The Durban University of Technology (DUT) funds students through NSFAS, bursaries pledged by sponsors and its own scholarships for top achievers. Its Financial Aid Unit administers these bursaries. The details below come from DUT's Study Opportunities 2027 guide.
How financial aid works at DUT
- Financial aid is granted to full-time registered students only.
- Students must be South African citizens.
- Aid is granted under the conditions set by donors, sponsors and DUT.
- Funds are credited directly to your fee account.
NSFAS
You qualify for an NSFAS bursary if you are a South African citizen who plans to study in 2027, or already studies at a public university or TVET college, and you:
- Receive a SASSA grant, or
- Have a combined household income of no more than R350,000 a year, or
- Have a disability and a household income of no more than R600,000 a year
Apply online on the NSFAS website: create a myNSFAS account, click Apply, answer the questions, upload your documents and submit. Your reference number appears on screen and is sent to your phone and email. NSFAS usually opens applications around September to October.
Documents for NSFAS
You need your own cellphone number and email address, a copy of your ID or birth certificate, the IDs of your parents, guardian or spouse, and proof of their income. SASSA grant recipients do not need proof of income. Applicants with a disability submit a signed Disability Annexure A form, and applicants recognised as vulnerable children submit a Vulnerable Child Declaration and Consent Form.
What NSFAS covers
New students do not pay the minimum registration fee once their NSFAS award is confirmed. For continuing students, the NSFAS award covers tuition and residence costs, including meal and learning material allowances. Continuing students must progress to the next level to keep their bursary.
DUT scholarships for new students
First-year full-time South African students with excellent NSC results receive a tuition fee remission:
- Aggregate of 80% or higher: 100% of first-year tuition
- Aggregate of 70% to 79%: 50% of first-year tuition
Scholarships for returning students
A returning student who achieved distinctions at the first attempt and passed the full curriculum receives a 100% tuition remission for the next level. A student with an overall pass with distinction receives 50%.
Other bursaries
Donors' bursaries are awarded on criteria such as financial need, academic potential and field of study. When donors pledge funds, DUT advertises them on the notice boards of the Department of Financial Aid, academic departments and faculty offices.
Contact
- Durban: 031 373 2553, finaiddbn@dut.ac.za
- Pietermaritzburg: 033 845 8889, finaidpmb@dut.ac.za
Frequently Asked Questions
Does DUT offer scholarships for first-years?
Yes. An NSC aggregate of 80% or more earns a 100% tuition remission, and 70% to 79% earns 50%.
Do NSFAS students pay DUT's registration fee?
No, once their NSFAS award is confirmed.
Is DUT financial aid paid to students?
No. It is credited to the student's fee account.