What is DHL cost?

DHL shipping costs are based on a variety of factors that determine the final price you’ll pay. Here are the key elements that influence the cost of your shipment:

1. Weight and Number of Parcels

The weight of your package is one of the most important factors in determining your shipping cost with DHL. The heavier the package, the more expensive it will be to ship. Additionally, the number of parcels you’re shipping can also impact the cost. If you’re sending multiple items, each package will be priced individually based on its weight.

For instance:

  • A single lightweight parcel will cost significantly less than several heavy packages.
  • DHL typically offers competitive pricing for bulk shipments, which may be ideal for businesses.

2. Delivery Destination

The destination of your shipment is another major factor in calculating shipping costs. Domestic shipments within South Africa are generally more affordable than international deliveries. When sending a package abroad, DHL charges based on the destination zone, which refers to the geographical region where your parcel will be delivered.

  • Domestic Shipping: Local deliveries within South Africa tend to be quicker and less expensive compared to international ones.
  • International Shipping: For international shipments, costs vary depending on the country or region, with farther destinations often resulting in higher fees.

3. Additional Services

DHL offers a range of additional services that can impact the overall cost of your shipment. These optional services are designed to provide extra convenience, security, and tracking for your packages.

Some of the additional services you may need to consider include:

  • Insurance: Protects your shipment against loss or damage during transit.
  • Tracking: Allows you to monitor the progress of your parcel.
  • Delivery Confirmation: Verifies that your shipment has been received by the intended recipient.
  • Cash on Delivery (COD): A service that allows you to collect payment from the recipient upon delivery.
  • Out-of-Hours Delivery: For deliveries made outside of regular business hours, which may incur additional fees.

4. Surcharges

DHL may apply surcharges to the base shipping rate, depending on specific circumstances. Common surcharges include:

  • Fuel Surcharge: Shipping costs may be adjusted based on fluctuating fuel prices.
  • Remote Area Surcharge: If your destination is in a less accessible or remote area, an additional fee may apply.
  • Volumetric Weight: In some cases, if your package is large but light, DHL may charge based on its volumetric weight, which is a calculation of the size of the parcel rather than its actual weight.

5. Customs Duties and Taxes

When sending international shipments, DHL may charge additional fees to handle customs duties and taxes. These fees are collected on behalf of the customer to ensure that the necessary documentation and taxes are processed when the parcel crosses international borders. The cost of these duties and taxes will vary depending on the destination country and the value of the goods being shipped.

How to Get a Free Shipping Quote from DHL

To get an accurate estimate of DHL’s shipping costs in South Africa, you can use their online quote tool. Simply input the details of your shipment, such as the weight, destination, and any additional services you may require. DHL’s system will then generate a free, customized shipping quote based on these factors.

This online tool is very helpful in determining the total cost before you commit to shipping, so you can easily compare prices for different options and decide the best choice for your needs.


Overview of Public Universities in South Africa

Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.

University of Pretoria

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
  • Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.

University of Cape Town

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
  • Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.

Stellenbosch University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.

University of the Witwatersrand

  • Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
  • Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.

University of Johannesburg

  • Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
  • Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.

University of the Free State

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.

University of Venda

  • Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
  • Application Period: Usually from May to September.

University of Fort Hare

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
  • Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.

University of the Western Cape

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Generally from May to September.

North-West University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.

Rhodes University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
  • Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.

Nelson Mandela University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
  • Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.

Cape Peninsula University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.

University of Limpopo

  • Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

University of Zululand

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
  • Application Period: Usually between April and November.

Central University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.

Vaal University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
  • Application Period: Typically from May to September.

Walter Sisulu University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.