The Students at the Durban University of Technology also known as DUT accused the institution of not paying their NSFAS allowances.
The students are reported to have embarked on a funding protest where one of the Steve Biko campus buildings were set alight yesterday morning. This has led the university to ask students to vacate the premises.
As a result, three of the university's affected campuses have been closed until Wednesday, including Steve Biko, ML Sultan and Ritson Campus.
One of the affected students say the funding discrepancy started in June following delays in NSFAS pay-outs.
Student accused the university management of ignoring their concerns with regards to funding as they have been trying to engage with financial aid offices without success.
Learning is reported to have been disrupted at the university to the extent where a library was trashed.
Students said the university is setting them back on a number of issues they want to be resolved. Over 200 students are said to have not received their funding.
One affected student says it is a constant struggle as many of them come from poor families. The student added that other institutions like UKZN and MUT were able to address NSFAS funding issues for their students.
Reports say no injuries have been recorded as a result of the riot and students and staff were evacuated to safety.
DUT management is reported to have issued a communique to students on Monday condemning the “extremely violent" protest. The university campuses that were not affected by the riot are said to be open and in full operation.