University of Kwa Zulu Natal

The University of KwaZulu Natal was formed in 2004 as a result of the merger between the University of Durban-Westville and the University of Natal. Both Universities were well-established and recognized Universities and the amalgamation has resulted in a University with a unique history.

The Natal University College of Pietermaritzburg was established in 1901 and became independent in 1949. The University was recognized for its achievements in research and huge increase in student numbers over a short period and by the time it was granted independence the University had extended to Durban and had become a multi-campus institution. The University continued to grow and in 1946 the government approved a faculty of Agriculture and in 1947 a Medical School for African, Indian and Coloured students.

The University of Durban-Westville was originally an Indian university based on Salisbury Island in the 1960's. Student numbers grew and by 1971 the College was granted university status. The University moved into their new campus in 1978 and by 1984 the institution had become autonomous and opened its doors to all races.

The resulting combined University is an institution of integrity with a strong mission to redress the imbalances and inequalities of the past, while offering an academically excellent facility to a student body that is demographically representative.

International Students

The University offers 4 month courses for international students who wish to learn more about the culture and society of South Africa.

A course comprised of various modules that touch upon the history of the region, multilingualism and language policy, social, cultural & media perspectives as well as political perspectives of the region.

The language part of this course focuses on communication. Students are gradually taken through simple everyday situations for which they are taught vocabulary and grammatical structures so that during their stay in South Africa they are able to communicate correctly and fluently in basic isiZulu. The cultural aspect of the course focuses on cultural traditions and heritages which include Zulu customs, beliefs, arts and music.

This course will be tailored to suit the particular needs of the student as much as possible. In addition to a secure and supervised placement, the student will visit urban and rural environmental and development projects and will be exposed to a range of social, cultural, and historical sites during their stay. It offers service learning as part of a broader package of exciting and enriching experiences which, we hope, will leave an indelible mark on our participants.