Durban University of Technology (DUT) Application 2027 & How to Apply

Published 09/17/2026

The Durban University of Technology (DUT) 2027 application is an important opportunity for South African matriculants, gap-year students and eligible international applicants who want to study in fields such as Engineering, Health Sciences, Management Sciences, Information Technology, Applied Sciences, Arts and Design, and related career-focused disciplines.

Key Application Dates & Admission Requirements

Estimated 2027 Opening and Closing Deadlines

The DUT undergraduate application process follows the annual CAO application cycle.

For students planning to study at DUT in 2027, the key date to work toward is:

2027 application cycle: Applications are submitted through the CAO.
General closing date: 30 September 2026
Some programmes: May have earlier closing dates.
International applicants: Should apply as early as possible.
Postgraduate applicants: Follow a different application process and generally apply directly to the relevant DUT department.
Late applications: May only be possible if DUT specifically announces late applications for selected programmes and spaces are available.

Students should not assume that every DUT qualification remains open until the final day.

Health Sciences and Competitive Programmes

DUT offers programmes in areas such as:

Health Sciences
Nursing
Radiography and related health disciplines
Engineering
Information Technology
Applied Sciences
Management Sciences
Arts and Design

Competitive programmes may have additional requirements beyond the general university entrance requirements.

These can include:

Higher points requirements
Specific Mathematics requirements
Physical Sciences requirements
Life Sciences requirements
English requirements
Selection criteria
Limited places

Therefore, students should check the specific DUT career leaflet or programme information before applying.

Do not choose a programme based only on your overall APS. You must also meet the required subject combinations and minimum achievement levels.

DUT 2027 Application Summary

Degree Category	Minimum APS/Points Guide	Typical Closing Month
Higher Certificate	Programme-specific	September
Diploma	Often around 25+	September
Bachelor’s Degree	Often around 25–30+	September
Competitive Engineering	Programme-specific, often higher	September
Health Sciences	Programme-specific	September
Education	Around 30+ for some programmes	September
Arts & Design	Programme-specific	September

Important: These figures are general guides rather than universal DUT requirements. Individual programmes can require higher scores or specific subjects.

For example, some DUT programmes require 25 points, while the Bachelor of Education requires 30 points excluding Life Orientation. Other programmes can have different thresholds.

Always check the exact requirements for your intended qualification.

Admission Point Score (APS) & Subject Requirements

DUT uses a points system based on applicants’ school-leaving results.

For National Senior Certificate applicants, the achievement levels generally correspond to:

80–100% = 7 points
70–79% = 6 points
60–69% = 5 points
50–59% = 4 points
40–49% = 3 points
30–39% = 2 points
0–29% = 1 point

For many DUT programmes, the points calculation uses the relevant subjects and excludes Life Orientation.

The exact subjects used can depend on the qualification.

Example of an APS calculation

Suppose a student has these results:

English: 65% = 5 points
Mathematics: 72% = 6 points
Physical Sciences: 68% = 5 points
Life Sciences: 61% = 5 points
Business Studies: 74% = 6 points
Geography: 55% = 4 points

The student could have a qualifying subject total of 31 points, depending on the programme’s specific calculation rules.

The important point is that DUT does not use one universal APS requirement for every programme.

Minimum General Admission Requirements

For an NSC applicant, the general qualification framework includes:

Higher Certificate

National Senior Certificate
At least Level 3 in English

Diploma

National Senior Certificate
At least Level 3 in English
At least Level 3 in four recognised 20-credit NSC subjects

Bachelor’s Degree

National Senior Certificate with endorsement for Bachelor’s degree study
At least Level 3 in English
At least Level 4 in four recognised 20-credit NSC subjects

These are general entry requirements. A particular DUT programme can require considerably more.

