UKZN Registration Fees 2026 – A Detailed Guide

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is one of South Africa’s premier universities, offering a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional programs. Whether you’re a new or returning student, understanding the UKZN registration fees for 2026 is crucial for securing your place and planning your academic journey.

In this guide, we’ll provide a detailed breakdown of the 2026 registration fees at UKZN, how to pay them, and additional costs that students may encounter.

1. Overview of UKZN

UKZN is located in Durban, South Africa, and is known for its research output, diverse student body, and strong academic programs across various disciplines. The university is divided into several faculties:

• Faculty of Humanities, Development, and Social Sciences
• Faculty of Health Sciences
• Faculty of Science and Agriculture
• Faculty of Engineering
• Faculty of Education
• Faculty of Law

In 2026, the university will continue offering a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional programs, as well as research opportunities, to students from South Africa and abroad.

2. UKZN Registration Fees for 2026

The registration fee is one of the first costs students will need to pay to confirm their place at the university. Below are the fees for new and returning students for the 2026 academic year.

Undergraduate Registration Fees

For first-year undergraduate students and returning students, the registration fees for 2026 are as follows:

• Registration Fee: R2,800 (non-refundable). This fee is required to secure your spot at UKZN and confirm your place in the program.
• Initial Payment (Deposit): R5,000. This deposit will be deducted from your tuition fees once they are calculated. The initial payment must be made along with the registration fee.

Postgraduate Registration Fees

For postgraduate students (both new and returning), the registration fees are similar, but the deposit may vary depending on the program and faculty. The fees are as follows:

• Registration Fee: R2,800 (non-refundable) for both new and returning postgraduate students.
• Initial Payment (Deposit): For most postgraduate students, the deposit is around R10,000, but it may vary depending on the program and faculty. This will also be deducted from the total tuition fees.

International Students

For international students, the registration fee remains the same, but the deposit may be slightly higher due to visa and immigration processing. Additionally, international students may have more extensive documentation to submit. It’s important to contact the UKZN International Office for the exact details regarding the fees for 2026.

3. What Does the Registration Fee Cover?

The registration fee at UKZN covers several essential services and administrative processes, including:

• Confirmation of Enrollment: The registration fee secures your place in your chosen program and confirms that you are enrolled for the upcoming academic year.
• Access to Student Portal: Once the registration fee is paid, students are granted access to the UKZN student portal, where they can manage academic records, view grades, access learning materials, and interact with lecturers.
• Student Identification: The registration fee also covers the cost of your student ID card, which is required for access to campus facilities such as libraries, computer labs, and student events.
• Administrative Processing: This fee helps cover the cost of processing student records, including the creation of student files and the management of student accounts.

4. UKZN Tuition Fees for 2026

In addition to the registration fee, students will need to budget for tuition fees. The tuition fees for UKZN depend on the program, faculty, and level of study. Below is a general breakdown of tuition fees for undergraduate and postgraduate students:

Undergraduate Tuition Fees

For South African undergraduate students, tuition fees vary by faculty:

• Humanities Programs: Between R40,000 and R55,000 per year
• Health Sciences Programs (e.g., Medicine, Nursing): Between R50,000 and R70,000 per year
• Engineering Programs: Around R55,000 to R70,000 per year
• Science and Agriculture Programs: Between R45,000 and R60,000 per year
• Law Programs: Around R50,000 to R60,000 per year

International students typically pay higher tuition fees, ranging from R60,000 to R85,000 per year, depending on the program.

Postgraduate Tuition Fees

For postgraduate students, tuition fees generally depend on the program and level of study:

• Postgraduate Diplomas and Honours: Between R40,000 and R60,000 per year
• Master’s Degrees: Between R50,000 and R75,000 per year
• Doctoral Programs (PhD): Typically lower, ranging from R30,000 to R50,000 per year, as PhD students mainly pay for research-related costs.

5. Other Costs to Consider

In addition to registration fees and tuition fees, there are other costs that students should plan for when attending UKZN:

Accommodation Fees

UKZN offers a variety of on-campus accommodation options. The fees for residence accommodation are typically between R3,000 and R6,500 per month, depending on the residence type, amenities, and campus.

