Mathematics Level 3 or
Mathematical Literacy Level 5;
Life Orientation Level 4.

The latest published APS range is 32–48.

Law is competitive, so prospective applicants should aim well above the minimum where possible.

UKZN BCom Admission Requirements

UKZN offers several commerce-related qualifications.

BCom General

The latest requirements include:

NSC for degree studies;
English;
Life Orientation Level 4;
Mathematics Level 4.

The published APS range is 30–48.

BCom Accounting

BCom Accounting requires:

NSC for degree studies;
Mathematics Level 5;
English;
Life Orientation Level 4.

The published APS range is 32–48.

BCom Extended Curriculum

The extended BCom General programme has a published range of 26–48, with Mathematics Level 3, English and Life Orientation Level 4. The extended Accounting programme has a published range of 28–48, with Mathematics Level 4 and English and Life Orientation Level 4.

UKZN Education Admission Requirements

UKZN’s College of Humanities offers Bachelor of Education programmes for different phases.

For example, the latest prospectus lists the BEd Foundation Phase with requirements including:

English Level 4;
Life Orientation Level 4;
isiZulu Level 4;
Mathematical Literacy Level 4 or Mathematics Level 3.

The published APS range is 28–48.

For the BEd Intermediate Phase, the requirements include English and Life Orientation at Level 4, plus Level 5 in any two of Mathematics, Mathematical Literacy, Technology, Life Sciences or Physical Sciences.

The requirements can therefore differ depending on the teaching phase and subject package selected.

UKZN Humanities Admission Requirements

UKZN offers a variety of humanities and social science programmes.

For a BA General Studies, the latest requirements include English and Life Orientation at Level 4 and at least Level 5 in one of several recognised subjects, including:

Business Studies
Consumer Studies
Dramatic Arts
Economics
Geography
History
Information Technology
Life Sciences
Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy
Music
Religion Studies
Visual Arts
An approved language.

The latest published APS range is 28–48.

The BA Philosophy, Politics and Law programme has a published range of 30–48 with similar subject requirements.

Does UKZN Require the NBT?

No.

This is an important distinction for students comparing South African universities.

UKZN’s latest undergraduate prospectus states explicitly that UKZN does not require applicants to take the National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) and that NBT results are not considered for selection.

Therefore, applicants should not confuse UKZN’s admission process with universities that make NBT participation compulsory.

UKZN Admission Requirements for International Students

International applicants must satisfy both the South African university-entry requirements and the specific requirements of their chosen UKZN programme.

Applicants holding non-South African school-leaving qualifications must obtain an evaluation from Universities South Africa (USAF)/Matriculation Board confirming that their qualifications meet the basic legal requirements for entry into degree studies in South Africa.

UKZN also requires international applicants to meet the programme’s specific subject and performance requirements.

The university warns that O-level or IGCSE qualifications alone are not sufficient for entry and that international applications will not be considered until the required USAF evaluation has been received.

Applicants whose documents are not in English may also need official translations.

UKZN Admission Requirements for Students with Foreign Qualifications

If you completed high school outside South Africa, do not simply convert your marks into a South African APS and assume that you qualify.

UKZN requires the appropriate USAF assessment/evaluation for international school qualifications. The evaluation helps establish whether the applicant meets the South African legal requirements for university admission.

In addition to the evaluation, you must meet the subject requirements of your chosen programme.

UKZN Alternative Access and Extended Programmes

UKZN has alternative access and academic support programmes aimed particularly at students whose academic potential may not have been fully reflected in their school results because of disadvantaged educational circumstances.

The university describes these programmes as pathways for prospective students who may not have achieved the normal entrance score or subject-level requirements for direct admission.

For example, UKZN’s Science Foundation Programme provides an access route for certain students who do not meet the direct requirements for science-related fields.

The university’s academic support information lists requirements including at least 16 APS points, English and Life Orientation at Level 4, Mathematics at Level 2 and an applicable science subject at Level 2, with an alternative selection test required.

Availability and requirements of these programmes should be checked for the relevant 2028 intake.

Does Meeting the Minimum UKZN APS Guarantee Admission?

No.

This is perhaps the most important thing to understand about UKZN admission.

UKZN states that its published APS figures are minimum or guide scores and that meeting the minimum does not guarantee a place. The university receives more applications than it has places available, so applicants are ranked and offers are made according to academic merit and programme-specific selection criteria.

UKZN’s selection process can begin at the highest APS and move downward until the available places have been filled.

The university specifically advises applicants to aim for scores above the published minimum.

How UKZN Selects Undergraduate Students

UKZN may conduct early selection using Grade 11, Grade 12 June, trial or mock results.

Applicants with strong results may receive conditional offers before final matric results are available. However, the final offer depends on the student achieving the necessary NSC qualification and meeting the programme’s requirements in the final examinations.

