Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)

Tshwane University of Technology, known as TUT, is one of South Africa's largest universities of technology. It opened on 1 January 2004 and offers more than 300 study programmes through seven faculties. Its campuses span Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Limpopo, and it calls itself "the People's University".

About TUT

TUT formed through the merger of three technikons in and around Pretoria: Technikon Northern Gauteng, Technikon North-West and Technikon Pretoria. The government announced the merger in 2002, and the new university opened its doors in 2004. As a university of technology, it focuses on career-oriented diplomas and degrees, with practical training built into many programmes.

Campuses

TUT has campuses in Pretoria, Soshanguve and Ga-Rankuwa in Gauteng, eMalahleni and Mbombela in Mpumalanga, and Polokwane in Limpopo. Not every programme runs on every campus, so check where your qualification is offered before you apply.

Applying to TUT

TUT opened first-year applications for 2027 on 1 April 2026. Each programme has its own closing date. Many diplomas and degrees closed on 30 September 2026, while Arts and Design programmes closed earlier, on 31 July 2026. TUT's online programmes have a separate deadline of 16 January 2027.

A programme may also close before its deadline once it is full, so apply early. The application fee for 2027 is R240. You pay it once as a first-time applicant, and it is not refundable.

Fees and funding

Tuition depends on your programme, and TUT publishes its student fee rules in its prospectus each year. Many programmes include work-integrated learning, where you gain workplace experience as part of your qualification. Qualifying students can apply for NSFAS, and many companies fund TUT engineering and technical students. Browse our bursaries for options.

Contacting TUT

For application questions, the TUT Contact Centre is on 086 110 2421.

Is TUT right for you?

TUT suits students who want practical, career-focused qualifications, especially in engineering, IT, the arts and business. Its campuses in three provinces also mean that many students can study close to home.

Before you apply to TUT

Look up your programme in TUT's first-year course information, because each one lists its own closing date, campus and subject requirements. Pay the application fee when you apply, since TUT only processes paid applications. Apply well before the deadline, because full programmes close early. If you need a residence, apply for it separately, since housing places at each campus are limited. Keep your student number, as you will use it to track your application. Finally, double-check which campus offers your programme, because TUT teaches across six sites in three provinces.