Applying to the University of KwaZulu-Natal is an important step for learners who want to study at one of South Africa’s biggest public universities.
Before submitting your application, you must make sure that your documents are ready, clear and uploaded correctly. Missing or unclear documents can delay your application or make it incomplete.
This guide explains the documents needed to apply at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, also known as UKZN.
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Documents Needed to Apply at UKZN: Full University of KwaZulu-Natal Application Checklist
UKZN Applications Are Submitted Through CAO
First-time entering undergraduate students must apply to UKZN through the Central Applications Office, known as CAO. UKZN confirms that first-time entering students must apply via CAO for 2027 undergraduate applications.
UKZN also states that full-time undergraduate applicants should submit applications through CAO, and that the CAO online application form is available on the CAO website.
Documents Needed to Apply at UKZN
The documents needed may depend on whether you are currently in Grade 12, already completed matric, previously studied at another institution, or applying as an international student.
In general, UKZN applicants should prepare:
- Certified copy of South African ID or passport
- Grade 11 results
- Grade 12 June, trial or mock results, where available
- Final matric certificate or statement of results, if already completed Grade 12
- Academic record, if previously studied at another institution
- Proof of payment of the CAO application fee
- Additional documents required by the selected programme
UKZN says applicants apply with a copy of Grade 11, Grade 12 June, trial or mock results, and applicants are advised to submit certified copies of their documentation.
Documents for Current Grade 12 Learners
If you are currently in Grade 12, you should prepare your school results before applying.
Current Grade 12 learners may need:
- Certified copy of South African ID
- Grade 11 results
- Grade 12 June results, if available
- Grade 12 trial or mock results, if available
- Proof of payment
- Programme-specific documents, where required
Your results must be clear and readable. Make sure your full name, school name, subjects and marks are visible.
Documents for Applicants Who Already Matriculated
If you have already completed Grade 12, you should apply using your final matric results.
Applicants who already matriculated may need:
- Certified copy of South African ID
- National Senior Certificate
- Matric statement of results, if the certificate is not yet available
- Final matric certificate, where available
- Proof of payment
- Additional documents requested by UKZN or CAO
Do not upload blurry or cropped documents. The university must be able to read your full name, ID number, subjects and results.
Documents for Transfer Students
If you previously studied at another university, university of technology, TVET college or private higher education institution, you may need to provide proof of your previous studies.
Transfer applicants may need:
- Certified copy of ID or passport
- Matric certificate
- Full academic record
- Certificate of conduct, if requested
- Proof of previous registration, where applicable
- Proof of payment
- Additional faculty documents
These documents help UKZN assess your previous academic history and determine whether you meet the requirements for the qualification you selected.
Documents for International Applicants
International applicants may need additional documents because their identity and qualifications must be verified.
International applicants may need:
- Certified copy of passport
- School-leaving results
- Academic transcript, if previously studied
- Certified copies of previous degree certificates, where applicable
- SAQA-related documents, where required
- Study visa or immigration documents, where applicable
- Proof of payment
- Additional documents requested by UKZN
UKZN’s undergraduate international application form notes that applicants whose previous degrees were obtained at another university must submit certified copies of previous degree certificates.
Proof of Payment Is Important
UKZN’s Study@UKZN information says applicants must enclose proof of payment and all documents requested when submitting an application.
For first-time undergraduate applicants applying through CAO, the CAO application fee applies. Study@UKZN states that a non-refundable CAO application fee of R250 is payable through CAO or at an EasyPay outlet.
Your proof of payment should clearly show:
- Amount paid
- Date of payment
- Payment reference
- Applicant name or CAO number
- Bank or payment confirmation details
UKZN 2027 Application Closing Dates
UKZN has confirmed the following 2027 undergraduate application closing dates:
- Medicine: 30 June 2026
- All other programmes: 30 September 2026
First-time entering students must apply through CAO.
Applicants should apply early because some programmes are competitive and spaces may be limited.
How to Apply at UKZN
To apply for full-time undergraduate study at UKZN:
- Visit the CAO website.
- Start your online application.
- Select University of KwaZulu-Natal as one of your institution choices.
- Choose your programme.
- Enter your personal and academic details.
- Upload the required supporting documents.
- Pay the CAO application fee.
- Submit your application before the closing date.
- Use CAO to track your application status.
CAO also provides online options to upload documents and check your application progress.
Common Document Mistakes to Avoid
Many applicants delay their own applications because of small mistakes.
Avoid these errors:
- Uploading blurry documents
- Uploading results with missing pages
- Forgetting to upload proof of payment
- Using the wrong ID or passport number
- Uploading documents under the wrong category
- Waiting until the closing date to apply
- Forgetting to track your CAO application status
- Assuming payment alone means the application is complete
Before submitting, open each document and check that it is readable.
Final Reminder
The documents needed to apply at the University of KwaZulu-Natal depend on your applicant type and chosen programme.
Most applicants should prepare a certified copy of ID or passport, Grade 11 results, Grade 12 June or trial results where available, matric certificate if already completed, academic record if previously studied elsewhere, and proof of payment.
First-time undergraduate applicants must apply through CAO. Medicine applications close on 30 June 2026, while all other undergraduate programmes close on 30 September 2026.