Funding
NSFAS & Bursaries: Funding Your 2027 Studies
How NSFAS funding works alongside your UNIZULU application, plus other bursaries worth applying for early.
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2027 Intake · Apply via CAO
Apply to the University of Zululand — the comprehensive university north of the uThukela River.
Founded in 1960 as the University College of Zululand and based at KwaDlangezwa and Richards Bay, UNIZULU has grown from a first intake of 41 students into one of KwaZulu-Natal's leading comprehensive universities. Here's exactly what you need to apply for 2027, and by when.
4Faculties
R250CAO Application Fee
30 Sep2026 General Closing Date
About the university
Dilligentia Cresco — "By diligence I grow", since 1960
The University of Zululand was established in 1960 as the University College of Zululand, a constituent college academically affiliated to the University of South Africa. The first intake of 41 students, including five women, began classes under Professor P.A.W. Cook, the first Rector, and the institution was officially opened on 8 March 1961. It became a fully independent university in the years that followed, and is the only comprehensive university north of the uThukela (Tugela) River in KwaZulu-Natal.
UNIZULU's main campus is at KwaDlangezwa, with a second, urban campus at Richards Bay that was launched in 2009 to strengthen ties with local industry and the maritime sector. Across both campuses the university now offers roughly 252 accredited degree, diploma and certificate courses to a student body of well over 15,000.
Good to know
UNIZULU applications are not submitted directly to the university — undergraduate applicants apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO), which is shared with several other KwaZulu-Natal institutions, and select UNIZULU as one of their choices.
Plan ahead
2027 key application dates
UNIZULU applications run through CAO, and certain high-demand programmes may close earlier once places fill up.
1 MARCH 2026
CAO applications open
The Central Applications Office opens for the 2027 academic year, covering UNIZULU and other participating KZN institutions.
31 AUGUST 2026
Health Sciences closes
Health Sciences and other high-demand programmes may reach their closing date earlier than the general deadline.
30 SEPTEMBER 2026
General closing date
Final date for most undergraduate programmes at the standard, on-time CAO application fee.
31 OCTOBER 2026
Late applications close
Applications submitted after the general closing date are accepted until this date, at a higher CAO fee.
Via the CAO
How to apply to UNIZULU
UNIZULU undergraduate applications are submitted online through the Central Applications Office (CAO), not directly on the university's own website.
01
Before you start
- Check your programme's Admission Point Score (APS) and requirements in the current UNIZULU prospectus.
- Gather a certified copy of your ID or passport and your latest school results.
- Have proof-of-payment details ready for the non-refundable CAO application fee.
02
Submit via CAO
- Go to the official Central Applications Office website at cao.ac.za.
- Capture your biographical information and create your CAO applicant profile.
- Select UNIZULU and your chosen course codes, upload your documents, and pay the CAO fee.
- Submit before the closing date for your chosen programme, and keep your CAO number safe.
Checklist
Documents you'll need
- Certified copy of your South African ID or passport
- Certified copy of your Senior Certificate or National Senior Certificate
- Grade 11 final results, or latest Grade 12 results if you're a current matriculant
- Certified copies of any other relevant academic documents
- Proof of payment for the non-refundable CAO application fee, with your CAO number as reference
Costs
Application fees
CAO application fee (on-time)≈ R250 (non-refundable)
Late CAO application feeHigher — confirm on cao.ac.za
Minimum entry requirementNSC + programme APS
⚠️ Submission of an application does not guarantee admission — places depend on academic results, your APS, programme requirements, available space and the university's selection process. Always confirm your CAO reference number when paying the fee.
Where you could study
Faculties at a glance
Faculty
Humanities and Social Sciences
Covers the arts, languages and social sciences, reflecting the university's roots as a cultural and academic hub for the region.
Faculty
Education
Trains teachers across school phases, with strong demand from applicants and a long-standing focus on serving KwaZulu-Natal's schools.
Faculty
Science, Agriculture and Engineering
Includes the sciences, agricultural programmes and engineering-related fields, among the most competitive faculties for places.
Faculty
Commerce, Administration and Law
Covers business, public administration and law programmes, many offered at the Richards Bay campus alongside industry partners.
Where UNIZULU is based
Campuses
KwaDlangezwa
Main campus, 1 Main Road, Vulindlela — home to all four faculties and academic support departments since 1960.
Richards Bay
Urban campus launched in 2009, focused on entrepreneurial and vocational programmes with local industry and the maritime sector.
Keep reading
More guides for your application journey
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Student life
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Read more →Common questions
Frequently asked questions
When do UNIZULU 2027 applications open and close?
CAO applications open on 1 March 2026. The general closing date for most undergraduate programmes is 30 September 2026, and late applications are accepted (at a higher fee) until 31 October 2026. Health Sciences and other high-demand programmes may close earlier — always confirm on the CAO or official UNIZULU website.
How much is the application fee?
Applications go through the CAO, which charges a non-refundable fee of around R250 for on-time applications. Applying after the general closing date usually attracts a higher, late fee. Proof of payment must be submitted with your CAO application.
What are the minimum entry requirements?
Most undergraduate programmes require a National Senior Certificate plus an Admission Point Score (APS) that meets the chosen programme's threshold. Some programmes, particularly in Health Sciences, set additional subject-specific requirements.
Do I apply to UNIZULU or to CAO?
You apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO), a shared system for several KwaZulu-Natal institutions — you cannot apply directly on the UNIZULU website. Select UNIZULU and your programme choices on the CAO form.
Where is UNIZULU located?
UNIZULU's main campus is at KwaDlangezwa, with a second campus at Richards Bay launched in 2009. Founded in 1960 as the University College of Zululand, it's the only comprehensive university north of the uThukela River in KwaZulu-Natal.
By diligence I grow — start with your CAO application.
Get your documents ready and submit your University of Zululand application through CAO before the closing date for your programme.
Apply to UNIZULU via CAO Now →