Quick Summary
Public in Durban, South Africa — University of KwaZulu-Natal, est. 2004. Ranked #587 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 49500 students including 6% from outside South Africa. Known for strengths in Development Studies, Medicine, Agriculture and Forestry, it maintains an acceptance rate of 35%.
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
UKZN is a top-tier research institution in Africa, particularly dominant in Health Sciences and HIV/AIDS research, offering a diverse multicultural environment.
Subject Strengths
Development StudiesMedicineAgriculture and ForestryEnvironmental SciencesEducation
Founded2004
TypePublic
Total Students49500
Intl Students6%
Faculty Ratio28
CampusMulti-campus
Campus SizeLarge (Distributed across 5 campuses)
Affiliated HospitalsNelson R. Mandela School of Medicine,King Edward VIII Hospital,Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital
AccreditationCouncil on Higher Education (CHE) South Africa
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#587
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#501-600
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#401-500
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Undergraduate Degrees,Honours Degrees,Masters Degrees,Doctoral Degrees,Postgraduate Diplomas
Programs
Available
PhD Programs
Available
Online Programs
CAPRISA,Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI),HEARD,Centre for Quantum Technology
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
Council on Higher Education (CHE) South Africa
Accreditation
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Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate35%
IELTS6.5
TOEFL90
Min GPA3
GRENot Available
GMATNot Available
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · September 30
SPRINGApplication Deadline · No major spring intake
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Undergraduate applicants must apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO). Medical school applications close significantly earlier (June 30). Ensure National Senior Certificate (NSC) points meet the specific college thresholds.
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Cost Ledger
Amounts in South African Rand
UG Tuition
R52,000/yr
per year · ZAR
Living Cost
R101,750/yr
per year · ZAR
PG Tuition
R65,000/yr
per year · ZAR
Application Fee
$15
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
R154,000/yr
tuition + living + essentials · ZAR
Scholarships AvailableAvailable
Avg Scholarship$1,200
Financial AidAvailable
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Undergraduate Degrees,Honours Degrees,Masters Degrees,Doctoral Degrees,Postgraduate Diplomas programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Bachelor of Laws (LLB) | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Bachelor of Science in Engineering | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Bachelor of Commerce | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Nursing | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$18,500
Average Salary After Graduation
76%
Employment Rate
Internship Placementtrue
Industry Connections
SasolStandard BankeThekwini MunicipalityCouncil for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
Notable Alumni
Cyril Ramaphosa,Imtiaz Sooliman,Zindzi Mandela,Siviwe Gwarube
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Olympic-size swimming pools,Athletics tracks,Rugby and Football fields,Indoor sports halls
Student Clubs
Student Representative Council (SRC),UKZN Debating Union,Enactus UKZN,Various Religious and Cultural Societies
Library Resources
Extensive network of 5 campus libraries including the EG Malherbe Library with specialized research collections.
Exchange Programs
Available
Summer Programs
Not Available