R48,896 per year for all degrees (2026 residence fee, self-catering, excludes meals; R6,800 residence registration deposit). The 2027 prospectus estimates about R85,000 for tuition, a bed in residence and food in 2027.
R79 000 to R90 000 2026 first year, estimated range
Programme
Bachelor of Oral Hygiene
Residence, per year
R65,700-R105,800 (room only), plus a R14,400 meals charge listed for every undergraduate residence, including self-catering ones; the full (100%) meal fee is R65,000
UP 2027 example: English, Mathematics and Physical Sciences at level 4; APS 25. Selection applies.
NSC/IEB minimums can be checked in My Map using your results. Other curricula need a separate programme check.
Published minimums only. Selection, bachelor admission, any extra requirements and available places still apply. UP selects 25 first-year students a year; first-choice applicants are considered, and second-choice applicants may be considered in certain categories. Applications for 2027 closed on 30 June 2026.
Wits 2027 example: English Home Language or First Additional Language level 4, Mathematics level 4 or Maths Literacy level 7, and Life Sciences and/or Physical Sciences level 4. No APS: selection uses a Composite Index with the NBT. A job-shadowing certificate is compulsory. 3 years.
NSC/IEB minimums can be checked in My Map using your results. Other curricula need a separate programme check.
No APS is published: Health Sciences selects on a Composite Index of five matric subjects (percentages) and the NBT average, weighted 60% and 40% in the 2027 Guide but 75% and 25% on the Wits course-finder page (Wits publishes both). All applicants must write the NBT in person, by 17 August 2026 for early feedback; a 'Basic' NBT range means no consideration. Applications closed on 30 June 2026. Applicants must also complete a job shadowing certificate of attendance (minimum 16 hours) observing a dentist, dental therapist or oral hygienist; only observation hours completed between 1 July 2025 and 31 July 2026 are accepted, and applicants who fail to submit a certificate are not considered.
UKZN 2027: APS 30 (Life Orientation excluded) with English and Life Orientation at level 4, and Life Sciences and Mathematics at level 3. 3 years at Westville.
NSC/IEB minimums can be checked in My Map using your results. Other curricula need a separate programme check.
Only first to third CAO choices are considered, and no late applications are considered (closing date 30 September 2026). Meeting the minimums does not guarantee a place: UKZN selects by academic ranking from APS 48 down until the places are filled. Compulsory clinical placements, some outside Durban, are at the student's own cost for travel, accommodation and living. The School of Health Sciences web page lists Life Sciences at Level 4; the 2027 prospectus, the CAO 2027 handbook and College rule CHS SHU 6 give Level 3, so confirm with UKZN.
Rough guide: whole degree = first-year tuition × years. Fees rise every year; add books, equipment, transport and living costs. Some health routes include service or internship stages with their own pay and expenses: confirm them for your route.