Subject Requirements Matter

Depending on the programme, you may need:

Mathematics
Mathematical Literacy
Physical Sciences
Life Sciences
Accounting
Business Studies
English
Other relevant subjects

For example, an engineering programme may require Mathematics and Physical Sciences, while a management programme may accept Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy depending on the qualification.

Before applying:

Find your preferred DUT programme.
Check the required points.
Check the compulsory subjects.
Check the minimum achievement level for each subject.
Check whether Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy is accepted.
Check for additional selection requirements.
Confirm the closing date.

Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. DUT notes that places are limited and final selection can depend on academic results, available spaces and other programme requirements.

Step-by-Step Online Application Process

How to Submit Your Application Online

The most important thing to understand about DUT undergraduate applications is that first-time undergraduate applicants apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO).

You should therefore prepare your CAO application rather than looking for a separate standard first-year DUT application form.

Step 1: Research your DUT programme

Start by identifying the qualification you want to study.

Check:

Programme name
Qualification type
Campus
Duration
Minimum points
Compulsory subjects
Minimum subject levels
Selection requirements
Career opportunities
Closing date

Step 2: Find the CAO course code

Each programme listed through the CAO has its own application/course code.

Make sure you select the correct:

Institution
Qualification
Campus
Course code

A wrong course selection can result in your application being assessed for a programme you did not intend to choose.

Step 3: Go to the CAO website

Access the Central Applications Office online application system.

Select the option to apply for undergraduate study.

You will create or access your CAO application account and provide the information requested.

Step 4: Complete your personal details

Enter your:

Full name
ID number
Date of birth
Citizenship
Email address
Cellphone number
Residential information
Other requested personal details

Check everything carefully before continuing.

Step 5: Enter your academic information

Provide your school results accurately.

If you are currently in Grade 12, use your most recent available results as instructed by the CAO.

If you are a gap-year student, provide your final matric results.

Applicants who previously studied at another university or college may also need to provide their previous academic information.

Step 6: Select DUT and your programme

Select Durban University of Technology as the institution.

Then choose the relevant qualification and course code.

If the CAO application allows you to apply to multiple programmes or institutions, use your choices carefully.

Step 7: Upload supporting documents

Upload the required documentation according to the CAO instructions.

Make sure the documents are:

Clear
Complete
Correct
Legible
Properly certified where required

Step 8: Pay the application fee

The CAO application requires an application fee.

Make sure the payment is completed using one of the payment methods accepted by CAO.

Keep your proof of payment.

Step 9: Submit the application

Review everything before submitting.

Check:

Personal details
Academic results
DUT programme
Course code
Uploaded documents
Contact details
Payment information

Then submit your application.

Step 10: Save your application information

Keep your:

CAO number
Application login details
Proof of payment
Programme choices
Confirmation information

You will need these details when checking your application status.

Required Supporting Documents

South African Applicants

The exact documents can vary depending on your academic status and programme.

Generally, applicants should prepare:

South African Identity Document
Grade 11 results if currently in Grade 12
Grade 12 results if already matriculated
National Senior Certificate, once available
Previous academic records where applicable
Qualification certificates where applicable
Additional programme-specific documentation

Current Grade 12 Learners

If you are still at school, make sure your latest school results are available.

You may need:

Grade 11 final results
Grade 12 June results
Other available school reports

Your final matric certificate will normally be required later in the admission or registration process.

Gap-Year Students

If you completed matric in a previous year, prepare:

Final matric results
National Senior Certificate
Certified ID
Any post-school academic records
Other qualification documents if applicable

If you studied at another institution during your gap year, disclose the relevant information and prepare your academic record.

Proof of Address

Proof of address is not a universal academic admission document required from every DUT undergraduate applicant.

Students should follow the document requirements provided by CAO and DUT for their particular application.

If proof of address is specifically requested for another process, such as accommodation, financial aid or administration, provide an acceptable document according to the relevant instructions.

Possible proof-of-address documents can include:

Municipal statement
Bank statement
Official utility statement
Other accepted official correspondence

Do not upload unnecessary documents simply because another university requires them.

