University in South Africa
Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng, South Africa
University profile
The Vaal University of Technology (VUT) is a public university of technology in Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng, on Andries Potgieter Boulevard. It began in 1966 as a college for advanced technical education, became a technikon in 1979 and a university of technology in 2004. Its stated vision is learning and innovation for a digitally smart and sustainable industrial progress and socio-economic transformation, and its mission is to produce techno-entrepreneurial graduates and innovators.
The university operates from its main campus in Vanderbijlpark and the Science Park at the Sebokeng Campus, which VUT says has vacant land for future expansion. It describes itself as the only university in South Africa that fully owns a Science and Technology Park, which houses technology transfer and innovation activities for small businesses and regional industry. The VUT Law Clinic is housed at the same precinct and offers free legal services to indigent members of the Emfuleni community.
Academic work is organised in four faculties:
Qualifications range from higher certificates and diplomas through advanced diplomas and bachelor's degrees to postgraduate diplomas, masters and doctorates. The faculties stress workplace experience through Work Integrated Learning, simulations and mentor programmes, and the university runs a Co-operative Education unit and a Centre for Academic Development.
Student support is organised through Student Support Services: student accommodation, a campus clinic offering primary health care, student counselling, an HIV/AIDS unit, VUT Sport and Student Life and Governance. Residences are named per building and include Sinqobile, Lethabong, Uhuru, Dikgalala, Inkwenkwezi, Khayalethu, Boiketlong, Ubuntu, Meropa, Science Park, Dinaleding, Tsalanang, Leseding, Kutwanong, Meloding, Khomanani and Academia. First-year orientation for 2026 ran from 26 January to 7 February.
International students are served by the International Office and the Department of Internationalisation, which runs an International Students Orientation Programme, an Intercultural Day and an International Information Day. International qualifications are evaluated by the International Office using the Swedish scale and SAQA equivalence. VUT is a public institution regulated by the Department of Higher Education and Training; its admission requirements follow DHET and CHE minimum requirements.
The Financial Aid and Bursaries page lists funding that applicants must apply for separately; funding is allocated only to applicants who have applied for admission and registered. Loan and academic bursary results are only available in April or August, and these do not cover registration fees and deposits, so students must provide for the first minimum payment (R2,500 for South African students), registration levies and books. Bursary enquiries are handled through Financial Aid; see the Financial Aid and Bursaries page.
VUT Sport offers merit bursaries to athletes with at least provincial colours, with priority given to USSA sports. The annual closing date is 31 October. Sport bursary enquiries: (016) 950 9282. See the Sport page.
The page carries the 2026 Services SETA unemployed-learner bursary call with registration, POPI and agreement forms, the TETA unemployed-learner bursary advert, a 2026/27 discretionary grant window advert and a Bursary Connect portal user guide. These are external funders' programmes; read the calls for eligibility and deadlines. Links: Services SETA call, TETA advert.
VUT states that NSFAS applications follow NSFAS criteria (toll-free 080 006 7327) and that Fundi (formerly Edu-Loan) is approved to offer loans to students on campus; see the Fundi loan information. Fees are summarised in the 2026 fee guide; a 10% discount on class fees applies for year students who pay all fees by 30 April.
Browse the scholarships listed for Vaal University of Technology and check each award’s eligibility.
View scholarships for Vaal University of Technology →Diploma entry requires an NSC with an achievement rating of 3 (40-49%) or better in four recognised 20-credit subjects and at least 30% in the language of learning and teaching. Bachelor's entry requires a rating of 4 (50-59%) or better in four designated subjects. VUT then applies programme-specific requirements based on an Admission Point Score (APS).
VUT converts NSC percentages to points (90-100% = 8, 80-89% = 7, 70-79% = 6, 60-69% = 5, 50-59% = 4, 40-49% = 3, 30-39% = 2, 0-29% = 1 on the VUT scale). Bonus points apply for Mathematics and for Physical/Natural Science and English at higher achievement levels, and are used for selection only. Life Orientation is excluded from all calculations.
Three-year engineering diplomas (chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, metallurgical) need at least 24 APS with 4 in Mathematics, Physical Sciences and English. Operations Management needs 23 APS with 4 in Mathematics and English and 3 in Physical Sciences. Four-year extended diplomas need 22 APS with 3 in each of those subjects. Advanced Diplomas require a relevant NQF level 6 diploma (minimum 360 credits); Postgraduate Diplomas require a relevant NQF level 7 qualification. Requirements for the other three faculties are in their faculty prospectuses and the Admission Requirements page.
Applicants aged 23 or older holding an NSC without the appropriate endorsement may be considered under mature age exemption. Applicants who do not meet minimum criteria may be admitted through recognition of prior learning under the RPL Policy, at the discretion of Senate. Entry via extended, foundation or bridging courses is based on performance in those courses.
Foreign qualifications are assessed on advice from SAQA or the Matriculation Board. Documents required include a valid study permit and SAQA evaluation or matriculation endorsement. VUT runs a separate evaluation of international qualifications process. International students pay 100% of fees upfront, including residences, plus an international levy of R1,600. Contact the International Office on +27 16 950 9318.
Postgraduate admission is by selection on the criteria approved by Senate for each qualification; international applicants face the same entry requirements unless Senate approves an exception. Transfers from another institution need a satisfactory academic record, a certificate of good conduct, proof of no outstanding debt, Head of Department approval and space in the programme. Applicants cannot be registered for a formal qualification elsewhere.
Applications are made online through the VUT portal, choosing a first and second programme. Documents: certified Grade 12 or equivalent certificate, South African ID, and transcripts and conduct certificate if previously enrolled elsewhere. The application fee is R110 (late application R140) for South Africans and R120 for international applicants, paid on the portal only. The published closing date for 1st-semester and year students is 30 September for academic applications and 31 October for residences. Admission enquiries: 016 950 9276 / 7671.
VUT Sport publishes 17 sporting codes: track and field, athletics, tennis, table tennis, dance, karate, cricket, hockey, rugby, basketball, softball, volleyball, netball, body building, aerobics, chess and football. Accredited off-campus accommodation is listed when residences are full.
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