VUT Fees

Fees at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) depend on your programme, your modules and whether you live in a residence. VUT's 2026 student fee guide gives estimated costs for a full-time student with a normal academic load, and the actual fees appear on your statement of account. VUT may change its fees during the year without notice.

Estimated tuition in 2026

• Engineering diplomas: from about R54,076 (Process Control) to R70,025 (Electronic Engineering) a year
• Diploma in Information Technology: R40,055
• Diploma in Agricultural Management: R48,380
• Bachelor of Health Science: R27,517
• Diploma in Human Resources Management: R34,872
• Diploma in Cost and Management Accounting: R18,964

These estimates exclude residence fees, registration levies and sundry charges.

The first minimum payment

National students pay a first minimum payment of R2,500 on or before registration, for both annual and semester study. Residence students also pay R2,500 for residence registration. International students pay 100% of their fees upfront, plus an international levy of R1,600.

Registration levies

VUT also charges non-refundable levies at registration. In 2026, these included a registration levy of R610, a student levy of R390, a sports and cultural levy of R410, an access activation levy of R320 and a health care levy of R120. Residence students also paid a residence social levy of R396.

Paying the balance

For year courses, you pay 25% of the account by 31 March, 50% by 31 May, 75% by 31 July and 100% by 30 September. VUT charges interest on overdue accounts at 80% of the prime rate on the balance as at 31 October.

Discounts

• Early settlement: 10% off class fees for year students who pay all fees by 30 April, but you must apply for it after settling your account
• Family rebate: 25% off class fees for a second child and 50% for a third child studying full-time at VUT in the same year

Residence fees

In 2026, residences cost from about R31,758 to R53,300 a year, and meals were estimated at R24,000 a year. If you cancel your room, do it by 15 March, or you pay for the whole semester.

Withdrawing

If you withdraw, complete the official withdrawal form. Year students who cancel by 31 May pay pro-rated fees, while those who stay registered after 30 September pay the full fees.

Refunds

If your account has a credit from your own or your parents' payments, the person who paid can request a refund at any time using VUT's refund form and a bank statement. Credit from a bursary is refunded only under the sponsor's rules.

If you do not pay

Students with debt cannot register, and VUT withholds their exam timetable, results and qualification. Outstanding accounts go to external collection agents.

Funding your studies

Qualifying students can apply for NSFAS. Browse our bursaries, or read the VUT overview.