In 2002, the Technikon Natal and ML Sultan Technikon colleges merged to form a new educational institution. This merger of schools was the birth of the Durban University of Technology (DUT). Not only can students at DUT obtain bachelor’s and master’s degrees, but the university offers doctoral study in selected fields.
With seven campuses in Durban and Pietermaritzburg, DUT is accessible to students throughout KwaZulu Natal. DUT’s five Durban locations are the City Campus, Brickfield Campus, ML Sultan Campus, Ritson Campus, and the Steve Biko Campus. Students can also attend the Indumiso Campus or the Riverside Campus in Pietermaritzburg.
The Durban University of Technology was placed in the global top 500 and South African top five in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022, announced in September 2021. These are historical results for that ranking edition. Notable former students include Mandisa Mashego, Nthati Moshesh, Sarah Richards, and DJ Black Coffee; attendance does not necessarily mean that each completed a DUT qualification.
Durban University of Technology (DUT) Curriculum
DUT offers six faculties for students:
- Faculty of Accounting & Informatics
- Faculty of Applied Sciences
- Faculty of Arts & Design
- Faculty of Engineering & Built Environment
- Faculty of Health Sciences
- Faculty of Management Sciences
DUT has expanded its academic offerings with the addition of the Durban University of Technology Business School. This new offering gives students the opportunity to pursue a number of business degrees, including the Masters of Business Administration.
Students at DUT also have access to the Centre for Entrepreneurship & Innovation. The Centre exists to help students take advantage of opportunities for entrepreneurship that may arise during their studies. It offers students education and training in business administration and helps connect students with support services for their startups. The Centre provides access to labs and machinery such as 3D printers and offers help writing business plans, finding funding, enrolling in competitions, and applying for patents.
How to Apply DUT
There are many compelling reasons to apply to DUT. This university offers students access to knowledgeable faculty and resources to help them succeed. How do we apply to DUT?
The first step is to familiarise yourself with the university’s career leaflets. These leaflets detail specific criteria required for admission into the various programmes of study. Familiarising yourself with the programme criteria and class load will help you prepare for the studies to come.
Once you have decided which programme to seek admission to, complete your online application through the Central Applications Office. You will need to have your identification documents and any school or tertiary school details before beginning the application.
Applicants wishing to apply in person may attend Gate 11, Central Services Complex – UKZN, Mary Thiphe Street (Cato Manor Road), Cato Manor, Durban.
Is there an application fee?
First-time undergraduate applicants apply through CAO. For January 2027 entry, CAO’s administration fee is R250 for South African citizens and R300 for international applicants if received by 31 October 2026, rising to R470 and R580 from 1 November. Programme deadlines can be earlier. Honours, Masters and Doctoral applications are made directly to the relevant DUT department.
What documents will I need?
To apply for admission and register for classes, you will need to have:
- Certified copy of identification documents, such as a passport or your Smart ID card
- Certified copies of the Grade 12 certificate.
You will also be required to complete the following documents:
- Indemnity Form
- Suretyship Form
- M65 DUT Deposit Slip
- ETF Form
What are DUT Requirements for Admission?
Minimum admission criteria vary depending on the level of your studies. For higher certificate programmes, you will need your National Senior Certificate (NSC) Level 4 with a minimum achievement rating for English of 50%.
Diploma programmes require you to have a National Certificate Level 4 with at least 50% in English and three fundamental subjects. You must also have at least 60% scores in three compulsory vocational courses.
Bachelor’s programmes require a National Certificate Level 4 and scores of at least 60% in English and three fundamental subjects and a score of at least 70% in four compulsory vocational subjects.
Doctoral Students must have completed a Master’s Degree. This degree must be evaluated as NQF level 9 or higher, and students must have obtained a score of 70% or greater. Doctoral students will write a comprehensive thesis and, upon completion, will be awarded a Doctor of Philosophy in Management Sciences specialising in Public Administration.
Are there alternative forms of admission?
The Durban University of Technology recognises opportunities to participate in the university through a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) admission. Those wishing to apply as RPL students should contact the University’s Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching, who will work with the student to determine their best path forward.
