The howard college is a landmark of the durban campus of the university of Kwazulu-natal.

Welcome to the University of KwaZulu-Natal

The University of Natal merged with the University of Durban-Westville on 1 January 2004. The name of the new institution is the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

According to the University statement:
“ The creation of a new institution is an exciting opportunity to bring into being a genuinely South African university, with a new culture and form, designed to meet the challenges of serving the country and the region in innovative and effective ways. This socially responsive institution will be a world-class university, and an active global player while still serving the KwaZulu-Natal and SADC regions.”

As a premier university of African Scholarship, one of its strategic aims is to expand collaboration across international boundaries, thereby promoting multiculturalism and diversity within our university, region and country. Our aim is to provide quality education serving the needs of Africa and the rest of the world.

A centre of excellence in Africa
The University of KwaZulu-Natal has formal and informal affiliations with more than 260 universities in Africa, the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, the Far East and elsewhere. The University of KwaZulu-Natal has formed strategic links with institutions abroad, which are committed to programmes of mutual benefit.

The westville campus of the university of kwazulu-natal.

Location, culture and history
The University is spread over the province of KwaZulu-Natal in Durban, Westville and Pietermaritzburg. KwaZulu-Natal is one of the country’s foremost tourism destinations, with good reason. Its magnificent coastline stretches from Durban’s ‘Golden Mile’ of tourist beaches, northwards to the remote estuaries and world heritage sites of Maputaland and southwards to the rugged coves of the Wild Coast. Its game reserves offer the chance to see the ‘Big 5’ in their natural habitat and the imposing Drakensberg mountain range offers wonderful hiking, climbing and trout fishing opportunities. Of great interest to historians are the battlefield sites of the Anglo-Boer War.

The former University of Natal was first established in 1910 in Pietermaritzburg with 57 students. This picturesque city in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands is a two-hour drive from the Drakensberg and has a fascinating history and a rich architectural heritage. The Pietermaritzburg campus’ Fine Arts programme is highly regarded and its Faculty of Agriculture is at the forefront of agricultural research in southern Africa.

Established in 1923, Howard College (Durban) is situated on a verdant ridge overlooking the city and enjoys spectacular views across the southern hemisphere’s busiest harbour. Durban is famous for its fine weather, extensive beaches and a buzzing cultural scene. Its unique mix of Zulu, Indian and European influences has generated several important arts and culture programmes. Durban enjoys a special cultural exchange partnership with several international cities and the University’s Centre for Creative Arts has been at the forefront of groundbreaking international collaborations. The University hosts the highly regarded annual Durban International Film Festival as well as poetry, creative writing, dance and music festivals, attracting poets, writers and musicians from all over the world and exporting our unique rhythms and styles abroad. The University’s Centre for Jazz and Popular Music is a world leader in the study and performance of African jazz.

Located within an environmental conservancy just ten minutes from the city of Durban is the Westville campus, which combines a state of the art infrastructure with beautiful natural surroundings. The former University of Durban-Westville was punctuated with some of the most powerful moments in South African politics. It was established at the height of political repression 40 years ago as the University College for Indians on Salisbury Island in Durban Bay. In 1971, the College was granted academic independence and became a fully-fledged University. The following year, the newly named University of Durban-Westville moved to its impressive modern campus in Westville.

The Faculty of Education is located on the Edgewood campus, in Pinetown. It offers initial teacher education as well as postgraduate study opportunities.

The University’s Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, renamed in honour of South Africa’s most famous citizen is within five minutes from the Howard College campus. The faculty has made a unique contribution to medical education in South Africa since its establishment in 1951, and many leading figures in South African political and public life, including several government ministers and the celebrated anti-apartheid activist, Steve Biko, studied there during the turbulent apartheid era.

An aerial view of the durban campus, one of the University’s five campuses
spread across Durban and pietermaritzburg.

Support for International Initiatives at the University
UKZN International full complement of staff includes the Director, Assistant Director, Principal International Advisor, Student Exchange and Study Abroad Coordinator, International School Coordinator and the SADC/Africa Officer. UKZN has International Student Support Offices on its three main campuses staffed by two people each.

