TUT Warns Students About 2026 Application Scams
TUT has issued a strong warning to prospective students and stakeholders to remain vigilant against application and registration scams circulating online and through social media.
These scams are deceive hopeful applicants into paying money or revealing personal information under false pretences, placing vulnerable students at risk of financial loss and identity theft.
Scammers Targeting Students During Peak Application Season
With competition for tertiary study spaces high across South Africa, fraudsters are taking advantage of the anxiety and urgency many applicants feel.
TUT has clarified that fraudsters have been reaching out via fake social media profiles, imitation websites, and bogus emails, falsely claiming to represent the university or offer guaranteed admission services.
These scammers pose as university staff or “advisors” and promise the following:
- Securing academic or accommodation placements for a fee.
- Fast-tracking the application or registration process.
- Providing guaranteed admission into specific programmes.
- Assisting with documentation and university-related processes for a cost.
TUT has made it clear that academic and accommodation spaces are not for sale and that legitimate university communications will never require unsolicited payments through unofficial channels.
Official TUT Platforms (Trusted)
TUT urges applicants to rely solely on official university communication channels, including the main website and verified social media accounts to avoid to be scammed in January 2026. These below are the trusted TUT platforms students must use:
Official TUT website: www.tut.ac.za
Official social media pages: (verified Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, TikTok)
Emails ending in: @tut.ac.za
TUT Contact Centre: 086 110 2421
University switchboard: 012 382 5533
Official email for inquiries: [email protected]
Ethics Hotline: 0800 006 924
Information shared via these official channels is the only trustworthy source for updates on applications, registrations, programmes, and academic announcements. Anything outside these channels should be treated with suspicion.
Signs That Something Is a Scam
Be careful if:
- Someone asks you to pay money to get space at TUT
- A message that comes from WhatsApp or social media only
- You receive an email promising you an admission to TUT but the email does not end with @tut.ac.za
- You access a website claiming to be TUT but the domain of that website is not (www.tut.ac.za)
- A company claims to be working with TUT. It is important to note that TUT does not work with any third parties.
PLEASE NOTE:
Tshwane University of Technology will never:
Ask you to make an upfront payment to be accepted
Send you an acceptance letter via Whatsapp or other social media pages
Ask you to pay to be accepted into the residence
NOTE: When applying at TUT you will need to pay an application fee for your application to be processed. This application fee it is not to buy space.
How to Report Scams
If you encounter a suspicious email, message, or individual claiming to represent TUT, report it immediately using the following methods:
Ethics Hotline: 0800 006 924
Report via email: [email protected]
Contact TUT directly: [email protected] or 086 110 2421
By reporting scams, you don't only protect yourself but also protect others who would like to be part of the TUT community.
Final Message
Prospective students who will be applying during the 2026 late application window are reminded to stay cautious, informed, and safe online.
They are reminded to always verify every information they get with the Tshwane University of Technology before they take any action
A TUT official said that "Prospective students should never pay money or disclose sensitive personal information through unofficial channels — doing so could be costly and put them at risk of fraud"
The rising number of scams is not unique to TUT — universities across South Africa also warm of these scams!
Stay Alert and do not trust easily!!
