University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) Scholarships & Bursary 2028

University of KwaZulu-Natal Scholarship and Bursary 2028: Requirements, Funding, Applications and How to Apply

If you are planning to study at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) in 2028 and are concerned about the cost of university, there are several funding options worth exploring. UKZN provides access to scholarships, bursaries, loans and other forms of financial assistance for qualifying students.

The university’s Student Funding Department administers a range of funding opportunities, while some external bursaries are administered independently by government departments, companies, trusts and other organisations. UKZN confirms that its funding system includes NSFAS funding, university bursaries, scholarships and loans.

Students and applicants should check on:

University of KwaZulu-Natal Fees for 2028

This guide explains the University of KwaZulu-Natal Scholarship and Bursary opportunities for 2028, who may qualify, what funding can cover, how UKZN scholarships differ from bursaries, and how prospective and current students can prepare for applications.

Important: UKZN’s final 2028 scholarship values, eligibility criteria and closing dates may change. The information below is based on the latest official UKZN funding information available and is intended as an evergreen planning guide. Always confirm the specific 2028 award conditions with UKZN or the relevant funding organisation before applying.

New applicants should read on University of KwaZulu-Natal Courses for 2028

Does UKZN Offer Scholarships and Bursaries?

Yes. UKZN offers and administers various scholarships and bursaries for students at different stages of their studies.

According to UKZN, its Student Funding Department manages scholarships, bursaries and loans, while funding opportunities may come from UKZN itself, donors, companies, trusts, deceased estates, government schemes and other external organisations.

UKZN’s College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science also confirms that internal bursaries and scholarships can be administered through Colleges, Schools and the Student Funding Office, with awards generally based on academic merit, financial need or donor-specific requirements.

This means students should not rely on a single funding source. A student entering UKZN in 2028 could potentially investigate:

UKZN entrant scholarships
UKZN merit awards
UKZN undergraduate scholarships
UKZN postgraduate scholarships
UKZN bursaries
NSFAS funding
College and School bursaries
External company bursaries
Research scholarships
Sports scholarships
Donor-funded awards
Other government and private funding programmes

What Is the Difference Between a UKZN Scholarship and Bursary?

Although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, scholarships and bursaries generally have different purposes.

UKZN bursaries

A bursary is financial assistance that normally does not have to be repaid, provided the recipient complies with the conditions attached to the award.

UKZN describes bursaries as funding intended particularly for financially needy students. Its Student Funding information indicates that bursaries are generally awarded to students who demonstrate financial need and have strong academic performance or the potential to complete their qualification successfully.

UKZN scholarships

Scholarships are generally designed to recognise academic excellence, exceptional achievement, sporting achievement or other forms of merit.

UKZN’s funding information includes scholarships for outstanding entrants, undergraduate students and postgraduate students.

In simple terms:

UKZN Scholarships for 2028

UKZN has several categories of scholarships and merit awards. Some are intended for students entering university, while others recognise achievement during undergraduate or postgraduate study.

The university’s current scholarship framework includes entrant scholarships such as the Pius Langa Scholarship, Frene Ginwala Scholarship, Entrant Merit Awards and Prestige Sports Scholarships. It also includes undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships.

1. Pius Langa Scholarship

The Pius Langa Scholarship is one of UKZN’s prestige entrant scholarships.

Current UKZN information states that the award is R50,000 for qualifying top-performing matriculants, including learners ranked among the top ten in each of South Africa’s nine provinces, as well as qualifying IEB learners from KwaZulu-Natal who rank among the top 50 nationally.

The scholarship can potentially be retained into the next year of undergraduate study if the recipient achieves at least an 80% weighted average on a normal full-year subject load, subject to the applicable conditions.

Because scholarship values can be reviewed annually, applicants for 2028 should confirm whether the R50,000 amount and eligibility criteria remain unchanged.

2. UKZN Entrant Merit Scholarships

UKZN also offers merit scholarships to exceptional Grade 12 achievers.

The latest published UKZN information states that:

A R25,000 merit scholarship is available to top achievers with Level 7 or higher in at least six academic subjects, excluding Life Orientation and Mathematical Literacy.
A R20,000 merit scholarship is available to top achievers with Level 7 or higher in at least five academic subjects, excluding Life Orientation and Mathematical Literacy.

These entrant awards are intended for new students and are not available to learners transferring to UKZN from another higher education institution.

Current UKZN rules also indicate that qualifying entrant merit awards may be retained for the following undergraduate year if the student achieves at least an 80% weighted average, subject to degree and College requirements.

3. Frene Ginwala Scholarship

The Frene Ginwala Scholarship is a prestige entrant equity scholarship.

