DUT Late Applications 2026: Available Courses and CAO Guide

Many students who missed the main deadline for 2026 applications to the Durban University of Technology (DUT) still have a chance to submit late applications if spaces remain in selected programmes. 

DUT does not handle its own late admissions directly. 

Instead, all undergraduate applications, including late ones, go through the Central Applications Office (CAO). 

What Is DUT’s Late Application Process for 2026?

DUT’s late application process for 2026 is open only online through CAO. 

DUT does not accept walk-in applications at campus admissions offices. 

If you missed the original application deadline (usually 30 September 2025), you can still apply late via CAO for selected programmes where space still exists after the main selection round.

Late applications are considered on a first-come, first-served basis while spaces remain available. 

There is no formal “late window” end date published by DUT itself, and spaces may close at any time as vacancies fill.

Which Courses at DUT Are Still Accepting Late Applications?

The list of courses accepting late applications changes as places fill, but CAO continues to list programmes that still have openings. 

If a course appears in the CAO “Available Programmes” list for DUT, it means applications can still be submitted for that course.

Examples of programmes that have been listed as open for late applications include select technology, business, creative, and engineering fields, such as:

1. Bachelor of Information and Communications Technology (Internet of Things)
2. Diploma in ICT in Application Development
3. Diploma in ICT Business Analysis
4. Diploma in Business-related areas
5. Various extended diploma routes are designed to help students meet entry requirements or develop fundamentals before progressing further

Keep in mind that some high-demand courses, especially in management sciences and other popular programmes, may already be full.

How Does CAO Help You See Available Courses?

The Central Applications Office (CAO) maintains a real-time list of available programmes where spaces still exist for late applicants. 

To find out which DUT programmes are still open:

1. Go to the www.cao.ac.za website.
2. Select the “Programmes” or “Available Programmes” tab on the portal.
3. In the filter box, choose Durban University of Technology.
4. CAO will show all current open courses you can apply to.

If a course does not appear, it means that the programme is closed or full for the 2026 cycle.

How to Apply for DUT Late Entry via CAO

To submit a late application for DUT for the first time through CAO:

1. Visit the CAO website at www.cao.ac.za.
2. Click on the Apply tab and start a new application profile.
3. Enter your personal details, including your South African ID number.
4. Choose the Durban University of Technology and select up to six courses you want, ranking them.
5. Upload your certified documents (ID and matric results or latest school results).
6. Pay the late application fee (around R470 for South African citizens and R580 for international applicants).
7. Submit the form and keep your CAO reference number to track your status.

Once CAO receives and processes your application, DUT will review your submission and notify you of any offer by email or SMS through the CAO system.

What If You Already Applied Through CAO Earlier?

If you previously applied through CAO for 2026 but did not include DUT or want to change to programmes that still have spaces:

1. Log in to your existing CAO account.
2. Select Change of Mind / Update Choices.
3. Remove courses that are no longer a priority or have been closed.
4. Add the DUT programme codes from the CAO available list.
5. Pay the change of mind fee (smaller than a full application fee).
6. Submit the update before spaces fill.

Updating your choices quickly improves your chance of being considered for that programme if space remains.

Is There a Closing Date for Late Applications at DUT?

DUT does not publish a fixed closing date for late applications. 

Instead, CAO continues to accept late applications until available spaces are filled. 

Popular programmes tend to close earlier, and less competitive diplomas may remain open longer.

Make sure you submit your application soon after checking availability on CAO because once a programme fills, CAO will remove it from the “available list” and you can no longer apply.

What Happens After You Apply?

After submitting your late application through CAO:

1. CAO sends your details to DUT for assessment.
2. DUT will review your academic results and placement criteria for the selected course.
3. If you meet the requirements and there is still space, DUT or CAO will notify you of a firm or conditional offer.
4. You then follow the instructions in the offer to complete registration and fee payment before the registration deadline.

Even if you meet entry requirements, acceptance is not guaranteed because spaces are limited.