Durban University of Technology Courses

How to apply to Durban University of Technology

Planning a successful career at DUT doesn’t have to be a vague dream. We help prospective students make it a reality.

Are you having trouble deciding what career you would like to follow? We have developed a Career Decision-Making page – designed to take undecided learners through the career decision-making process in a systematic and user-friendly manner.

We hope that the information provided will enable you to make an informed decision about applying to DUT. To help you get the most out of the information provided, here are a few key points you should bear in mind:

  1. Identify the course you wish to study. Programmes offered can be found in the Department Handbooks.
  2. The minimum entrance requirements for admission to the DUT for a South African applicant is a Senior Certificate or a recognized equivalent qualification. Over and above the minimum entrance requirements, each department also sets specific entrance requirements.
  3. With effect from 1 January 2009 the following are the entrance requirements :
    • a National Senior Certificate (NSC) as certified by Umalusi Council for Quality Assurance in General and Further Education and Training provided that a minimum of 4 recognised NSC 20-credit subjects must be passed.
    • These four subjects must:
      • include English with an achievement rating of 3 or better;
      • not exceed 2 official languages; and
      • have an achievement rating of 3 or better, in accordance with the NSC levels of achievement below:
  4. International applicants are required to check the International Brochure for detailed information on the admission process.
  5. Apply online at the Central Applications Office (CAO). (A prospective student who wishes to study at the DUT must apply via the CAO) Kindly consult the CAO webpage at www.cao.ac.za
  6. Compulsory Documents

Durban University of Technology Courses

DUT has six academic faculties, of whom each offer a variety of degree options, ranging from undergraduate qualifications to doctoral degrees.

Faculty of Accounting & Informatics 
Auditing and Taxation
Financial Accounting
Finance and Information Management (Midlands)
Information and Corporate Management (Library and Information Studies & Office Management and Technology)
Information Technology
Management Accounting
Faculty of Applied Science 
Biotechnology and Food Technology
Chemistry
Clothing and Textile Studies
Food and Nutrition Consumer Sciences
Horticulture
Maritime Studies
Maths, Statistics and Physics
Sport Studies
Faculty of Arts 
Drama and Production Studies (Drama Studies and Production Studies)
Fashion and Textiles
Fine Art and Jewellery Design
Media, Language and Communication (Language Practice, Translation & Interpreting Practice, Journalism)
School of Education
Video Technology
Visual Communication Design (Graphic Design, Interior Design, Photography)
Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment 
Architectural Technology
Chemical Engineering and Pulp & Paper Technology
Civil Engineering and Surveying DBN
Civil Engineering and Surveying PMB
Construction Management and Quantity Surveying
Electrical Power Engineering
Electronic Engineering
Industrial Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Town and Regional Planning
Faculty of Health 
Basic Medical Sciences Department
Biomedical and Clinical Technology
Chiropractic and Somatology
Community Health Studies
Dental Sciences
Emergency Medical Care and Rescue
Homoeopathy
Radiography
Faculty of Management Sciences 
Applied Law
Applied Management (Midlands)
Business Studies Unit
Entrepreneurial Studies and Management
Hospitality and Tourism
Human Resources Management
Marketing Retail and Public Relations
Operations and Quality Management
Public Management and Economics
Regional Governance and Development (Midlands)


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.