Who Must Pay the DUT Application Fee?

All first-time undergraduate applicants, returning students, and international candidates applying for Diplomas, Higher Certificates, Bachelor’s Degrees, Honours, or Postgraduate Diplomas must pay the application fee. Payment must be made through the CAO online portal or via any EasyPay outlet, using your ID number or CAO reference number as the payment reference to avoid processing delays.

DUT Application Fee Structure 2027

The application fee is non-refundable and is paid directly to the CAO. The amount you pay depends on your residency status and when you submit your application.

Regular “On-Time” Fees

If you submit your application before the primary deadlines (typically October 31st for most programs):

• Domestic Students (South African Citizens): R250
• International Students: R300

Late Application Fees

If you apply after the initial deadline or during the “late application” window (starting November 1st):

• Domestic Students (South African Citizens): R470
• International Students: R580

Change of Mind (COM) Fee

If you have already submitted a CAO application but want to change your program choices to include DUT or shift the order of your preferences:

• Fee: R140

How to Pay the CAO Application Fee Online

The CAO offers several secure ways to pay. Your application will only be sent to DUT once the full amount has been cleared.

Option 1: Online via the CAO Website

This is the fastest method. Payments reflect almost immediately.

1. Visit www.cao.ac.za.
2. Click on the “Payments” tab.
3. Enter your CAO Number and follow the prompts.
4. You can pay using a Credit Card or Debit Card (Visa and Mastercard are accepted).

Option 2: EasyPay Outlets

You can pay in person at various retail stores.

• Where: Shoprite, Checkers, Pick n Pay, Boxer, or Woolworths.
• Requirement: Use your unique CAO EasyPay Number found on your application.

Option 3: Direct Bank Deposit (Absa)

If you prefer a bank transfer or deposit, use the following official CAO banking details:

• Bank: Absa Bank
• Account Name: Central Applications Office
• Account Number: 406 390 1819
• Branch Code: 632 005
• Reference: YOUR CAO NUMBER (Failure to use this will delay your application indefinitely).

Important Dates for DUT 2027 Applications

The 2027 regular application window runs from 1 March 2026 to 31 October 2026. All applications, along with the application fee, must be submitted within this period.

Applying for Multiple Programmes

DUT allows applicants to apply for up to six qualifications in a single online application. While you pay only one application fee, priority will be given to your first six choices as applications are processed in the order received by the CAO.

Documents Required for Online Application

When submitting your application and fee, you must also upload the following supporting documents:

• Certified copy of your ID or Passport
• Final Grade 11 and Grade 12 results (or June/Trial report if still completing Matric)
• Academic records for students transferring from other institutions
• Proof of payment for the application fee
• For international applicants: SAQA-evaluated foreign qualifications and a valid study permit

Check Your Application Status

After submitting your DUT 2027 application and paying the fee, you will receive a confirmation via email or SMS. You can also monitor your application status online through the CAO portal by logging in with your CAO reference number and checking updates regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I pay the fee directly to DUT? No. All first-time undergraduate applications must be paid to the CAO. Paying DUT directly for an undergraduate application will result in your application not being processed.

• What happens if I don’t pay the fee? The CAO will receive your data, but it will remain “inactive.” DUT will not be able to see your application or offer you a spot until the fee is paid in full.

• Is the R250 fee per course? No, the R250 fee covers your entire CAO application, which allows you to select up to six program choices (including choices at other KZN universities like UKZN or UniZulu).

DUT Contact Information

• Postal Address: P O Box 1334, Durban 4000
• Telephone: 031 373 2000 (DBN) / 033 845 8800 (PMB)
• Email: info@dut.ac.za

For further details, please visit the official DUT website.