The Vaal University of Technology (VUT) in Vanderbijlpark runs an annual academic calendar from January to December. VUT publishes the calendar each year on its University Calendar page, with key dates for enrolment, terms, examinations, holiday breaks and graduation ceremonies. VUT had not published a 2027 calendar when we checked in November 2026, so the dates below come from its official 2026 notices.
How the VUT year works
VUT sets its academic calendar in line with two census dates, at the end of March and the end of September. According to VUT's general prospectus, examinations at the end of a module normally take place in May and June, and in October and November, each year. Each examination is made up of two opportunities. Students must attend all scheduled classes and tutorials from the start of the advertised academic calendar.
Registration in 2026
- Master's and doctoral students: 8 January to 31 March 2026
- First-time entering students: from Thursday, 22 January 2026, until quotas were filled
- Senior students: 23 January to 1 February 2026
Registration for first-time entering students was first planned for 19 January 2026. VUT moved it to 22 January because of delays in uploading and verifying the 2025 NSC results, and because the new registration system needed to be stabilised. In 2026, all registration was online through the VUT Student Portal, with no walk-in or on-campus registration.
Orientation and opening
- First-year student orientation: 26 January to 7 February 2026
- State of the University Address, opening the 2026 academic year: 3 February 2026
Graduations in 2026
VUT held autumn graduation ceremonies in April 2026, including ceremonies for the Faculty of Engineering and Technology on 15 and 16 April and further ceremonies on 24 April. Spring graduations, which marked VUT's 60th anniversary, took place in September 2026. The Faculty of Applied and Computer Sciences and the Faculty of Human Sciences graduated on 14 September, the Faculty of Engineering and Technology on 15 September, and the Faculty of Management Sciences on 16 September.
Funding dates
In 2026, NSFAS extended its closing date for funding appeals to 31 January, around the same time as VUT's registration period.
Planning tips
Register online as soon as your registration window opens, because first-time places are filled on a quota basis. Put the census dates at the end of March and the end of September in your diary, because module changes and cancellations after these dates can affect your fees and funding. Plan for examinations in May and June, and in October and November, and check the official calendar on VUT's website for the exact 2027 dates once they are published.
Related pages
See how to apply to VUT, VUT fees and the VUT student portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are VUT exams?
Normally in May and June, and in October and November.
When did VUT first-year registration start in 2026?
On Thursday, 22 January 2026.
Is VUT registration online?
Yes. In 2026, all registration was online, with no walk-ins.