The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) has released its key registration and academic dates for the 2026 academic year. All students, especially first-time entering students, are encouraged to familiarise themselves with these important deadlines to ensure a smooth start to the academic year.
Below is a clear breakdown of the official UKZN registration and academic dates for 2026.
UKZN Important Dates for 2026
Virtual Parents’ Day
- Saturday, 31 January 2026
(Date to be confirmed)
This virtual session is aimed at parents and guardians to provide information about university processes, student support services and academic expectations.
Orientation & Registration for First-Time Entering Students (FTEN)
- Monday, 02 February – Saturday, 07 February 2026
During this period, UKZN will host:
- Orientation programmes
- Dedicated remote online registration for first-time entering students
- Virtual curriculum and academic support sessions
This phase is critical for new students to successfully transition into university life.
Minimum Fee Payment Deadline
- Friday, 06 February 2026
Students must ensure that the minimum required registration fee is paid by this date in order to complete the registration process.
Start of Lectures (Semester 1)
- Monday, 09 February 2026
Lectures for the first semester officially commence across UKZN campuses.
Final Registration & Academic Adjustment Dates
- Final date for Semester 1 registration:
Friday, 13 February 2026 - Final date for curriculum changes:
Friday, 13 February 2026
Students must finalise module selections and make any curriculum changes by this date.
Deadline for Extended DP Requests
- Friday, 13 February 2026
This is the final date for submitting requests for extended Due Performance (DPs) for modules that previously had DPs in 2026.
Important Notes for Students
- Registration processes are largely online, especially for first-time entering students.
- Fee payment is a mandatory requirement for registration to be finalised.
- Missing key deadlines may result in delayed registration or exclusion from modules.
- Students are advised to regularly check official UKZN communication platforms for updates.
Final Reminder
The 2026 academic year at UKZN officially begins in February, with registration, orientation and lectures taking place within a short time frame. Planning ahead, paying fees on time and completing registration early will help students avoid unnecessary stress.