Private Accommodation Options for UKZN Students 2026

This article contains information on the Private Accommodation Options for UKZN students for 2026.

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) in South Africa has announced that their student residences have reached full capacity for the 2026 academic year. Students who still require accommodation are referred to private accommodation service providers who are registered with the UKZN Private Accommodation Office.

In a statement issued by the Student Services Division, students were advised to note that all University-owned and leased residences are now fully occupied. Those who are still in need of accommodation are urged to apply for private accommodation through registered providers.

However, the University has set certain requirements that need to be met before private accommodation applications are approved. Landlords must first register their private accommodation facilities with the UKZN Division of Student Residence Affairs (DSRA) in order for students to be approved for private accommodation. It is only after registration that private accommodation forms can be approved.

All facilities are inspected by DSRA before they are registered and considered to accommodate students on the official 2026 Approved Private (AP) lists. Landlords will work only through the relevant DSRA officials. It is important for students to ensure that landlords follow the registration process, as no forms will be approved until the landlord is registered with DSRA. While the initial verification of forms is done online by DSRA, students must physically submit their signed lease agreements to the DSRA’s Private Accommodation Office (PAO) for official stamping and signing.

UKZN RESIDENCES HAVE REACHED FULL CAPACITY AND PRIVATE ACCOMMODATION APPLICATI ON PROCESS

Dear Staff and Students

Students are advised that university-owned and leased residences have reached full capacity for the 2026 academic year. Students who still require accommodation are referred to private accommodation service providers who are registered with the DSRA private accommodation office on their respective campuses.

Please note the following when applying for private accommodation:

The 2026 private accommodation application process officially commences on January 16, 2026.
For NSFAS-funded students, accommodation costs must strictly adhere to the 2026 annual accommodation allowance cap of R45,000 (approximately R3,750 per month) and the property must be NSFAS-accredited.
Landlords are permitted to charge a fully refundable security deposit. Always consult the official 2026 DSRA Approved Private (AP) lists for your specific campus.
All landlords must register their Private Accommodation (PA) facility with DSRA in order for students to be approved for PA.
No forms will be approved until the landlord is registered with DSRA.
Students are to ensure that landlords follow the process.
The verification of forms is done online by DSRA. However, once a lease agreement is signed, it must be physically submitted to the Private Accommodation Office (PAO) for official verification and stamping. Any lease cancellation requires an official DSRA cancellation form.

Who qualifies for private accommodation?

All returning students who were previously residing in a registered private accommodation facility.
Returning students who did not get a residence placement will be considered.
First time applicants will be considered as the University administered residences are full.

It is important to note that private accommodation applications are done online only. There will be no collection of forms from students by any person. All facilities are inspected by the DSRA before they are registered and considered to accommodate students. Landlords will work only with the relevant DSRA officials.