UKZN SETS ITS SIGHTS ON FUTURE STUDENTS THROUGH 2026 OPEN DAY
Following a successful 2026 registration cycle, the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is now turning its attention to the next generation of prospective students.
Thousands of learners, parents, and teachers are expected to descend on the Westville Campus this Saturday for the annual UKZN Open Day, where the institution will showcase its academic offerings and provide insight into life at one of South Africa’s leading Universities.
The Pietermaritzburg leg of the Open Day will take place on 14 March 2026 at the University’s Pietermaritzburg Campus.
The event forms part of the UKZN’s broader effort to ensure that prospective students are well informed and empowered to make thoughtful decisions about their academic futures.
“We have just admitted about 9 000 first-time entering students to UKZN, and these were selected from more than 300 000 applications received. This clearly shows how competitive entry into our programmes has become. Initiatives such as Open Day provide prospective students with the information, they need to better prepare themselves for university studies,” said Ms Normah Zondo, Executive Director of Corporate Relations at UKZN. “
The Open Day is aimed primarily at Grade 11 and Grade 12 learners, although parents, guardians, teachers, and career counsellors are strongly encouraged to attend.
Participants will have the opportunity to engage directly with academic staff, current students, and support units. Discussions will cover a wide range of topics, including admission requirements, funding opportunities, residence options, career pathways, and the many support services available to students.
“Open Day creates an environment where learners and their families can ask questions and gain clarity about what studying at UKZN involves. It also allows them to experience the atmosphere of the campus and interact with our academics, professional staff, and students,” Zondo concluded.
The University’s four Colleges – Agriculture, Engineering and Science; Health Sciences; Humanities; and Law and Management Studies – will present detailed programme information and host exhibitions where prospective students can learn more about specific programmes and career possibilities.
Beyond academic presentations, visitors can also expect a vibrant programme that offers a taste of campus life, including interactive displays, student activities, and opportunities to explore the University’s facilities.
UKZN applications open annually on 1 March and close on 30 September, with the exception of the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) programme, which closes on 30 June.
