The Durban University of Technology (DUT) has received an overwhelming number of applications for first-year admission in 2026, underscoring the high demand for access to higher education and the limited spaces available.
The university said it received 155 630 applications from prospective first-time undergraduate students for the 2026 academic year, but has capacity for only 9 416 first-time entrants.
DUT said its intake is primarily determined by enrolment targets set by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), which the university is required to comply with.
Despite the demand, the university said it is unable to expand its intake beyond these limits due to regulatory requirements linked to funding, infrastructure, staffing and resources.
On student accommodation, the university said it has so far received 2 925 residence applications from first-time entry students, with the number expected to increase once final results are released and offers are issued.
DUT said it has reserved sufficient residence beds for first-time entry students and that its Housing and Residence Life unit has also arranged temporary accommodation for prospective students who hold firm offers but experience challenges completing registration.
Registration for the 2026 academic year officially opened on Monday, 12 January, and is expected to close on 6 February 2026. The process is conducted online, with on-campus support available for students who require assistance.
The university reiterated that walk-ins are not permitted and that registration is only open to students who have accepted offers from DUT.
Addressing concerns about registration challenges, DUT confirmed that it launched PeopleSoft Campus Solutions, a new all-in-one Student Information System, in January 2026.
The university said the new system integrates all student services into a single digital platform to improve efficiency. However, it acknowledged that, as with any new system, there may be minor technical glitches and appealed to students and parents to remain patient.
DUT said it remains committed to managing the registration process responsibly while ensuring that qualifying students are supported within the institution’s capacity.
