UKZN Online Application 2026 is a simple, step by step guide for returning undergraduate students, students with a gap year, local postgraduate applicants, and international applicants for both undergraduate and postgraduate study. This page explains who should use the portal, what to upload, how to pay the fee, how to submit, and what to do after you apply. Everything here stays focused on UKZN Online Application 2026 so you can complete a clean application the first time.
Last updated: 29 August 2025
Who should use UKZN Online Application 2026
Use this portal if you are a returning undergraduate, took a gap year and are coming back, are applying for a local postgraduate programme, or are an international applicant for undergraduate or postgraduate study. South African first time undergraduate applicants must apply through the Central Applications Office. Everyone else uses the UKZN Online Application 2026 portal described on this page.
Documents you must prepare before you start
Read this first. Having certified, clear PDFs ready will prevent delays and avoid requests for re uploads.
- Certified copy of your ID or passport
- Certified copy of your National Senior Certificate or Matric Certificate, or O or A Levels, or the relevant school leaving certificate
- Proof that you qualify for degree studies in South Africa if you are an international applicant who needs this confirmation from Universities South Africa
- If you studied at any other tertiary institution, certified copies of degree certificates, a full academic record, proof of financial clearance, and a certificate of conduct
- Proof of English language proficiency if you are from a non English speaking country
- SAQA evaluation if your previous qualification was obtained at a university outside South Africa, where required
- A research proposal or proposed dissertation or thesis title if you are applying for a Masters Degree or a PhD
Tip: Scan each document as a separate PDF. Keep file names short and clear so that you can match each one to the correct upload field.
Payment instructions for UKZN Online Application 2026
Payment matching is a common cause of delays. Follow these rules to make sure your fee is linked to your application record quickly.
- Use the payment reference APPN followed by your student number
- Keep proof of payment and upload it in the correct field
- Allow 24 to 48 hours for the system to clear your payment before you expect the status to update
How to submit your UKZN Online Application 2026
The steps are straightforward if your files are ready. Work through them in order and double check every upload field.
- Create or sign in to your applicant profile on the UKZN application portal
- Select your programme and complete all required fields
- Upload each certified document as a separate PDF to its matching field
- Pay the application fee using the APPN + student number reference, then upload proof of payment
- Submit the application and note your applicant number for future enquiries
- Check your email for the acknowledgement and any follow up requests
UKZN Online Application System
South African first time undergraduate applicants apply via the Central Applications Office. This UKZN portal is for returning undergraduates, gap year returns, local postgraduate applications, and international applicants.
Change of contact details for internal transfer and returning students
Keep your contact information current so that you do not miss updates.
- Download the change of contact details form from the university site
- Open the university ticket portal, choose Applications and Information, then select Submit a ticket
- Fill in the required fields, attach the completed form, and submit the ticket
After you submit
You will receive an email acknowledgement and your applicant number. Use that number in every enquiry.
- Watch for requests to upload missing items or updated results
- If you are an international applicant, make sure your English proficiency proof and any USAF or SAQA documents are uploaded as soon as possible
- Allow 24 to 48 hours for payment to reflect before you query a pending fee status
File and upload tips
Good files speed up processing. Poor scans cause delays.
- Scan to PDF only and avoid photos that are dark or skew
- One document per upload field
- Make sure names, ID numbers, dates, and results are readable
- Use clear, short file names that match the field, for example ID.pdf, MatricCertificate.pdf, AcademicRecord.pdf
Universities Are Now Open for 2026 Applications
Do not miss your chance! Explore which South African universities are currently open for applications and secure your spot before deadlines close.
Apply at Other SA Universities NowFAQs
Who must use the UKZN Online Application 2026 portal?
Returning undergraduates, students with a gap year, local postgraduate applicants, and international applicants for both undergraduate and postgraduate study use this portal. South African first time undergraduate applicants apply through the Central Applications Office.
What reference must I use when I pay the fee?
Use APPN followed by your student number. This ensures the payment links to your application.
How long until my payment reflects?
Allow 24 to 48 hours for the system to clear the payment. Upload your proof in the payment field so that staff can verify if needed.
What must international applicants upload?
A certified passport copy, school leaving certificate or previous qualification, proof that you qualify for degree studies in South Africa if required, proof of English proficiency if you are from a non English speaking country, and SAQA evaluation where it is required.
What if I studied at another university?
Upload certified copies of your degree certificates, full academic record, proof of financial clearance, and a certificate of conduct from that institution.
Do Masters and PhD applicants need extra documents?
Yes. Include a research proposal or a proposed dissertation or thesis title with your application.
Can I submit combined PDFs?
No. Upload one document per field so that each requirement is easy to verify.
Quick checklist for UKZN Online Application 2026
Use this to confirm that your application is complete before you click submit.
- Applicant profile created and programme selected
- Certified ID or passport uploaded
- Certified school leaving certificate or highest qualification uploaded
- International documents uploaded if required, including English proficiency, USAF confirmation, and SAQA evaluation
- Prior university documents uploaded if applicable
- Research proposal uploaded for Masters or PhD applications
- Fee paid using APPN + student number and proof uploaded
- Contact details checked and correct
Conclusion: Follow the steps on this page to complete UKZN Online Application 2026 with clear, certified PDFs, the correct payment reference, and accurate contact details. A complete application moves faster and reduces back and forth.
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