Are you planning to join the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) for the 2026 academic year? As one of South Africa’s top-ranked universities with a rich academic heritage and innovative research focus, UKZN offers diverse programs across four distinct colleges.
This definitive guide provides detailed information about every course available and the specific entry requirements you’ll need to meet for successful admission in 2026.
List of Courses Offered at University of KwaZulu-Natal
College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science
Engineering Degrees (4 years)
- BSc in Agricultural Engineering
- BSc in Chemical Engineering
- BSc in Civil Engineering
- BSc in Computer Engineering
- BSc in Electrical Engineering
- BSc in Electronic Engineering
- BSc in Mechanical Engineering
- BSc in Land Surveying
Agricultural and Biological Sciences
- BSc Agric. in Agricultural Economics
- Bachelor of Agricultural Management (3 years)
- BSc Agric. in Plant Sciences
- BSc Agric. in Agribusiness
- BSc Agric. in Plant Pathology
- BSc Agric. in Soil Science
- BSc Agric. in Animal and Poultry Science
General Science Streams
- BSc in Life and Earth Sciences
- BSc in Mathematics Stream
- BSc in Geographic Information Systems and Earth Observation
- BSc in Applied Chemistry
- BSc in Chemistry and Chemical Technology
- BSc in Computer Science and Information Technology
- BSc in Crop and Horticultural Science
- BSc in Environmental Science
- BSc in Environmental and Earth Science
- BSc in Geological Science
- BSc in Marine Biology
- BSc Augmented Programme (4 years)
- BSc Engineering Access Programme (1 year)
College of Health Sciences
Health-Related Degrees
- Bachelor of Audiology (4 years)
- Bachelor of Speech-Language Therapy (4 years)
- Bachelor of Dental Therapy (3 years)
- B Medical Science in Anatomy (3 years)
- B Medical Science in Physiology (3 years)
- Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (4 years)
- Bachelor of Optometry (4 years)
- Bachelor of Oral Hygiene (3 years)
- Bachelor of Pharmacy (4 years)
- Bachelor of Physiotherapy (4 years)
- Bachelor of Sport Science (3 years)
- Bachelor of Nursing (4 years)
- Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) – 6 years
College of Humanities
Education Programmes
- BEd in Foundation Phase Teaching
- BEd in Intermediate Phase Teaching
- BEd in Senior Phase and Further Education & Training
Arts and Social Sciences
- BA in General Studies
- BA in Cultural and Heritage Tourism
- BA in Music (3 years)
- BA in Music Foundation (4 years)
- BA in Philosophy, Politics & Law
- BA in International Studies
- BA in Visual Art
- B Social Science in General Studies
- B Social Science in Geography and Environmental Management
- B Social Science in Housing
- B Social Work (4 years)
- B Theology
- B Social Science in Government, Business & Ethics
- B Architectural Studies
- Humanities Extended Curriculum Programme (4 years)
College of Law and Management Studies
Law and Business
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB) – Full-time (4 years)
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB) – Part-time (6 years)
- Bachelor of Administration
- Bachelor of Business Administration
- Bachelor of Business Science in Finance (4 years)
- Bachelor of Business Science in Investment Science (4 years)
- BCom (General) (3 years)
- BCom in Accounting
- BCom General – Extended Curriculum (4 years)
- BCom Accounting – Extended Curriculum (4 years)
Entry Requirements
General Admission Requirements for 2026
Minimum Requirements:
- National Senior Certificate (NSC) with Bachelor’s Degree endorsement
- Minimum Admission Point Score (APS) ranges from 26 to 33+, depending on program competitiveness
- English Home Language or First Additional Language at Level 4 (50-59%) minimum
- Meeting specific subject requirements for each program
- Some programs require National Benchmark Tests (NBTs)
College-Specific Entry Requirements
College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science
Engineering Programs:
- Minimum APS: 30-33+
- Mathematics Level 5 (60-69%) or higher required
- Physical Science Level 5 (60-69%) or higher required
- English Level 4 minimum
- BSc Engineering Access Programme available for those who don’t meet direct entry
Agricultural Sciences:
- Minimum APS: 28-30
- Mathematics Level 4 or 5 (depending on specialization)
- Physical Science or Life Sciences recommended
- BSc Augmented Programme available (4-year extended curriculum)
General Science Degrees:
- Minimum APS: 26-30
- Mathematics Level 4 minimum for most programs
- Physical Science required for Chemistry, Physics, and Geology streams
- Life Sciences required for Biology and Environmental Science programs
College of Health Sciences
Medical Programs (MBChB):
- Minimum APS: 33+ (highly competitive)
- Mathematics Level 5 or 6 (strongly recommended)
- Physical Science Level 5 or 6 (strongly recommended)
- Life Sciences Level 5 or 6
- NBTs compulsory with high performance required
- Additional selection criteria including interviews
Allied Health Sciences (Audiology, Physiotherapy, etc.):
- Minimum APS: 28-32
- Mathematics Level 4 or 5 (depending on program)
- Life Sciences Level 4 or 5
- Physical Science recommended for Pharmacy, Optometry
- NBTs may be required
Nursing and Related Fields:
- Minimum APS: 26-28
- Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy (check specific program)
- Life Sciences recommended
- Strong communication skills essential
College of Humanities
Education Programs:
- Minimum APS: 26-28
- Language proficiency in English and preferably isiZulu
- For Senior Phase teaching: Subject specialization requirements apply
- Foundation Phase: Strong language and child development interest
Arts and Social Sciences:
- Minimum APS: 26-28
- English Level 4 or higher
- For specialized programs (Music, Visual Art): portfolio or audition required
- Humanities Extended Curriculum available for APS 22-25
College of Law and Management Studies
Law Programs (LLB):
- Minimum APS: 30-32
- English Level 5 or higher
- Strong analytical and writing skills
- Mathematics not required but beneficial
Commerce and Business Programs:
- Minimum APS: 28-30
- Mathematics Level 4 for BCom Accounting and Finance
- Mathematical Literacy accepted for some BCom General programs
- BCom Extended Curriculum available for APS 24-27
- Bachelor of Business Science: Mathematics Level 5 required
Extended Curriculum Programs (ECP)
- Designed for students showing potential but needing academic support
- Additional foundational year integrated into degree
- Available in Humanities, Commerce, and Science colleges
- Extends degree duration by one year
- Lower APS requirements: Typically 22-27 depending on college
Competitive Programs and Additional Selection Criteria
Highly Competitive Programs (require higher APS and additional criteria):
- MBChB (Medicine) – APS 33+, NBTs, interviews, limited spaces
- Engineering Degrees – APS 30+, strong Maths and Science
- Pharmacy – APS 30+, NBTs may be required
- LLB – APS 30+, writing assessment possible
- Architectural Studies – portfolio requirement
International Student Requirements
- SAQA evaluation of foreign qualifications
- Equivalent of NSC with bachelor’s endorsement
- English proficiency test (IELTS/TOEFL) if English not medium of instruction
- Valid study visa
- Comprehensive medical insurance
- Meet subject-specific requirements equivalent to South African applicants
UKZN offers world-class education with strong industry connections and research opportunities. With careful planning and thorough preparation, you could be part of this dynamic academic community in 2026. Start your application journey today and take the first step toward a transformative educational experience at the University of KwaZulu-Natal
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