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2027 Intake · Creative. Distinctive. Impactful.
Apply to the Durban University of Technology — a leading multi-campus university of technology in KwaZulu-Natal.
DUT spans seven campuses across Durban and Pietermaritzburg, and has grown since its 2002 merger of ML Sultan Technikon and Technikon Natal into one of South Africa's top-ranked universities of technology. Applications for 2027 go through the Central Applications Office (CAO) — here's exactly what you need, and by when.
6Faculties
R250CAO Application Fee
30 Sep2026 General Closing Date
About the university
Creative. Distinctive. Impactful. Since 2002.
The Durban University of Technology was formed in 2002 through the merger of ML Sultan Technikon and Technikon Natal, initially operating as the Durban Institute of Technology before taking its current name in 2004. Its history traces back further still, to the former Natal Technical College. Today DUT is a multi-campus university of technology spread across Durban and Pietermaritzburg, prioritising industry-relevant, work-integrated learning across its qualifications.
With around 32,000 students, DUT is known for its strengths in engineering, health sciences and applied sciences, and was ranked among the world's Top 500 universities in 2020. The university runs a Writing Centre, a Centre for Excellence in Learning & Teaching, and dedicated entrepreneurship hubs in both Durban and the Midlands.
Good to know
DUT does not accept direct first-time undergraduate applications — you apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO), which covers all the KwaZulu-Natal universities with one form and a single R250 fee. High-demand faculties such as Health Sciences and Engineering fill up well before the general 30 September closing date, so apply as early as possible.
Plan ahead
2027 key application dates
DUT sets a general closing date for most programmes through CAO, but competitive faculties fill their available spaces much earlier — always apply as soon as the portal opens.
1 MARCH 2026
CAO applications open
The Central Applications Office portal opens for the 2027 academic year, covering DUT and other KZN universities.
MARCH – AUGUST 2026
High-demand faculties fill up
Health Sciences, Engineering and the Built Environment, and other competitive faculties often reach capacity well ahead of the general date.
30 SEPTEMBER 2026
General closing date
Final date for most undergraduate CAO applications to DUT for the 2027 intake.
1 AUG 2026 – 31 JAN 2027
NSFAS window
NSFAS applications are separate from the CAO application and open on their own timeline.
Applied for through CAO
How to apply to DUT
First-time undergraduate applications to DUT are submitted online through the Central Applications Office (CAO), not directly to the university, and carry a single R250 CAO fee.
01
Before you start
- Check your programme's requirements and likely closing window in the current prospectus.
- Gather a certified copy of your ID or passport and your latest school results.
- Decide on two or three programme choices to rank on your CAO application.
02
Submit via CAO
- Go to the Central Applications Office website at www.cao.ac.za.
- Register or log in, then select Durban University of Technology as a preferred institution.
- Upload your supporting documents and pay the R250 CAO application fee.
- Submit before the closing date and track your status regularly on the CAO portal.
Checklist
Documents you'll need
- Certified copy of your South African ID or passport
- Grade 11 final results, or latest Grade 12 results if you're a current matriculant
- Grade 12 June or trial results, once available
- Final National Senior Certificate, once released
- Proof of payment of the CAO application fee
Costs
Application fees
CAO application feeR250
CoversAll CAO-listed KZN universities
NSFAS window1 Aug 2026 – 31 Jan 2027
⚠️ The CAO fee is paid once, whichever KZN universities you list. Late or incomplete applications are usually not accepted once the closing date has passed — apply as early as possible, especially for Health Sciences and Engineering.
Where you could study
Faculties at a glance
Faculty
Accounting and Informatics
Auditing and taxation, financial accounting, information technology and management accounting, based on the Ritson, ML Sultan and Riverside campuses.
Faculty
Applied Sciences
Biotechnology and food science, chemistry, maritime studies, mathematics, physics, statistics and sport studies across ten academic departments.
Faculty
Arts and Design
Fashion and textiles, fine art and jewellery design, and other creative programmes with a strong studio focus.
Faculty
Engineering and the Built Environment
Civil, chemical, electrical power, electronic and computer, industrial and mechanical engineering, architecture, and town and regional planning.
Faculty
Health Sciences
Nursing, dental sciences, chiropractic, homoeopathy, radiography and emergency medical care — among DUT's most competitive, earliest-filling programmes.
Faculty
Management Sciences
Business administration and the DUT Business School, offering applied business education alongside executive and short learning programmes.
Seven campuses, two cities
Life across Durban & Pietermaritzburg
Steve Biko Campus
DUT's main Durban campus, home to central administration and several faculties.
ML Sultan & Ritson
Durban campuses housing Accounting and Informatics and other faculty departments.
City & Brickfield
Further Durban campuses supporting Arts and Design and applied programmes.
Riverside & Indumiso
DUT's two Pietermaritzburg campuses, extending access into the Midlands.
Keep reading
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Frequently asked questions
When do DUT 2027 applications open and close?
CAO applications opened on 1 March 2026. The general closing date for most undergraduate programmes is 30 September 2026, but high-demand faculties like Health Sciences and Engineering and the Built Environment often fill up sooner — always apply as early as you can.
How do I apply, and how much does it cost?
You apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) at www.cao.ac.za, not directly to DUT. The CAO fee is R250, and it covers your application to any of the participating KwaZulu-Natal universities.
Where is DUT located?
DUT is a multi-campus university with five campuses in Durban and two in Pietermaritzburg, all in KwaZulu-Natal. It's a university of technology, known for its emphasis on industry-focused, work-integrated learning.
What faculties does DUT offer?
Six faculties: Accounting and Informatics; Applied Sciences; Arts and Design; Engineering and the Built Environment; Health Sciences; and Management Sciences.
Does DUT offer NSFAS funding?
Yes. DUT is an eligible NSFAS institution. NSFAS applications for 2027 are expected to open around 1 August 2026 and close 31 January 2027, and must be submitted separately from your CAO application.
Creative. Distinctive. Impactful. Your journey starts with applying.
Get your documents ready and submit your Durban University of Technology application through CAO before your programme's closing date.
Apply to DUT →