Member University in Focus: Durban University of Technology, South Africa

Nestled in the vibrant cities of Durban and Pietermaritzburg in KwaZuku Natal, is the Durban University of Technology (DUT), one of South Africa’s leading universities in technology.  With over 34,000 students, DUT operates across seven campuses (five in Durban and two in Pietermaritzburg). Since its establishment in 1907, DUT has evolved from its early beginings into a modern, metropolitan instituion  spearheading quality and innovative teaching and learning, fostering solution-driven research and promoting entrepreneurial and technological advancement that responds to societal challenges.

Driving Academic Excellence

DUT’s six faculties (Accounting and Informatics, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Arts and Design, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, Faculty of Health Sciences and Faculty of Management Sciences), offer a wide-range of excellent, high quality and market-relevant academic programmes, attracting students across South Africa and beyond. The university takes pride in its dedicated and highly qualified faculty, many of whom are renowed scholars and leaders in both local and international academic communities. A shinning example is Professor Faizal Bux, named among the world’s top 2% of scientists for 2024 by Stanford University and Elsevier, in recognition of his exceptional global research impact.

Complementing its faculties, DUT  established the  DUT Business School under the Faculty of Management Sciences. Focused on applied business, the school prepares leaders to solve real-life problems. It offers a rich mix of academic and executive education programmes, and short learning courses while designing custom-made programmes in collaboration with corporate, public and non-profit organisations to build and enhance capacities.

DUT qualifications are recognised both nationally and internationally. The University has a remarkable track record of producing outstanding graduates who are pioneers, innovators and leaders driving progress across various sectors of the economy in South Africa and beyond.

Promoting World-Class Research and Innovation

DUT is making significant strides in research and innovation, solidifying its reputation as a hub of impactful research. Known for conceiving tailored solutions and innovations to Africa’s unique challenges, DUT continues to align its research agenda with regional amd global priorities.

DUT’s diverse research focal areas include African Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Computational Modelling and Bioanalytical Chemistry Energy, Enzyme Technology, Food & Nutrition Security, Gender Justice and Human Health Development, Green Engineering, Plant Biotechnology, Smart Grid, Management Studies and Space Science.

The university also hosts two centers of excellence,  that serve as the university’s technology stations, supported by the Technology Innovation Agency of South Africa — The DUT Energy Technology Station known as “KZN Industrial Energy Efficient Training and Resource Centre” (IEETR) and the Reinforced and Moulded Plastics Technology Station. Additionally, DUT hosts the Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology (IWWT), a leading water technology research center.

Awards and Recognitions

In recognition of its growth and productivity, the Durban University of Technology has received prestigious recognition in its research feat including the prestigious Focused Research Advancement Award from the National Research Fund (NRF), acknowledging the university’s exceptional trajectory in expanding its research output while strategically aligning with its ENVISION2030 strategy.

With NRF Research Chairs in areas such as Wastewater Treatment Technology, Digitisation, Applied Mathematics, and Global Health and Sustainability, DUT continues to champion groundbreaking research outputs and training top researchers.

Harnessing Entrepreneurship and Community Impact

Since 2018, through Durban University of Technology’s thriving entrepreneurial incubation programmes, the University has become a trailblazer in student entreprenuership supporting students to launch successful small and medium-scale enterprises, tackling unemployment and driving socio-economic change within the region.

Key initiatives propelling entreprenuership include:

• The award-winning innobiz DUT Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation – Social Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator
• DUT Enactus and the University’s Entrepreneurship Programmes run across all faculties.
• The Cooperative Education Directorate which supports internship opportunities and graduate placements.

These initiatives ensure that DUT graduates are not only industry-ready but also job creators who impact their communities.

Global Recognition and Collaborations

In 2024, Durban University of Technology (DUT) climbed to 11th place in the Times Higher Education Sub-Saharan Africa University Rankings, up from 13th in 2023.  Additionally, it ranked fifth among South African universities. These achievements cements DUT’s position as a leader in transformative education and innovation. Celebrated for its strength in research, commitment to sustainability, and promotion of African heritage, DUT continues to nurture resilient graduates who are equipped to create meaningful change.

Its global collaborations and partnerships span continents, including the Confucius Institute, China; Leeds Beckett University, United Kingdom; Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Spain and Hochschule München University of Applied Sciences.

Looking Ahead

At its core, DUT lives by its DNA strands: “People-Centred and Engaged” and “Innovative and Entrepreneurial”. Guided by the values of transparency, honesty, integrity, respect, Accountability, fairness, professionalism, commitment, compassion, and excellence.

The University has positioned itself as a game-changer, cultivating globally competitive graduates and nurturing homegrown innovation. DUT strives to be an anchor institution that is constantly engaged with its community and richly embedded within its regional ecosystem while remaining nationally and globally connected and relevant.

Additional Information

Vice Chancellor: Professor Thandwa Mthembu

Website: www.dut.ac.za

Address: Steve Biko Campus, Durban University of Technology, 79 Steve Biko Road, Berea, Durban, 4001