How to Apply to Vaal University of Technology (VUT) for 2026: Official Online Admission Guide

Vaal University of Technology (VUT), located in Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng, is one of South Africa’s leading universities of technology, offering a broad range of certificate, diploma, degree, honours, master’s, and doctoral programmes. 

This guide details application timelines, admission criteria, online procedures, fees, required documents, and how to track your application for the 2026 academic year.

When do VUT applications open for the 2026 intake?

Applications officially open on 9 June 2025, following a pilot launch on 6 June, via VUT’s newly upgraded online system on vut.ac.za.

What are VUT’s application deadlines for 2026?

1. General undergraduate, postgraduate diploma/honours programmes: applications close on 31 October 2025.
   
2. Specific programmes—such as Bachelor of Education (Senior Phase & FET Teaching), Safety Management, Labour Law, IT, Logistics, and Agricultural Management—close earlier on 31 August 2025.
   
3. Master’s and doctoral applications typically close by 10 November 2025.

What are the admission requirements?

1. A National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent qualification with a minimum APS of 26 based on your top six subjects, including English with at least 50% (level 4) in four subjects for most degree programmes.
   
2. Certain programmes require specific subject symbols—for example, Engineering requires Maths, Physical Science, and English at a high level.
   
3. Selection may include placement tests or faculty interviews, depending on the course.

What do postgraduate and international applicants need?

1. Postgraduate applicants must hold a recognised bachelor’s degree (often with ≥60% average), provide official transcripts, and, where relevant, submit a CV or research proposal.
   
2. International applicants must submit certified passport copies, SAQA evaluation of foreign qualifications, proof of English proficiency (if required), proof of medical aid, police clearance, visa documentation, and proof before registration.

How do I apply online to VUT?

1. Register an account via the VUT application portal at vut.ac.za → Apply Now.
   
2. Provide personal and contact details.
   
3. Select your first and second programme choices.
   
4. Upload certified documents (ID or passport, NSC results, transcripts if applicable), and proof of fee payment.
   
5. Submit your application before the relevant closing date. The portal offers guided step-by-step submission.

What application fee is required and how do I pay?

The non-refundable application fee is R110 for all applicants (both South African and international), payable using your ID number or passport number as reference via ABSA, EFT, or debit/credit card.

Late applicants (after the closing date) pay a higher fee of R140.

How can I track the status of my VUT application?

1. After submitting, you’ll receive a reference/student number and confirmation via email.
   
2. You can check your application status through VUT’s online portal under the “Check Application Status” section. You’ll see statuses such as “Received”, “Under Review”, “Conditional Offer”, or “Accepted”.
   
3. If required, upload any outstanding documents promptly. Admission decisions typically follow within weeks after the closing date.