University of KwaZulu-Natal Bursary South Africa 2026. Securing financial assistance for higher education is often a challenge for many students. Fortunately, the University of KwaZulu-Natal Bursary South Africa 2026 offers a variety of funding options for eligible undergraduate students. Whether you are academically gifted, financially disadvantaged, or seeking partial funding outside of NSFAS, the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) has bursaries to help you realise your educational goals.
This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about the UKZN bursary programme for 2026, including eligibility, the application process, deadlines, and contact information.
About the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
Established on 1 January 2004, the University of KwaZulu-Natal came into existence through the merger of the University of Durban-Westville and the University of Natal. This was in line with the South African government’s higher education restructuring programme.
The institution has since become a leading academic hub on the continent. Its mission is clear: to be a premier University of African Scholarship, fostering innovation, engaged research, and academic excellence.
UKZN is structured into four primary colleges:
| College | Campuses |
|---|---|
| College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science | Howard, Pietermaritzburg, Westville |
| College of Law and Management Studies | Howard, Westville, Pietermaritzburg |
| College of Humanities | All campuses |
| College of Health Sciences | Howard, Westville, Medical School |
University of KwaZulu-Natal Bursary South Africa 2026
The University of KwaZulu-Natal Bursary South Africa 2026 is aimed at undergraduate students who are unfunded, demonstrate financial need, and are enrolled in any of the four academic colleges.
The bursary is not guaranteed, as funding availability depends on the contributions from sponsors, including UKZN itself, NSFAS, private corporations, and external educational platforms like StudyTrust and Bursaries South Africa.
Fields Covered by the UKZN Bursary
Students enrolled in any of the following colleges may be eligible to apply:
- College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science
- College of Health Sciences
- College of Humanities
- College of Law and Management Studies
These bursaries are applicable only to UKZN students and cover study expenses for the 2026 academic year.
UKZN Bursary Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the University of KwaZulu-Natal Bursary South Africa 2026, applicants must meet the following minimum criteria:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Registration status | Must be a full-time undergraduate student at UKZN |
| Field of study | Must be in one of the four academic colleges |
| Academic performance | Must have at least a 65% overall weighted average |
| Financial condition | Household income must be less than R600,000/year |
| Funding status | Must not be receiving full NSFAS funding or any other full bursary |
Failure to meet any of these criteria will result in your application being automatically disqualified.
How to Apply for the University of KwaZulu-Natal Bursary 2026
The application process for the University of KwaZulu-Natal Bursary South Africa 2026 is conducted online through the university’s Student Funding website. Follow these steps to apply:
- Visit UKZN Student Funding Department Website: This is your main portal for bursary announcements and applications.
- Check Specific Application Deadlines: Some bursaries have strict cut-off dates. Be sure to check them.
- Gather and Prepare Documents: These include:
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Certified ID copies of parents or guardians
- Proof of income (recent payslips, affidavits, or SASSA confirmation)
- Marriage/divorce/death certificates (if applicable)
- Note: All documents must be less than 3 months old
- Complete the Online Application: Ensure every detail is accurate and up to date.
- Submit to the Right Department: Applications must be submitted to your college’s financial aid advisor.
Where to Submit Your Application – Contact Details by College
| College | Campus | Contact Person(s) | Email Address |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture, Engineering and Science | Howard | Ms. Mdunge & Mr. Naicker | [email protected], [email protected] |
| Pietermaritzburg | Ms. Ntamote & Ms. Singh | [email protected], [email protected] | |
| Westville | Mrs. Mdondolo & Mr. Mkhize | [email protected], [email protected] | |
| Health Sciences | Howard & Medical School | Mr. Kitika | [email protected] |
| Westville | Ms. Sooknandan | [email protected] | |
| Humanities | All Campuses | General Bursary Office | [email protected] |
| Law & Management Studies | Howard | Mrs. Mkhize | [email protected] |
| Westville | Mrs. Rajkumar | [email protected] | |
| Pietermaritzburg | Mr. Mngadi | [email protected] |
Application Deadlines for 2026
The bursary application timeline is as follows:
| Bursary Type | Opening Date | Closing Date |
|---|---|---|
| General UKZN Bursary | 1 March 2025 | 30 September 2025 |
| Medicine Programme | 1 March 2025 | 30 June 2025 |
Applications submitted after the closing date will not be accepted, so be sure to apply on time.
Important Notes on Selection
- Selection is not guaranteed. Final decisions depend on the availability of funds and sponsorship allocations.
- Applicants who are shortlisted will be notified by 30 September 2025.
- If you do not receive feedback by the end of September, you should assume your application was unsuccessful.
Contact Details for Bursary Queries
For any questions regarding the UKZN Bursary Programme, students can directly reach out to their college’s financial aid advisor via the email addresses provided above. Alternatively, consult the UKZN Student Funding website for more resources.
FAQs About University of KwaZulu-Natal Bursary
Can I apply for the UKZN Bursary if I already receive partial funding from another source?
Yes, as long as you are not fully funded by NSFAS or any other bursary, you can still apply for the UKZN bursary.
What happens if I submit incomplete documents?
Your application may be disqualified. Ensure all documents are submitted and certified, and they must not be older than three months.
When will I know if I’ve been awarded the bursary?
Successful applicants will be notified by 30 September 2025. If you don’t hear back by that date, you were unfortunately not selected.
Conclusion
The University of KwaZulu-Natal Bursary South Africa 2026 is an essential opportunity for deserving students to pursue quality education without the heavy burden of financial stress. With a clear application process, defined eligibility criteria, and multiple funding sources, UKZN demonstrates its commitment to academic excellence and accessibility.