The University is committed to providing specialised services to support internationalisation initiatives. UKZN International aims to support the University’s strategic initiatives, particularly those related to achieving excellence in teaching, research and community services. Through UKZN International, the University will strive to deepen its connections and roots within the continent of Africa and the rest of the world.

rofessional staff proactively provides guidance to international students. The unique needs and challenges are addressed by the International Student Support Offices located strategically to serve the five campuses.

The International Students Applications Office is geared towards providing support to the special needs of all international students interested in studying at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Guidance is given in the areas of applications and the verification of international credentials in order to ensure efficient and effective feedback to prospective international students. Enquiries and applications are given personal attention by the International Student Application Office.

Advisement is given to staff and students seeking to achieve excellence through international opportunities. UKZN is actively involved in establishing, developing and nurturing strategic international linkages, academic exchanges and research collaboration initiatives. Specialised services aim to support initiatives in SADC/Africa, Student Exchange, Study Abroad as well as full-time international students and international visitors. The International School offers unique multicultural programmes. UKZN International is actively involved in discussion and debates addressing issues of access, diversity, capacity building, multiculturalism, curriculum and GATS, on various forums locally, nationally, in the continent of Africa and the rest of the world.

Disciplines and Courses
For 2005, the University of KwaZulu-Natal campuses will continue to offer a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in the following disciplines. It must be noted that the University of KwaZulu-Natal is currently engaged in restructuring courses across all disciplines. - Community and Development Disciplines - Education - Engineering - Health Sciences - Human and Management Studies - Human Science - Law - Science - Science and Agriculture - Management Studies

Students and staff
Today the University of KwaZulu-Natal has more than 40 000 students, reflecting the broad demographics of South Africa’s population. There are currently over 2 700 international students from more than 70 countries attending the University of KwaZulu-Natal. As one of the leading research institutions in Africa, the University is particularly geared to enhance the experience of international students.

The University of KwaZulu-Natal has approximately 2 284 teaching staff, many of whom are internationally acclaimed for their research and writing.

Entrance requirements
Applicants to Bachelors degree studies should be in possession of a matriculation exemption endorsement. Those with non-South African school leaving certificates must enclose certified copies of documents, and translations where necessary. For some qualifications (e.g. Engineering, Commerce, Health Science and Science) there are additional requirements, such as a minimum pass in mathematics. Applicants from non-English speaking countries should provide proof of English language ability. The minimum requirement for a postgraduate qualification is a Bachelor’s degree.

Facilities and services
Each campus has a fully computerised main library with branches to serve special needs. Other facilities include computer services, theatres, art galleries, a vast archive, student newspapers, campus bookshops, health clinics and a large number of sporting clubs, which operate on all campuses. On each campus, students elect a Students’ Representative Council, whose authority over the many clubs and societies is recognised by the University.

Accommodation
The University offers accommodation in its comfortable, well-secured, self-catering residences. Residence and housing officers also assist students to find suitable off-campus accommodation.

Unique courses
The multidisciplinary approach to study has led to the creation of a number of unique courses and programmes, designed to research and solve real problems. This multi-disciplinarity recognises that nothing operates in isolation and everything is interdependent. The University of KwaZulu-Natal aims to produce students who are critical thinkers, able to operate across disciplines with an understanding of the inherent multi-disciplinarity of all fields of study.

Innovative courses and degree subjects have been devised to foster this, and many faculties are incorporating new courses and seminars into their curriculum.

An affordable international qualification
While it has become very expensive to attend a university in Europe or the United States, the University of KwaZulu-Natal offers international students the opportunity to acquire a top class, internationally recognised academic qualification at a very affordable cost. The fees for undergraduate and postgraduate students from non-SADC countries are $4400. Research Masters and Doctoral students are charged local fees plus an international levy of R600 per semester.

Living costs in South Africa, for students in residence, average R9 000. Tuition fees for international students spending one or more semester for non-degree purposes are only $660 per course or module.

The University of KwaZulu-Natal offers unique international programmes, namely student exchange, study abroad and the International School.

