By Levy Masiteng
The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) has received a staggering 326,546 applications for just 9,124 first-year places, underscoring the fierce competition for admission at the institution.
With the matric results officially released, UKZN said it will begin issuing firm offers to successful applicants via SMS from Wednesday, with offers released in batches over the coming days until all available spaces are filled.
Applicants who receive offers will have 72 hours to accept them before the offer lapses and is reallocated to another candidate.
“Applicants are therefore encouraged to monitor their messages carefully and respond within the stipulated timeframe,” the university said, cautioning that meeting minimum admission requirements does not guarantee placement due to limited capacity.
In a media statement released on Tuesday, UKZN congratulated the Matric Class of 2025, noting that South Africa recorded its highest matric pass rate to date, with KwaZulu-Natal emerging as the top-performing province nationally.
UKZN Executive Director for Corporate Relations Normah Zondo warned prospective students to remain vigilant against misinformation and scams.
“We caution prospective students not to come to our campuses, as no unregistered person will be allowed to enter. Applicants should rely only on official information from the University,” Zondo said.
She further emphasised that places at UKZN are not for sale.
“No UKZN employee will instruct applicants to come to campus, nor will any employee request payment in exchange for a place,” she said.
The university confirmed that online registration for first-time entering undergraduate students who have accepted offers will take place from 2 to 7 February, with no in-person registration available.
Zondo said UKZN is fully prepared to welcome the 2026 intake.
“UKZN is committed to supporting students as they transition into higher education. With strong teaching and learning facilities, world-renowned academics and globally recognised research, we are well positioned to nurture their academic journeys,” she said.
“We are ready to receive, support and welcome them, and we encourage them to choose UKZN.”
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