VerifiedMangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) is a township-based university in Umlazi, south of Durban, and one of only six universities of technology in South Africa. MUT’s founder, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, promised when MUT opened in 1979 with just 15 students that its mandate would be to transform the lives of the disenfranchised.
- Registered name
- Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT)
- Type
- Public university of technology
- Website
- mut.ac.za
Built with industry money
In 1974 Buthelezi, then Chief Minister of KwaZulu, began discussing a technical institution for black students to meet growing demand for technicians. Anglo American and De Beers pledged R5 million to start building, and were later joined by Mobil Oil, AECI, the South African Sugar Millers’ Association, Rembrandt, Sasol and other sponsors, who funded schools of chemical, mechanical and electrical engineering. The KwaZulu Cabinet chose Umlazi, part of both KwaZulu and the Durban metro. Mangosuthu Technikon became Mangosuthu University of Technology in November 2007.
Values and campus life
MUT’s values are accountability, respect, integrity and excellence, expanded to include Ubuntu and mastery. MUT runs its own community radio station, MUT Radio, and hosts events such as a 2026 conference on AI and strategic leadership attended by nearly 180 delegates.
Admission and strict fee rules
MUT’s faculties set admission requirements using points from a student’s best five subjects, and some departments add compulsory entrance tests. Diploma study generally needs an NSC with a diploma pass and at least five subjects at level 4, or N3 with 50% in Mathematics and English.
MUT’s Student Fee Handbook is strict. Students with arrears from the previous year, or who have not paid the registration deposit, may not register until arrears, deposit and levies are paid in full. Fees remain payable even if strikes, boycotts or unrest interrupt the academic programme, and unpaid accounts can lead to blocked results, a missed graduation or debt collection.
Bursary notices
MUT’s bursaries page shares calls from employers, such as Eskom’s 2027 bursary programme and an Afrimat bursary for first-year electrical and mechanical engineering students from the uMkhanyakude District.
Using MUT code MN on CAO
First-time undergraduates apply through CAO using MUT’s institution code, MN. Applications for 2027 opened on 1 March 2026, and the main deadline is 30 September 2026, with late applications possible until 30 November at higher fees.
Settling fees before registration
Read MUT’s Student Fee Handbook before registering, and settle any arrears early.
See the Eskom learnership for another route into engineering.
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