The University of KwaZulu-Natal’s corporate identity

The new corporate identity of the University of KwaZulu-Natal consists of two main elements: the symbol and logotype. The elements of the symbol include:
The African Shield – a symbol of protection, for our most valuable assets i.e. Education and Culture, and by extension African Scholarship.

Multi-coloured bars – representing five founding campuses of the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

The Globe with the multi-coloured rays symbolises a rising sun i.e. a new beginning, a symbol of enlightenment. The globe represents a University that is a global player, producing world-class graduates.

Multi-coloured rays represent diversity – race, culture, language and social values

The wave bookwings underscoring the visual represent the foundation of knowledge; the spirit of the eastern seaboard and soaring to new heights.

Research

The University of KwaZulu-Natal is a pre-eminent research university in South Africa. Its research activities are supported by laboratories housing the most modern equipment, a library fully resourced with leading international research journals, and a highly sophisticated information technology division that provides all the necessary research support, e.g. software and internet facilities. Research is conducted in a conducive and vibrant environment that promotes innovative and creative thinking. Centres of Excellence have been developed in several areas, ranging from social sciences and humanities, through to medical sciences, natural science and engineering. The University is at the cutting edge of international research in several areas, especially HIV/AIDS, Forestry, Water Technology, Biodiversity and Conservation, and Economic Development. In addition, there has been a significant growth in the university’s international research partnerships.

The comprehensive postgraduate programmes offered at the University attract an increasing number of Masters and Doctoral students from the African continent, as well as abroad. The University’s vision and mission to be a leading research institution on the African continent is led by the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research).

UNIVERSITY OF KWAZULU-NATAL STUDY ABROAD PROGRAMME:
Looking for an opportunity to study abroad? Want to learn about another culture?

Then why don’t you study abroad in South Africa at the University of KwaZulu-Natal? The University of KwaZulu-Natal, as one of the leading research institutions in Africa, is particularly geared to enhance the experience of study abroad students. The University has affiliations with more than 260 institutions around the world. The University is at the forefront of curriculum restructuring for the 21st century to ensure multi-disciplinarity in its teaching and research. It is spread over five campuses serving more than 40 000 students.

Highly rated scientists and other academic staff offer original and often unique courses across the range of humanities and sciences. With the development of support structures for international students, the University is able to provide professional services to all study abroad candidates. Our study abroad programmes would be applicable to:

• Students who wish to experience a wide diversity of cultures and languages.
• Students who wish to gain hands-on experience of real-life problems facing developing countries.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Ms Tasmeera Singh
Tel: +27 (0)31 260 2870 • Fax: +27 (0)31 260 2967
E-mail: ukznsap@ukzn.ac.za

SADC/AFRICA INITIATIVES

The University of KwaZulu-Natal is committed to developing partnerships in Africa. The University of KwaZulu-Natal’s International Office is focused on working more closely within the continent by being academically interactive and by contributing to programmes, projects and research agendas through partnerships. Initiatives are co-ordinated by the SADC/Africa Officer, and support the maintenance of existing linkages and the building of new partnerships within Africa. Collaborations within the African continent are guided firstly by the 1997 Southern African Development Community (SADC) Protocol on Education and Training, which promotes the development of the SADC region by providing educational opportunities and enabling the movement of students and staff within the region, and secondly by the national government’s commitment to the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) plan which in part, aims to promote networks with Higher Education institutions and build the human capacity of the African continent. In particular, the UKZN International markets scholarships offered to graduates from Africa and conducts other fundraising activities; acts as the liaison for the development of academic partnerships; and markets courses that are relevant and which meet specific developmental needs of countries in Africa. There is a growing number of students from Africa at the University. Students from SADC and postgraduate students from Africa are attracted to programmes that are internationally renowned and to the courses that are relevant to their local context. Courses are tailored to meet development needs of the continent. Students from SADC and postgraduate students from Africa pay local fees and a minimum levy.

International School
Lifetime opportunity to study in South Africa

The University of KwaZulu-Natal offers a five-week International School from June to July. The vibrant atmosphere at both our campuses (Durban and Pietermaritzburg), together with high academic standards has received overwhelmingly positive feedback.

