A university shaped by people, purpose and impact

The Durban University of Technology (DUT) is a South African institution of higher learning with roots dating back to 1907. The University focuses on quality education, research, innovation, entrepreneurship and community engagement, preparing adaptive graduates to contribute to their professions and respond to the changing needs of society.

DUT serves more than 34,400 students across six faculties and seven campuses in Durban and Pietermaritzburg. The ENVISION2030 strategy guides the University’s commitment to being People-Centred and Engaged, as well as Innovative and Entrepreneurial.

People at the heart of DUT

DUT’s ENVISION2030 strategy places people at the centre of the University’s work while encouraging innovation, entrepreneurship and meaningful engagement with society. These priorities inform its approach to teaching and learning, research and partnerships.

Through its academic programmes and engagement with external stakeholders, DUT seeks to contribute to social and economic development while creating opportunities for students, staff and researchers.

Education that prepares graduates for the future

The Philosophy of Education at DUT states: “Our creativity and innovation shapes adaptive graduates who transform society.”

DUT offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across six faculties, combining academic learning with practical experience and professional development. Experiential learning, Cooperative Education and industry engagement help students connect classroom knowledge with workplace practice.

The DUT Business School further contributes to the University’s academic offering through programmes in business and management.

A central part of DUT’s educational mission is developing adaptive graduates who can think critically, respond to change, embrace new opportunities and apply their knowledge to challenges in their chosen fields.

The DUT student experience

University life at DUT extends beyond academic study. Students have opportunities to participate in sport, arts and culture, student leadership and other campus activities.

These experiences form part of student life across the University’s Durban and Pietermaritzburg campuses, where students from diverse backgrounds come together to study and engage with university life.

Advancing research, innovation and global impact

Research and innovation are central to DUT’s work in generating knowledge and exploring solutions to real-world challenges. The University continues to develop its research capacity, postgraduate training and collaborations across disciplines.

In 2026, DUT received the National Research Foundation (NRF) Focused Research Advancement Award for the third consecutive year, following recognition in 2024 and 2025. It was the top-performing university of technology in the 2026 award category.

On 30 September 2026, DUT launched 18 research institutes and showcased 11 South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI) Research Chairs. The expansion strengthens research across fields including clean energy, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, agriculture and food security, health innovation and environmental sustainability. The institutes complement the University’s established Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology (IWWT) and Institute for Systems Science (ISS).

DUT’s research progress is also reflected in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2027. The University moved from the 1501+ band to the 1201 to 1400 band globally and improved its position from 13th to ninth among South African universities. Research performance accounted for 78% of the improvement in its overall score.

In the 2026 Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Rankings, DUT moved from the 1001 to 1500+ band to the 401 to 600 band. It ranked 60th globally for Sustainable Development Goal 1 (SDG 1): No Poverty. DUT also improved its position for SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, moving from the 401 to 600 band in 2025 to the 301 to 400 band in 2026.

DUT’s research expertise includes water and wastewater treatment, clean energy, artificial intelligence, manufacturing, agriculture, health innovation and environmental sustainability.

Turning ideas into opportunities

DUT supports entrepreneurship and innovation through initiatives that encourage students, adaptive graduates and researchers to develop ideas and explore enterprise opportunities.

The innobiz DUT Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation and the Centre for Social Entrepreneurship and Rapid Incubator (CSERI) contribute to this work, alongside DUT Enactus and faculty-based entrepreneurship programmes. These initiatives provide platforms for developing entrepreneurial skills and exploring solutions to social and economic challenges.

Building international partnerships

DUT collaborates with several international universities and institutions to support academic exchange, research and knowledge sharing. Recent examples include agreements with Manipal University Jaipur in India and the University of Livingstonia in Malawi. DUT also maintains longstanding academic links with DHBW Ravensburg in Germany and collaborates with the University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, in the Czech Republic, in areas including research and innovation.

Its international engagement also includes cooperation with Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University in China and ongoing academic engagement with Saint Petersburg State University in Russia. DUT is home to the award-winning Confucius Institute. These relationships provide a foundation for further academic cooperation, research and exchange between DUT and its international partners.

Partnerships that make a difference

DUT works with government, industry, academic institutions and community organisations on areas of shared interest. Community engagement connects the University’s academic work and research with issues affecting the communities it serves.

These partnerships create opportunities to share knowledge, apply expertise and contribute to initiatives addressing local and wider societal needs.

ENVISION2030: Shaping DUT’s future

DUT’s ENVISION2030 strategy provides direction for its continued development in education, research, innovation, entrepreneurship and engagement with society.

The expansion of its research institutes, sustained NRF recognition, improved international rankings and international academic partnerships mark important developments in this journey.

Through its academic and research activities, DUT remains focused on developing adaptive graduates, advancing knowledge and contributing to South Africa’s development.