Dear Staff and Students
By all accounts, and on reviewing the registration data for the past 10 years, registration for 2025 is the most successful year for UKZN on record. This is another indication of the progress the University has made to restore its reputation in the Higher Education sector as one of the leading research-intensive universities in the country.
All staff involved in the registration processes, either directly or indirectly, need to be thanked for their ongoing commitment and dedication to the task at hand. All 44 628 students already registered and attending their lectures or conducting their research also need to be appreciated for attending to their registration within the timeframes set.
As of the close of business on the 21st of February 2025, UKZN had already exceeded its FTEN target (102%), as well as the total undergraduate target by over 1300 students, with that percentage now at 103%. The institution’s entire enrolment for the academic year 2025 stood at 96% at the same time, with the remaining students expected to enrol throughout the year as returning PG students and first entry Masters and Doctoral candidates. We have a limited second semester enrolment period for this reason.
It is important to note that exceeding the DHET-approved enrolment targets carries significant financial penalties as the block grant subsidy to the university is reduced by an over-enrolment penalty. For 2024, this over-enrolment penalty amounted to R16,9 million. There are also financial implications for the University for over-enrolling on the approved FTEN target from an NSFAS perspective.
The University is, therefore, full, and in keeping with previous university communiques, registration is closed.
However, UKZN has been instructed by the Honorable Minister for Higher Education and Training, DR. NOBUHLE NKABANE to continue with Registration until 28th February 2025. This has raised a great deal of expectations and an influx of demands for registration.
Management has requested urgent guidance from DHET on how to proceed with implementing the Ministerial directive, given that the University faces significant financial penalties for over-recruitment in terms of subsidy cuts in 2027.
We await further guidance from DHET before proceeding. In the meantime, it will remain closed for registration, as the University has achieved its DHET-approved targets for 2025.
Management is aware that there are forces inciting unregistered persons to invade UKZN campuses with the intention of destabilising the University; we urge all to desist.
Professor Nana Poku
Vice-Chancellor and Principal
University of KwaZulu-Natal