UKZN’s current funding information states that the award is available to the top 10 African female entrants who register at UKZN and is valued at R20,000 under the current published framework.

The current retention requirement is at least a 70% weighted average on a normal full-year subject load.

As with other awards, prospective 2028 applicants should verify the latest rules because scholarship values and selection criteria are subject to annual review.

4. UKZN Sports Scholarships

UKZN also recognises sporting excellence.

The current UKZN funding information states that sports scholarship applicants must have competed at national or provincial level in the year immediately preceding registration. The scholarship is intended to cover tuition costs, and renewals depend on satisfactory academic performance.

Students interested in this opportunity should monitor UKZN announcements for the 2028 application period and requirements.

5. UKZN Undergraduate Scholarships

UKZN also has scholarships for students who are already studying at the university.

Its scholarship policy identifies awards including:

Vice-Chancellor’s/Makgoba Scholarships
Lawrence and Constance Robinson Scholarship
Brenda M Gourley Prestige Scholarship
Prestige Scholarship
UKZN Undergraduate Scholarship

These awards are different from the scholarships offered to students entering UKZN directly from high school.

Therefore, current UKZN students should continue monitoring scholarship announcements even if they did not receive an entrant scholarship.

6. UKZN Postgraduate Scholarships

UKZN also provides funding opportunities for postgraduate students.

The university’s scholarship framework includes:

UKZN Doctoral Research Scholarships
Postgraduate Scholarships for summa cum laude candidates
Postgraduate Scholarships for cum laude candidates
General postgraduate scholarships
Special Honours Awards
Graduate Scholarships for coursework Master’s students
Zac Yacoob Scholarship
Vincent Maphai Scholarship
Fee remission for eligible Master’s by Research and Doctoral students

Postgraduate applicants should therefore investigate funding through their College, School, department and the UKZN Student Funding Department.

UKZN Bursaries for 2028

UKZN bursaries are another important source of financial support.

The university divides bursary opportunities into different categories, including internal bursaries, external bursaries and College/School bursaries.

Internal UKZN Bursaries

UKZN’s Student Funding Guide explains that internal bursaries are commonly sourced from deceased estates, corporate social responsibility funds and similar sources.

The current published framework states that these awards are mainly aimed at returning undergraduate students registered at UKZN. It gives a household gross-income threshold of R600,000 per year and academic requirements for certain awards.

Because these criteria and amounts can change, students applying in 2028 should use the latest application notice rather than automatically relying on current thresholds.

SRC Trust Fund Bursary

The UKZN Student Funding Guide also identifies the SRC Trust Fund Bursary.

This bursary is intended to assist students with registration fees. The current guide gives a household gross-income threshold of R350,000 per year and states that applications are taken annually at the beginning of the year.

Students should check UKZN’s latest notices for the 2028 application process.

College and School Bursaries

Another funding option is through individual UKZN Colleges and Schools.

These bursaries may be awarded according to the specific requirements of the College, School or donor. UKZN says these opportunities can be aimed at postgraduate students and may support research-related expenses such as travel and subsistence.

This makes it important for postgraduate students not to limit their funding search to the central Student Funding Department.

Your department, supervisor, School and College may have additional opportunities.

NSFAS Funding at UKZN

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is another major funding option for qualifying South African students studying at public universities such as UKZN.

UKZN’s Student Funding information explains that NSFAS provides financial assistance to qualifying students from poor and working-class households.

The UKZN Student Funding Guide states that NSFAS funding can include:

Registration fees
Tuition fees
Learning materials
Meals
Personal care
Accommodation or transport, subject to applicable rules and allowances

However, NSFAS is not a UKZN scholarship. NSFAS is a government funding scheme, and UKZN assists with the administration of funding for successful beneficiaries.

UKZN specifically states that it does not manage the NSFAS application or selection process. Applicants must apply through NSFAS and follow the scheme’s requirements and deadlines.

Because NSFAS eligibility rules can change, students planning for 2028 should consult the latest NSFAS guidelines when applications open.

External Bursaries for UKZN Students

Students should also search for bursaries offered by organisations outside UKZN.

These can include:

Government departments
Municipalities
State-owned companies
Banks
Mining companies
Engineering companies
Technology companies
Non-profit organisations
Professional bodies
Private foundations
Corporate social investment programmes

UKZN’s Student Funding Guide explains that external bursaries are selected by the third-party organisations offering them, rather than by UKZN Student Funding. Students generally need to apply directly to the organisation.

Some external bursaries can also have contractual obligations, such as working for the sponsoring organisation after graduation.

Therefore, always read the conditions before accepting an external bursary.

What Does a UKZN Bursary Cover?

There is no single answer because each bursary has its own conditions.