International Applicants

International applicants should start their application early.

Depending on your qualification and country of origin, you may need:

Valid passport
Certified school-leaving certificate
Academic transcripts
Certified copies of qualifications
SAQA evaluation where required
Matriculation Board evaluation for Bachelor’s degree applicants
English translations where applicable
Proof of legal status where applicable
Additional DUT international-student documentation

For international applicants seeking admission to Bachelor’s degree programmes, a Matriculation Board evaluation is compulsory.

Applicants seeking admission to Diploma programmes may need a SAQA evaluation, depending on their qualification.

International Applicant Tip

Do not wait until September to start your international documentation.

Begin early with:

Passport
School certificates
Academic transcripts
SAQA evaluation
Matriculation Board requirements
Certified copies
Translation of documents where necessary

International applicants may also need immigration and study-permit documentation after receiving an admission offer.

Application Fee & Payment Details

How Much Does a DUT Application Cost?

DUT undergraduate applications are processed through CAO, and the application fee is paid to CAO.

For the recent application cycle, the standard CAO fee was:

South African applicants: R250
International applicants: R300

Late applications, where specifically permitted, have carried higher fees.

Because fees can change from one application cycle to another, students applying for 2027 should confirm the amount displayed by CAO when submitting the application.

Important: DUT Application vs CAO Application

Do not confuse the university application with the application fee.

For a standard first-time undergraduate application:

You apply through CAO and pay the applicable CAO application fee.

You should not pay an unofficial individual claiming to have special access to DUT admissions.

Change of Mind

If you need to change your programme choices after submitting your CAO application, a change-of-mind fee may apply.

The recent fee was R140 per change of mind.

Check the current CAO instructions before making a change.

Late Applications

DUT has previously opened late applications for selected programmes when places remained available.

For example, a recent late-application process included a R470 late application fee for applicants who had not previously applied, while change-of-mind applications carried a separate fee.

However, a late application is not guaranteed.

Students should never assume that late applications will automatically be available for 2027.

Checking Application Status & Financial Aid

How to Track Your Application Status Online

After submitting your CAO application, you should regularly check your application status.

How to check your status

Go to the CAO website.
Log into your applicant account.
Enter your CAO/application details if requested.
Review your current application status.
Check whether any documents are outstanding.
Monitor your email and cellphone for messages from CAO or DUT.
Respond promptly if additional information is requested.

DUT also communicates application outcomes through channels such as email or SMS.

Keep Your Information Safe

Save your:

CAO number
Password
Application confirmation
Proof of payment
Selected course codes

Do not create multiple applications unnecessarily.

Important Admission Reminder

Submitting an application does not mean that you have been accepted.

You must receive an official admission outcome before assuming that you have a place at DUT.

Also remember that meeting the minimum requirements does not automatically guarantee admission because programmes may have limited capacity.

NSFAS & Bursary Application Steps

NSFAS

Students who need financial assistance should apply separately for NSFAS if they meet the relevant requirements.

Your DUT application and NSFAS application are different processes.

DUT/CAO application: Used for admission.

NSFAS application: Used to apply for government student funding.

How to Apply for NSFAS

Visit the NSFAS website.
Create or access your myNSFAS account.
Complete your personal information.
Provide the requested household information.
Upload supporting documents if required.
Submit the funding application.
Monitor your myNSFAS account.
Respond to requests for additional documents.
Check your funding outcome.

Do not wait until you are already registered before investigating funding deadlines.

Other DUT Funding Opportunities

Students should also investigate bursaries from:

Government departments
Private companies
Engineering companies
Financial institutions
Technology companies
Health-sector organisations
Provincial departments
Industry bodies
Foundations
Corporate social investment programmes

When applying for a bursary, check:

Academic requirements
Household income limits
Citizenship requirements
Required qualification
Age requirements
Required documents
Closing date

Never pay an unofficial person to “secure” a bursary.

