Thousands applying for space at KZN universities despite lockdown uncertainty

DESPITE uncertainty surrounding the current academic year, the Central Applications Office (CAO) in Durban has reminded Grade 12 learners in the province they still need to book their spaces at institutions of higher learning.

This as thousands of learners continue to submit applications to study at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, University of Zululand, Durban University of Technology and Mangosuthu University of Technology.

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Applications to these four universities opened on 30 March for the 2021 academic year.

By 15 May, UKZN had received 10 176 applications and their Medical School 2 403, Unizulu received 5 817, DUT received 8 856 and MUT received 3 843.

‘Learners are not put off by the uncertainty created by the virus. They know that the pandemic will subside at some point and they are preparing for that time.

‘They’re not sitting back, they’re booking their place now and avoiding the rush just before programme closing dates.

‘Medical School does not accept late applications and their applications close 30 June,’ Chief Executive Officer of the Central Applications Office in Durban, George van der Ross said.

Although most university staff are working from home and are not available to answer learner questions due to the lockdown, CAO staff are manning their Call Centre and Data Processing staff are processing online and hard-copy applications which will be made available to the KZN universities.

‘When university staff return to their campuses, the processed applications are waiting on them to make selection decisions and early offers,’ he said.

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Universities begin making early conditional offers based on learners’ final Grade 11 results.

Final Grade 12 results are used to confirm the early conditional offers.

‘A few programmes also require the Grade 12 June or September results.

‘But, with the current situation being what it is, there is uncertainty that these results would be used by universities.

‘Despite this, one thing is certain: the 2020 academic year will be completed by schools and universities, and the 2021 academic year will commence.

‘Do not be caught unaware,’ he added.

The Call Centre numbers are 0860 860 226 and 031 268 4444.

Apply online at www.cao.ac.za