Depending on the award, funding may contribute towards:

Tuition fees
Registration fees
Accommodation
Study materials
Research expenses
Travel
Subsistence
Other approved academic costs

For example, NSFAS has its own defined funding and allowance structure, while a private bursary may only cover tuition. UKZN’s current undergraduate prospectus also cautions students that they need to budget for expenses such as books, stationery, equipment, personal expenses, transport and other costs not necessarily covered by funding.

Never assume that receiving a bursary means all university expenses will be paid.

Who Can Apply for UKZN Scholarships and Bursaries?

Eligibility depends on the specific award.

Common requirements can include:

Being accepted or registered at UKZN
South African citizenship for certain awards
Financial need
Strong academic performance
Specific Grade 12 results
Particular subject requirements
Registration for an approved qualification
Full-time study
Specific year of study
Leadership or community involvement
Sporting achievement
Research potential
Meeting the donor’s requirements

For example, UKZN entrant merit scholarships are aimed at exceptional school-leaving achievers, while some internal bursaries are aimed primarily at financially needy returning students.

How to Apply for a UKZN Scholarship or Bursary for 2028

The application process depends on the funding opportunity.

Step 1: Apply for admission to UKZN

If you are a prospective student, first apply for your chosen UKZN qualification and monitor your admission status.

Some entrant scholarships do not require a separate scholarship application. For example, UKZN’s current information says Grade 12 Merit Awards are awarded after the university receives Senior Certificate results, provided the applicant has applied through the Central Applications Office and has been offered a place at UKZN.

Step 2: Identify suitable funding

Search through:

UKZN Student Funding
UKZN College websites
UKZN scholarship announcements
NSFAS
External bursary providers

Step 3: Check eligibility

Make sure you meet every requirement before submitting an application.

Step 4: Prepare supporting documents

Depending on the bursary, you may need:

South African ID
Academic results
Proof of registration
Proof of household income
Proof of admission
Academic transcript
CV
Motivation letter
Proof of residence
Other documents specified by the sponsor

Step 5: Apply before the deadline

Never wait until the last day if you can avoid it.

Step 6: Keep proof of submission

Save your application confirmation, reference number and copies of submitted documents.

Important Tips for UKZN Scholarship and Bursary Applicants

Apply for more than one opportunity

Do not depend entirely on one scholarship. Investigate UKZN, NSFAS and external funding opportunities for which you qualify.

Maintain strong academic results

Academic performance is an important consideration for many UKZN scholarships and bursaries.

Apply early

Some opportunities have deadlines months before the start of the academic year.

Read the fine print

A bursary may have conditions concerning academic performance, course load, duration of funding or employment after graduation.

Check your College and School

Postgraduate and research funding can be available through academic departments and Colleges.

Beware of scams

Do not pay an individual who claims they can “guarantee” you a UKZN bursary or scholarship. Verify funding opportunities through official UKZN or sponsor channels.

UKZN Scholarship and Bursary 2028 FAQs

Does UKZN offer full scholarships?

Some UKZN awards can provide substantial financial support, but not every scholarship covers all university costs. The amount and expenses covered depend on the individual award.

Does UKZN offer bursaries to financially needy students?

Yes. UKZN administers bursaries aimed at financially needy students, alongside other funding opportunities.

Can first-year students apply for UKZN scholarships?

Yes. UKZN has entrant scholarships and merit awards specifically aimed at exceptional new students.

Can postgraduate students get funding at UKZN?

Yes. UKZN’s scholarship framework includes Honours, Master’s and Doctoral funding opportunities, as well as other postgraduate awards.

Can I receive NSFAS and a UKZN bursary?

This depends on the rules of the particular funding programmes. Students should disclose existing funding and check whether the awards can be held simultaneously.

Are UKZN scholarship amounts for 2028 confirmed?

Not necessarily. Amounts published for earlier/current academic years should not automatically be treated as 2028 amounts. Applicants should confirm the official 2028 terms when released.

The University of KwaZulu-Natal Scholarship and Bursary opportunities for 2028 can provide an important pathway for students who need financial assistance or have demonstrated exceptional academic, sporting or other achievements.

UKZN’s funding ecosystem is broader than a single bursary. Students can explore UKZN scholarships, internal bursaries, College and School funding, NSFAS, postgraduate research scholarships and external bursaries.

The best strategy for a prospective 2028 student is to start preparing early. Maintain strong academic results, apply for admission, research funding opportunities, prepare supporting documents and monitor official UKZN announcements.

Most importantly, do not treat current scholarship amounts or eligibility criteria as guaranteed 2028 figures. UKZN reviews funding opportunities and individual sponsors can change their requirements from year to year. Use the latest official information when the 2028 application cycle begins.