TUT urges first-year students to apply online for priority residence accommodation
The Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) has encouraged prospective first-year students to apply online for university-managed accommodation, saying those who do so will receive priority consideration for residence placement in 2026.
TUT, which describes itself as South Africa’s largest residential university, announced the initiative as part of its #FromGood2Great and #TUTResLife campaigns. The move is aimed at streamlining the accommodation allocation process and encouraging early digital applications amid ongoing student housing shortages across the country.
According to the university, first-year students who submit their accommodation applications through the online system will be prioritised for placement in residences managed by Accommodation, Residence Life & Catering (ARLC), most of which are located on campus.
Benefits of university-managed accommodation
TUT says its ARLC residences offer several advantages, including proximity to academic facilities, reliable university-provided transport for off-campus residences, and well-managed living environments.
Residences are supported by experienced residence advisors and a structured governance system that promotes student development through residence life programmes and activities organized by residence committees.
In addition, TUT offers an academic mentorship programme in which students are placed according to their field of study. Each residence has appointed mentors who provide academic guidance and support for students’ mental well-being.
Application deadline and important dates
Prospective students who apply for accommodation online will be prioritized, but the university has stressed that this is only a reservation. Final accommodation will be confirmed only after students have completed both academic and residence registration.
- Accommodation application deadline: 16 January 2026
- Online residence registration opens: Monday, 19 January 2026
- Residence occupation date: Wednesday, 28 January 2026
Residence registration will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis, and students will be liable for accommodation fees from the date of residence registration.
Once university-managed residences are fully occupied, first-year students may be placed in DHET-approved leased accommodation, in line with National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) requirements.
How to apply for TUT 2026 residence accommodation
Residence application steps:
- Visit the TUT Online Registration portal
- Log in and select “Residence Application”
- Accept the residence rules and regulations
- Submit the residence application
- Select a preferred residence and confirm
Residence registration steps (from 19 January 2026):
- Log in to the Online Registration system
- Select “Residence Registration”
- Accept the registration rules
- Choose the 2026 academic year
- Confirm and print your Proof of Residence Registration
Students are advised to verify that their proof reflects the 2026 academic year, as they will be billed from the registration date.
Available first-year residences
TUT has confirmed DHET- and NSFAS-approved accommodation across several campuses, including Pretoria, Soshanguve, Ga-Rankuwa, Arts and Arcadia, eMalahleni, Mbombela, and Polokwane, with designated residences for male and female students.
Once registered in a residence, students will not be permitted to change accommodation for the remainder of the year. TUT has also warned students against illegal recruiters operating on or near campuses.
Contact details for enquiries
Students are urged to make accommodation enquiries only through official channels:
- Pretoria, eMalahleni, Mbombela, Polokwane: [email protected]
- Soshanguve: [email protected]
- Ga-Rankuwa: [email protected]
Separate contact details are available for students seeking DHET-approved private accommodation near TUT campuses.
