Due to the coronavirus pandemic students around the world have had to miss out on their traditional graduation ceremonies. The University of KwaZulu-Natal decided to host a virtual graduation ceremony for the class of 2020 on Friday, 29 May 2020. 

The decision to host a virtual graduation was made in accordance with the national lockdown and social distancing regulations in South Africa, that were put in place to safeguard all citizens from contracting COVID-19 (Coronavirus).

The virtual ceremony was set to feature an address by UKZN’s Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Nana Poku and congratulatory messages by four Deputy Vice-Chancellors. The event was scheduled to broadcast live on SABC3 and Ukhozi FM. 

Student then took to social media to celebrate their achievements.

The University also announced that that it will be conferring a total of 9 963 degree certificates, 6 505 of which will be awarded to undergraduate recipients and 3 458 to postgraduates. There are 414 Masters (thesis) and 228 doctoral graduands.

Overall there are 104 summa cum laude and 270 cum laude graduands.

As has been the trend in previous years, women graduands continue to excel with 70 percent to graduate summa cum laude and 67 percent cum laude.

Overall there are 104 summa cum laude and 270 cum laude graduands.

The University is especially proud of the achievements of 80 graduands with disabilities, 31 of whom have completed postgraduate studies. Two exceptional achievers will graduate with PhD’s and six with Masters.

There are 276 international graduands, 217 of whom will graduate with postgraduate certificates. 

Overall, 1 609 degrees will be conferred in the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, 5 087 in the College of Humanities, 2 254 in the College of Law and Management Studies, and 1 013 in the College of Health Sciences.