Bachelor of Child and Youth Care at Durban University of Technology

Programme overview

Four-year full-time professional degree (NQF level 8, SAQA ID 94178) at Ritson Campus preparing child and youth care workers to promote the social competence and healthy development of children and youth through therapeutic relationships and use of day-to-day environments. Study and practice are strengthened by practical training and community projects.

Faculty: Faculty of Health Sciences | Department: Department of Community Health Studies | Duration: 4 years | Study mode: full-time | Location: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

What you will study

Holistic care, behaviour management, and developmental assessment and programming; first-year modules include Communication for Child and Youth Care Workers, Child and Youth Care Work I, Human Development 1 and Behaviour Management 1, with Child and Youth Care Work Practice and a research project in later years.

Career pathways

Residential child and youth care and treatment centres, state facilities, probation programmes, street shelters, educare centres, community development projects, hospitals, schools and after-school care, and youth development programmes.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Bachelor of Child and Youth Care (NSC): NSC bachelor's pass with English (Home Language or First Additional Language) at rating 4 and four further 20-credit NSC subjects at rating 4 (not more than one language), in line with the DUT G7 rule. Applicants attend an interview and an entrance assessment and must present proof of at least 20 hours of voluntary work, or employment with children, youth, families or communities. Selection is by the department, and only first to third choice applicants are considered. Senior Certificate with exemption and NCV (70% in English, two further fundamental subjects and four vocational subjects) routes are also listed.

Tuition is charged per module, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

First-time undergraduate applications for the 2027 academic year must reach the CAO by the closing date of 30 September 2026; some programmes close earlier. Applications are made online through the CAO (www.cao.ac.za). The application fee is R250 (South African citizens) or R300 (international applicants), paid when submitting; the application is active only once payment is received.

Apply through the official page: https://onlineapps.dut.ac.za/

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