The Durban University of Technology (DUT) online applications for the 2027 academic year are officially open. DUT 2027 online applications remain open until 31 October 2026. This marks the start of a high-pressure period for thousands of current Grade 12 learners across South Africa who are competing for a limited number of first-year spots.
The Durban University of Technology has confirmed that prospective students can begin submitting their applications through the Central Applications Office (CAO) system from 01 March 2026.
A Narrow Window for Popular Courses
Education experts warn that the "real" deadline is much sooner for high-demand faculties. At DUT, courses in Health Sciences, Engineering, and Nursing are often oversubscribed within the first few weeks of the portal opening.
Last year, several South African universities saw record-breaking numbers of applicants, leading to thousands of "firm offers" being sent out before the final matric exams even began. For the Class of 2026, waiting until the October deadline could mean missing out on their first-choice career path.
The Application Process: What Matrics Need to Know
Unlike some institutions that handle their own internal portals, DUT remains part of the CAO system. This means learners must pay a single administration fee of R250 to apply for multiple programs or even multiple universities in KwaZulu-Natal.
The University has outlined the following requirements for a valid 2027 application:
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Grade 11 Final Results: These are the primary documents used for conditional admission.
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Identification: A certified copy of the applicant’s South African ID.
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CAO Code: Each course has a specific alpha-numeric code (e.g., DU-D-BN3) that must be entered correctly to avoid processing errors.
Navigating the "APS" Minimums
One of the biggest hurdles for 2027 applicants is the Admission Point Score (APS). Each faculty at DUT has its own set of minimum requirements. For example, many Engineering programs require a minimum of 4 or 5 (50%-69%) in Mathematics and Physical Science, excluding Life Orientation.
"Students often make the mistake of applying for courses where they don't meet the minimum Grade 11 requirements," says an independent admissions consultant. "At a technical university like DUT, if you don't have the math marks on paper right now, the system might automatically regret your application."
Funding and Placement
The opening of the DUT portal also serves as a reminder for students to begin preparing their NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) documentation. While NSFAS applications usually open later in the year, having a valid university reference number from a DUT application is a critical first step for those requiring financial assistance.
With the 2027 cycle now live, the message to the current matric class is one of urgency. In the competitive landscape of South African higher education, being a top achiever is only half the battle—the other half is ensuring your paperwork is in the system before the gates close.
