Study in Durban, South Africa

About Durban

Durban lies on the east coast of South Africa, in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. The city and its surroundings form the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality, which the municipality describes as the third largest metropolitan municipality in the country after Johannesburg and Cape Town. It has 3.9 million people, 34.7% of the province's population, and a young profile: 63% of residents are under 35. The region has more than 100 kilometres of coastline, and the port of Durban is one of the busiest in Africa.

The province's principal languages are isiZulu (82.5%) and English (12.5%), according to the government's Official Guide to South Africa. For international students, Durban offers English-taught degrees at a large research university in a warm coastal city with a mixed economy based on manufacturing, logistics, finance, tourism, sport and culture.

Studying in Durban

Our directory lists one university in Durban, the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). The government also names the University of Zululand, Mangosuthu University of Technology and Durban University of Technology among the province's tertiary institutions.

UKZN was formed on 1 January 2004 by the merger of the University of Durban-Westville and the University of Natal, whose roots go back to the Natal University College, founded in Pietermaritzburg in 1910. Several of its campuses are in Durban:

• Howard College, on the Berea above Durban harbour, offers degrees in science, engineering, law, management studies, humanities (including music) and social sciences (including social work), as well as architecture and nursing.
• Westville, about 8 kilometres from central Durban in an environmental conservancy, offers programmes in science, engineering, law, commerce and management, humanities, social sciences and health sciences.
• The Medical School was founded in 1950 and now carries the name of Nelson Mandela.

Agriculture, theology and fine art are taught only on the Pietermaritzburg campus, about an hour's drive inland.

Admission and visa

UKZN teaches in English, and applicants must meet its English requirements. International undergraduate applicants need an evaluation from Universities South Africa confirming that their school-leaving qualification is equivalent to the South African certificate; postgraduate applicants need an evaluation of their degree from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). Once all requirements are met, the university issues the letters needed to apply for a study visa.

The Department of Home Affairs asks study visa applicants for, among other documents, an official letter of acceptance stating the duration of the course and proof of medical cover with a registered South African medical scheme. Study visa holders may work part time for up to 20 hours a week.

In 2027, UKZN's first semester runs from 8 February to 24 June and the second from 19 July to 30 November.

Cost of living and accommodation

No official figures for student rents in Durban are published. UKZN has residences at Westville, Howard College and the Medical School, as well as at Edgewood and in Pietermaritzburg, and its residence office also lists private accommodation. The university's student funding office handles loans, bursaries and scholarships; check with it which schemes are open to international students.

Getting around

Durban is reached by the N2 and N3 motorways and through King Shaka International Airport at La Mercy, north of the city. The municipality's bus service, Durban Transport, runs 250 buses; routes, fares and timetables are available from the city's Public Transport Information Centre. Westville and Howard College are on separate sites, so students should check how they will travel between their residence and campus.

Frequently asked questions

Which universities are in Durban?

Our directory lists the University of KwaZulu-Natal, which has its Howard College, Westville and Medical School campuses in Durban. Durban University of Technology and Mangosuthu University of Technology are also in the province's list of tertiary institutions.

Are degrees in Durban taught in English?

Yes. UKZN describes itself as an English-medium university, and international applicants must meet its English requirements.

How do international students apply to UKZN?

Undergraduates need an equivalence evaluation of their school-leaving certificate from Universities South Africa, and postgraduates a SAQA evaluation of their degree. After admission, UKZN provides the letters for the study visa application.

When does the academic year start?

At UKZN, the 2027 first semester starts on 8 February; the second semester runs from 19 July to 30 November.