DUT issues alert on email scam offering 2026 places, urges online registration for accepted students

The Durban University of Technology (DUT) has issued an an alert about email scams offering 2026 places at the university.

The emails ask recipients to pay registration fees into private bank accounts, demand acceptance within three days, and provide inconsistent programme and campus information.

“These emails are not official communication from DUT,” the university said. Students are urged not to respond or make any payments and to verify all offers through official DUT channels, including the university website (www.dut.ac.za) and official social media pages.

“Your safety is our priority. Please stay vigilant and do not fall for scams claiming to be from DUT,” the statement said.

The university added that its first-year registration for 2026 is continuing, urging students to utilise its online system while providing on-campus support for those who experience difficulties.

Despite these resources, scores of learners were seen outside campus gates this week, many hoping to secure placement without having applied, a practice known as “walk-ins.”

The university has repeatedly stated that it does not accept walk-ins.

Registrar Dr Maditsane Nkonoane said there is no need for concern, emphasising that the registration process is proceeding as planned.

“There is no need for panic. It's just normal registration as we expected and the crowd that you see outside, definitely the majority there will be people who have not applied and who are just hopeful that they can sneak in as walk-ins,” Dr Nkonoane said.

He explained that only students with firm offers who have accepted them are assisted on campus. “Our system is agile to enable students even to register remotely,” he added, noting that about 7,000 students successfully navigated the online system during the first week of mock registration.

DUT also provides support services on all campuses for students facing technical or procedural challenges during registration. The university stressed that online registration remains the most convenient option, but students are not left unsupported if they cannot complete the process independently.

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