Students who live off-campus will need to budget for rent, which typically ranges from R3,000 to R7,000 per month, depending on the location and type of accommodation.

Books and Study Materials

The cost of books and study materials varies by program. Students can expect to spend between R2,000 and R5,000 per year, depending on the course load and the program’s specific requirements.

Student Levy

The student services levy at UKZN helps cover the cost of student services and facilities, including student support, health services, and extracurricular activities. This levy typically ranges from R1,000 to R2,000 per year.

Other Miscellaneous Costs

Other costs students should anticipate include:

• Printing and photocopying: Around R500 to R1,000 per year, depending on usage.
• Meals: Food costs can vary, but students can expect to spend between R2,000 and R5,000 per month on food, depending on whether they cook for themselves or eat out.
• Transport: For students commuting to campus, transport costs can range from R500 to R1,500 per month, depending on the distance and method of transport.

6. Payment Methods for UKZN Fees

UKZN offers several options for students to pay their registration and tuition fees:

• Online Payments: Students can pay fees via the UKZN online payment portal using credit cards or debit cards.
• Bank Transfers: Payments can be made through direct bank transfers. Students will need to use the specific bank details provided on their tuition invoices.
• Cash Payments: UKZN accepts cash payments at their Student Finance Office or other designated payment points on campus. However, electronic payments are recommended for security and convenience.
• Payment Plans: UKZN offers flexible payment plans that allow students to pay their tuition fees in installments over the course of the academic year. Payment plan details can be obtained from the UKZN finance office.

7. Financial Aid and Scholarships

UKZN provides a range of financial aid options for students in need of financial assistance:

• NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme): South African students from low-income backgrounds may qualify for NSFAS funding, which covers tuition fees and other related costs.
• Bursaries and Scholarships: UKZN offers a number of merit-based scholarships and financial aid packages to both undergraduate and postgraduate students. These scholarships can cover full or partial tuition fees and may be awarded based on academic performance or financial need.
• External Scholarships: Students can also apply for external scholarships and grants from various organizations, NGOs, and government bodies.
• Postgraduate Funding: For postgraduate students, UKZN offers specific funding opportunities and research grants. Students can inquire at the Postgraduate Office for more details.

8. How to Apply for Admission

To apply for admission to UKZN for the 2026 academic year, prospective students need to follow these steps:

1. Complete the Online Application: Applications can be submitted through the UKZN online application portal. Ensure that all required documents (e.g., academic transcripts, ID copies, references) are included.
2. Submit Payment: Along with the application, students need to pay the application fee (around R200 for South African students and R500 for international students). This fee is separate from the registration fee.
3. Provide Supporting Documents: Applicants must submit certified copies of academic transcripts, ID or passport, and any other required documents (e.g., proof of residence, application for financial aid).
4. Interview or Selection Process: Some programs, especially those in the Health Sciences or **

Engineering** faculties, may require an interview or selection process.

1. Wait for the Offer of Admission: If accepted, students will receive an offer from UKZN and can begin the registration process.

9. Important Dates and Deadlines

Students should be mindful of the following 2026 deadlines for registration and fee payments:

• Application Deadline: For undergraduate programs, the application deadline is typically mid-year (around July 2026). For postgraduate programs, deadlines vary by department, so it’s important to check the specific program’s deadline.
• Registration Deadline: Students must pay the registration fee by January 2026 to confirm their place.
• Tuition Fee Payment Deadline: Full tuition fees (or the first installment) must generally be paid by end of February 2026.

Paying the correct registration fee is a crucial first step to securing your place at UKZN for the 2026 academic year. Whether you are an undergraduate or postgraduate student, knowing the fee structure, deadlines, and payment methods will help ensure a smooth transition into university life.

Make sure to account for tuition fees, accommodation costs, books, and other miscellaneous expenses when planning your budget. If needed, explore the range of financial aid and scholarship opportunities available at UKZN to make your studies more affordable.