Diploma programmes at the University of KwaZulu-Natal require a National Senior Certificate with a diploma pass or better, together with the Academic Performance Score and subject requirements published for the specific diploma.
UKZN calculates its Academic Performance Score by adding the performance levels for six National Senior Certificate subjects, excluding Life Orientation. Where more than seven subjects were taken, the calculation uses English, a mathematics subject and your best remaining ratings to make up six.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
Applications are generally assessed on the following.
- A National Senior Certificate with the endorsement matching the qualification
- The points score the institution calculates by its own published method
- Subject requirements specific to the programme
- English or the language of instruction at the level required
- Available places, since popular programmes are oversubscribed
- Application within the published window
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
UKZN is primarily a degree-granting university, and its diploma offering is narrower than at a university of technology. Confirm that the diploma you want is currently offered before planning around it.
UKZN states that meeting the minimum score does not guarantee a place, because the university receives more applications than it can accommodate. Selection within quotas is done on academic merit.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
Where a subject specifically required for entry to a programme is not included in the APS calculation, UKZN may adjust the score accordingly. Check which subjects count for your programme.
Diploma subject requirements are published per programme. Technical and science diplomas require Mathematics; others are more likely to accept Mathematical Literacy.
Documents and Application Requirements
Applications normally require the following.
- A certified copy of your identity document
- Your National Senior Certificate or latest statement of results
- Proof of the application fee, where one is charged
- Your final matric results, used to confirm any conditional offer
- A SAQA evaluation certificate, if you hold a foreign qualification
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
UKZN operates across several campuses and the same programme is not offered at every one. Confirm where your diploma runs before applying.
Certain programmes impose additional criteria beyond the score, including a portfolio, audition or interview. Establish whether yours does well before the closing date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does UKZN offer many diplomas?
Its diploma offering is narrower than at a university of technology, since UKZN is primarily degree-granting. Confirm your diploma is currently offered.
How does UKZN calculate the APS?
By adding performance levels for six NSC subjects, excluding Life Orientation, using English, a mathematics subject and your best remaining ratings where more than seven were taken.
Does meeting the minimum guarantee a place?
No. UKZN states it receives more applications than it can accommodate, with selection within quotas on academic merit.
Do all campuses offer the same programmes?
No. Confirm where your programme runs before applying.
Source: University of KwaZulu-Natal official undergraduate selection pages, checked August 2026. Confirm programme requirements against the current UKZN prospectus. See UKZN courses and requirements. See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.