University of Kwa-Zulu Natal

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is one of South Africa’s largest and most academically diverse public universities. As of 2026, UKZN is ranked among the top 600 universities globally and remains a titan of African scholarship, particularly noted for its leadership in health sciences, social justice, and 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies. The university’s "Project Renewal," currently in full swing, aims to reconfigure its college model and professional services to better meet the evolving demands of the global digital economy.

The mission of UKZN is to be the "Premier University of African Scholarship," a vision that balances academic excellence with a deep commitment to social transformation and the redress of historical inequities. Under the leadership of Professor Nana Poku, who has served as Vice-Chancellor and Principal since 2019, the university is currently executing its Strategic Plan 2023–2032. This ten-year roadmap emphasizes "high-impact research" that addresses immediate societal needs, such as food security, antibiotic resistance, and renewable energy, while fostering a value-driven culture defined by the R.E.A.C.H.T principles (Respect, Excellence, Accountability, Client Orientation, Honesty, and Trust).