DUT Application Dates
For 2027 entry, most DUT undergraduate applications closed on 30 September 2026, with programme-specific earlier dates. Selected Applied Sciences programmes have an official extension to 31 October 2026; check the published extended-programme list rather than assuming a general 30 November deadline.
Apply through CAO for the intended academic year and check the current programme listing; do not reuse the old 15 March opening date.
Applications close on the date attached to the specific qualification in the current CAO listing. Selected Applied Sciences programmes are extended to 31 October 2026; other programmes may already be closed.
Programme deadlines vary.
For 2027 entry, consult the current DUT programme list and the official Applied Sciences extension notice. Earlier closing dates can apply to selected qualifications.
General undergraduate deadline: 30 September 2026.
Selected Applied Sciences programmes have an extension to 31 October 2026.
DUT Registration and Payment
Once you have applied and been accepted as a student at DUT, you must register for your classes and ensure your tuition and other fees are paid. Tuition and fees will vary, some depending on NSFAS awards and other factors. Your fees may vary from the schedule presented here.
How Much Will I Need to Pay?
Tuition, registration deposits and residence charges are separate costs. The older R4 200/R2 570/R8 480/R5 190 figures are not verified annual tuition prices; obtain DUT’s current official fee quotation and minimum-payment requirements for your category.
What Methods of Payment Are Accepted?
Students may pay their fees in the following ways:
- In-person, at the Cashiers. Students may pay by cash, cheque, or credit/debit card. Students should only pay money to the official fees office and obtain an official receipt. Never pay any university official except an official representative of the fees office.
- By post. Postal payments can be mailed to:
Chief Finance Officer
P.O. Box 1334
Durban, 4000
Cheques shall be made out to The Durban University of Technology, and payment shall include the following information about the student:
- Surname
- Initials
- Identity Number
- Date of Birth
- Course Descriptions
- Student Number
- Details of Payment
● Direct deposit. This is the simplest option and requires the least amount of hassle on the part of the student. Students can use Form M65 to remit their payment.
● UNESCO Coupons. Students using these coupons can present them to the University Cashier, who will convert them to currency to settle the university’s fees.
Can I Use NSFAS Funds?
Students who qualify for NSFAS funding may use this funding to attend DUT, once accepted. You may complete your NSFAS application at https://my.nsfas.org.za/Application/selfservice.jsp.
You may qualify for NSFAS funding if your combined household income is below R350,000 annually. Persons with disabilities may apply if their combined household income is below R600,000.
Applicants to the NSFAS will need:
- A cell phone number and email address
- Identification document or birth certificate
- ID copies for parents, guardians, or spouse
- Proof of 1 year’s income for yourself, parents, guardians, or spouse
DUT Online Registration
Once your application is paid and fees are settled, you may register for your classes. At this time, registration is online only. You will need a copy of your acceptance offer and to have completed all registration or other fees.
Once all fees and paperwork are completed, students can attend the student portal at https://dutstudent.dut.ac.za/ to complete their registration. The computerised system will assist students in selecting the appropriate modules for their course of study and can also help students complete other relevant and necessary documentation. Students can find a detailed guide on the online registration process at the DUT Website.
After registration is completed, you will be issued Proof of Registration.
Read Also: DUT Application Status: How To Track Your Application
DUT Orientation
DUT provides orientation and first-year support through the current academic-year programme. Check the latest dates, venues and online activities; the old claim that orientation is online only because of an ongoing coronavirus pandemic is not current.
DUT’s orientation is built on the philosophy of Sikusekele, or “We got you.” The orientation process is designed to integrate information students will need from various departments such as Student Governance, Student Housing, and the Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching. Examples of the content presented during orientation can be found here, relating to the 2026 orientation session.
The orientation services for 2026 have been held online but are available as recorded sessions, so students may refer back for information later. Students who do not have access to modern or high-tech devices will find an easy-to-use, text-based version of the orientation online. Orientation will include short modules on the use of technology, especially Microsoft Teams, that students will utilise throughout their academic career and quite possibly in the workplace. Students are issued a certificate of completion once they finish the orientation process.