What to Do If You Miss the Primary DUT Application Deadline

If you miss the 30 September 2026 deadline, do not immediately assume that you have no options.

Take the following steps.

1. Check whether your programme has an earlier deadline

Some programmes close earlier than the general deadline.

If your programme is already closed, check whether another suitable DUT programme remains available.

2. Check for officially announced late applications

DUT has previously opened late applications for selected programmes when places were still available.

However, these opportunities are not guaranteed every year.

Only apply through the official process if DUT announces a late application period.

3. Do not pay unofficial agents

Be particularly careful of anyone claiming:

“I can get you into DUT.”
“I have a contact inside admissions.”
“Pay me and I will reopen your application.”
“I can guarantee acceptance.”
“I can guarantee NSFAS funding.”

Admission cannot legitimately be guaranteed through an unofficial payment.

4. Consider another DUT programme

If your preferred qualification is closed, look for a related programme that matches your academic background and career goals.

5. Consider another institution

You can also research other universities, universities of technology and TVET colleges that offer similar qualifications and still have application opportunities.

6. Use CACH when available

Students who miss university application opportunities can investigate the Central Application Clearing House (CACH) when it becomes available for the relevant academic cycle.

CACH can help eligible applicants identify remaining opportunities in higher education and other post-school education options.

7. Improve your matric results

If you have to wait for the next application cycle, use the time productively.

Consider:

Improving Mathematics
Improving Physical Sciences
Improving English
Rewriting subjects where appropriate
Completing relevant short courses
Gaining work experience
Researching alternative qualifications
Preparing funding applications

DUT 2027 Application Checklist

Before submitting your application, make sure you have completed the following.

Academic Checklist

Choose your DUT programme
Check the CAO course code
Check the minimum points
Check compulsory subjects
Check minimum subject levels
Check Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy requirements
Check Physical Sciences or Life Sciences requirements where applicable
Check additional selection requirements
Confirm the closing date

Document Checklist

South African ID
Grade 11 results
Grade 12 results
National Senior Certificate
Previous academic record where applicable
Qualification certificates where applicable
Certified passport for international applicants
Foreign school-leaving qualification
SAQA evaluation where required
Matriculation Board evaluation for Bachelor’s degree applicants where required
English translations where applicable
Proof of address only where specifically requested

Application Checklist

Create your CAO application
Select DUT
Select the correct programme
Enter your information accurately
Upload supporting documents
Pay the applicable CAO fee
Submit before the deadline
Save your CAO number
Keep your proof of payment
Track your application status

Funding Checklist

Apply for NSFAS if eligible
Research DUT funding opportunities
Research external bursaries
Check bursary deadlines
Prepare financial-aid documents early

Final Thoughts

The Durban University of Technology (DUT) Application 2027 process is relatively straightforward once you understand that undergraduate applications are handled through the Central Applications Office.

For the 2027 academic year, students should work toward the 30 September 2026 general closing date, while checking their specific programme because some courses may close earlier.

Your application should begin with choosing the correct qualification and checking its points requirement, compulsory subjects and additional admission criteria.

Do not rely on a single general APS figure. DUT programmes have different requirements. Some qualifications may require around 25 points, while others require 30 points or considerably more.

South African matriculants should prepare their Grade 11 or Grade 12 results, while gap-year applicants should have their final matric documentation ready.

International applicants should begin much earlier because SAQA evaluations, Matriculation Board evaluations and other documentation may take additional time.

Most importantly, submit your application before the deadline rather than waiting until the final day. Keep your CAO number and proof of payment safe, monitor your application status and apply separately for NSFAS or other funding if you need financial assistance.

If you miss the main deadline, check for officially announced late applications, alternative DUT programmes and CACH opportunities rather than paying an unofficial agent who promises guaranteed admission.

Posted in: Application

Tagged: Durban University of Technology (DUT) Application

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