A Century of Transformation: From Natal University College to a Research University
The history of Natal University (now UKZN) dates back to 1910, when its predecessor, Natal University College, was founded in Pietermaritzburg. With the establishment of a new campus in Durban in 1931, the institution’s scale and influence began to expand steadily. After attaining full university status in 1949, the University of Natal developed rapidly, rising to the ranks of world-class universities within just a few decades. Its deep academic heritage is evident, as demonstrated by its ranking in the 801–1000 range globally in the 2020 QS World University Rankings. Fast and Effective Ways to Acquire a University of Natal Degree
Campus and Location: An Academic City on the Ridges of Durban
The University of Natal (now UKZN) comprises several distinctive campuses. Among them, the Howard College Campus, situated on the Belia Ridge in Durban, is particularly renowned. Its iconic clock tower stands tall, serving as a striking symbol of the campus. Established in 1931, the campus was built through a generous donation by Mr. T.B. Davies in memory of his son, Howard Davies, who was killed in action during World War I. Not only does it boast magnificent views overlooking the Indian Ocean, but its core facilities—including the main library and the science building—are also concentrated here. Here, students can conduct their studies and research using modern laboratories and a well-stocked library, while also immersing themselves in the multicultural atmosphere unique to Durban, an international port city.
Ten Cutting-Edge Schools Leading Global Strategic Research
The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) offers comprehensive undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs spanning “10 faculties and 44 disciplines.” Leveraging advanced experimental equipment, extensive collections of top-tier journals, and high-speed IT networks, the university has fostered a dynamic research environment. Its strategic focus centers on five core areas: water resources, HIV/AIDS, forestry, invertebrates, and economic development. Notably, its water resources research is globally renowned and has made outstanding contributions to addressing resource challenges in Africa and worldwide.
Academic Excellence and Historical Contributions
Over nearly a century of distinguished history, the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) has demonstrated exceptional academic excellence across multiple disciplines. Its medical school is a landmark institution; as South Africa’s first medical school open to non-white students, it has trained a large number of outstanding medical professionals for the country. In the humanities and social sciences, the university’s library system developed in tandem across its two main campuses in Pietermaritzburg and Durban, successfully establishing a comprehensive academic resource network covering the entire institution. By 2003, on the eve of its merger with the University of Durban, the University of KwaZulu-Natal had evolved into a comprehensive university with a broad curriculum and a wealth of research achievements, laying a solid foundation for UKZN’s subsequent rise to the ranks of Africa’s top research universities.