The International School offers a wonderful opportunity to study in KwaZulu-Natal, the scenic and culturally rich province situated on the eastern seaboard of South Africa. Bordered by the Indian Ocean to the east and the high escarpment of Drakensberg mountains to the west, the province has a sub-tropical climate with temperatures moderated by the expanse of the Indian Ocean. KwaZulu-Natal has all-year round friendly climate. The Province has an abundance of beautiful natural settings from the Drakensberg Mountains, to the brilliant lakes and wetlands of the Great St Lucia Wetland Park (both world heritage sites) and the tropical savannahs of Zululand where the elephant, rhino, lion, buffalo and leopard inhabit Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve.

The International School offers the educational experiences that appropriately complement the institution’s curriculum while adding significant cultural dimensions to students’ life experiences. The programme in 2004 will run at two campuses: Durban and Pietermaritzburg. Students must attend at either Howard College campus (Durban) or the Pietermaritzburg campus. Courses offered are:

EVALUATION AND CREDIT
Participating students are required to submit assignments and write class tests and a final examination for each course. There are ±50 contact hours per course. One final grade will be submitted per course and the official transcript will be sent to the home institution after completion. The University of KwaZulu-Natal awards 16 credits per course with a maximum of 32 (two courses) for the International School Programme.

FEES
The cost of a full five-week International School Programme is between US$ 2 200 and US$ 3 000. Please refer to the website for current rates. The programme costs cover transport, accommodation at the University of KwaZulu-Natal residences and fees for on-site activities

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
1. An endorsed visitors’ Visa
2. Recent academic transcript
3. Full payment of fees
4. Medical Health care insurance from student’s home country
For current application procedures, students are advised to refer to the website.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Ms Zandi Wanda, Coordinator
International School
University of KwaZulu-Natal,
Durban 4041, South Africa
Telephone: +27 (0) 31 260 2677
Fax: +27 (0) 31 260 2136
E-mail: is@ukzn.ac.za
Website: www.ukzn.ac.za

UNIVERSITY OF KWAZULU-NATAL STUDENT EXCHANGE PROGRAMME
Broaden your horizons and spend a semester abroad
Linking you to the rest of the world

“To travel is to gain wisdom and understanding”. It is a philosophy that the University of KwaZulu-Natal embraced when it began its Student Exchange Programme with Australia, Canada, Singapore and the United States. We now collaborate with approximately 54 institutions from France, Finland, Ghana, Germany, Italy, India, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Palestine, Malaysia, Pakistan, Sweden, Tanzania and the United Kingdom.

The Student Exchange Programme provides an opportunity for local students to interact academically, culturally and socially across the globe. It allows students to move beyond an academic exchange and embrace a new culture, a different lifestyle, which may instil lifelong values. The wealth of knowledge that an undergraduate student gains from this experience is endless.

The University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Student Exchange programme empowers students with the valuable tools to gain a local and international educational experience.

The programme is designed exclusively for registered undergraduate South African students who are enrolled in a full degree course. Candidates who have completed at least one year of study, with good academic results and strong motivation, are normally selected to participate in the exchange programme. As a matter of policy, exchange students are required to obtain credit for the courses taken at the host institution towards their degree at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. All participants are required to obtain approval from their Head of School and Faculty Board for courses to be taken at the host university before their departure abroad. This ensures credit transferability.

Exchange programme participants will be guaranteed tuition waivers and in some cases also for accommodation and meals depending on the contractual agreement.

The Student Exchange Programme opens up opportunities to:
Students who wish to experience a wide diversity of cultures and languages.
Students who wish to gain hands-on experience of real-life issues facing the African continent.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Ms Tasmeera Singh
Tel: +27 (0)31 260 2870 • Fax: +27 (0)31 260 2967
E-mail: ukznsep@ukzn.ac.za

UNIVERSITY OF KWAZULU-NATAL UKZN International Applications Howard College (Durban) Durban 4041 South Africa Tel: +27 (0)31 260 1092/3078 Fax:+27 (0)31 260 2967 E-mail: intapplications@ukzn.ac.za Website: www.ukzn.ac.za