Once final NSC results are available, UKZN calculates the relevant APS and ranks applicants for each programme.

Selection continues until available places have been filled.

How to Apply to UKZN for 2028

For South African applicants entering university for the first time, UKZN uses the Central Applications Office (CAO) for undergraduate applications.

UKZN’s latest prospectus states that first-time South African applicants for first-semester degree or diploma study must apply through CAO. The application system allows applicants to list up to six choices in order of preference.

UKZN’s current application information likewise states that first-time South African undergraduate applicants must apply through CAO.

Basic application process

Choose your UKZN programme.
Check its minimum APS and subject requirements.
Calculate your UKZN APS.
Check your Grade 11/Grade 12 performance.
Apply through CAO when the 2028 application cycle opens.
List your programme choices carefully.
Submit the required documents.
Monitor your application status.
Respond to any offer you receive.
Complete registration requirements if you accept an offer.

International applicants follow a different application process and should apply directly to UKZN according to the university’s international application instructions.

Documents Required for a UKZN Application

Depending on your applicant category, you may need documents such as:

Certified South African ID;
Certified passport for international applicants;
National Senior Certificate or relevant school-leaving certificate;
Academic transcripts where applicable;
USAF evaluation for international school qualifications;
Proof of English proficiency where required;
Official translations of documents that are not in English;
SAQA evaluation for relevant foreign tertiary qualifications;
Other documents requested by UKZN.

UKZN’s application information specifically instructs applicants to upload certified identification and academic documents and, where applicable, USAF and English-proficiency documentation.

UKZN Campuses

UKZN operates across five campuses/sites:

Edgewood
Howard College
Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine
Pietermaritzburg
Westville

The university’s 2027 prospectus identifies these five campuses and indicates that different academic programmes are offered at different locations.

When researching a course, prospective students should therefore check not only the admission requirements but also where the programme is offered.

UKZN Admission Requirements 2028: Important Tips for Applicants

1. Do not focus only on APS

A high APS cannot compensate for missing a compulsory subject.

2. Check Mathematics requirements

If you want Engineering, Computer Science, Accounting, Medicine or other quantitative programmes, Mathematics can be particularly important.

3. Take Physical Sciences seriously

Physical Sciences is required for several science, engineering and health-related programmes.

4. Aim above the minimum

UKZN explicitly advises applicants to target scores above the published minimum because admission is competitive.

5. Check programme choices carefully

Some Health Sciences programmes have restrictions on which choices applicants can make.

6. Apply before the deadline

Do not wait until the last day to submit your application.

7. Check the 2028 prospectus

The 2027 requirements are useful for planning, but they should not be treated as confirmed 2028 requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions About UKZN Admission Requirements 2028

What APS do I need to get into UKZN?

There is no single APS score for UKZN. Requirements vary by programme. Current published ranges include approximately 26–48 for some extended or management programmes and up to 33–48 for competitive programmes such as Engineering, Pharmacy and Optometry.

What is the highest APS score at UKZN?

The maximum UKZN APS is 48.

Does UKZN count Life Orientation in APS?

No. Life Orientation does not contribute points to the UKZN APS.

Does UKZN require NBT?

No. The latest UKZN prospectus states that NBTs are not required and their results are not used for selection.

Can I study Medicine at UKZN with Mathematical Literacy?

The latest MBChB requirements specify Mathematics, alongside Life Sciences and Physical Sciences, so applicants should not assume that Mathematical Literacy satisfies the Medicine requirement.

Can I get into UKZN with a low APS?

Possibly through certain alternative access or extended programmes, depending on your circumstances and the programme. UKZN has access and academic-support pathways for some students from disadvantaged educational backgrounds.

Does UKZN accept international students?

Yes, but international undergraduate applicants must satisfy additional requirements, including the applicable USAF evaluation of their school-leaving qualification.

Does meeting the UKZN minimum APS guarantee admission?

No. UKZN receives more applications than it can accommodate and selects applicants according to academic ranking and programme-specific criteria.

Final Thoughts on University of KwaZulu-Natal Admission Requirements 2028

The University of KwaZulu-Natal admission requirements for 2028 will depend largely on the qualification you intend to study. UKZN uses an APS system with a maximum of 48 points, but the university also considers individual subjects and achievement levels.

For example, Engineering applicants need strong Mathematics and Physical Science results, Medicine applicants face particularly competitive selection and specific subject requirements, Law requires a specified English and Mathematics/Mathematical Literacy combination, while BCom and Humanities programmes have their own entry criteria.

One of the biggest mistakes applicants can make is assuming that a particular APS automatically guarantees admission. It does not. UKZN states that its published scores are minimum requirements or guides and that selection is competitive.

For 2028 applicants, the best strategy is to start early, identify your intended programme, check the required subjects, calculate your APS, aim above the published minimum and monitor UKZN’s official admission information for the release of the 2028 prospectus.