The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) was formed in 2004 through the merger of the University of Natal and the University of Durban-Westville. Today, it is one of South Africa’s largest and most diverse universities, with more than 45,000 students and a strong reputation for research and academic excellence.

UKZN is particularly well regarded for its work in health sciences, humanities, law, engineering, agriculture, and social sciences, and it is a key contributor to research in HIV/AIDS, rural development, and social transformation. With its roots stretching back to 1910, the university has developed into a truly multicultural and inclusive institution.

UKZN operates across five campuses, spread between Durban and Pietermaritzburg, each with unique faculties, facilities, and focus areas

List of Campuses

1. Howard College Campus – Durban

• Address: King George V Avenue, Glenwood, Durban

• Faculties/Programs: Engineering, Law, Humanities, Social Sciences, Nursing

• Facilities: Libraries, engineering labs, residences, sports grounds, health sciences training facilities

• Established: Founded in 1931 as the University of Natal’s Durban campus

• Notable Facts: One of the largest campuses; known for its College of Humanities and its location overlooking Durban harbour

2. Westville Campus – Durban

• Address: University Road, Westville, Durban

• Faculties/Programs: Management Studies, Accounting, Economics, Health Sciences

• Facilities: Student residences, lecture halls, sports centre, cultural facilities

• Established: Originated as the University of Durban-Westville in the 1970s; merged into UKZN in 2004

• Notable Facts: Houses the College of Law and Management Studies and is known for its strong business and commerce focus

3. Pietermaritzburg Campus – Pietermaritzburg

• Address: Golf Road, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg

• Faculties/Programs: Agriculture, Humanities, Law, Education, Life Sciences

• Facilities: Agricultural research farms, science labs, library, residences, sports facilities

• Established: Founded in 1910 as the Natal University College, later part of the University of Natal

• Notable Facts: Renowned for its Agricultural and Life Sciences programmes; serves as the original home of higher education in KwaZulu-Natal

4. Medical School Campus – Durban

• Address: Umbilo Road, Congella, Durban

• Faculties/Programs: Health Sciences (Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, Public Health, Allied Health Professions)

• Facilities: Clinical training centres, anatomy labs, medical library, partnerships with major hospitals

• Established: University of Natal’s Medical School established in 1950

• Notable Facts: Famous for its pioneering research on HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis, home to the CAPRISA research centre

5. Edgewood Campus – Pinetown

• Address: Richmond Road, Pinetown, Durban

• Faculties/Programs: Education

• Facilities: Lecture theatres, teaching labs, education resource centres, residences

• Established: Incorporated into UKZN in 2001

• Notable Facts: Dedicated to teacher education and research, producing some of South Africa’s top educators

Closing Notes

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) operates across five campuses, each offering specialized academic programmes while contributing to the university’s broader vision of being a premier university of African scholarship.

From the historic Pietermaritzburg campus to the dynamic Howard College and research-driven Medical School, UKZN plays a central role in advancing higher education, research, and social change in South Africa.

For more details on applications, programs, and campus life, visit the official website: https://ukzn.ac.za