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CAO Application 2026: Complete Guide for Grade 12 Students

If you are a Grade 12 student or matriculant preparing for or taking your final exams to obtain the National Senior Certificate (NSC) and wish to further your studies, you have the opportunity to apply to multiple universities with a single application through the Central Application Office (CAO) for the 2026 application year. The CAO application window for 2026 will open on Saturday, March 1, 2025.

If you’re new to the Central Application Office (CAO) platform, this article will guide you through the process of applying to multiple institutions with minimal cost.

CAO 2026 Application Timelines (Deadline)

Applying early at CAO will help you avoid last-minute stress and increase your chances of securing a better course, as competitive programs tend to fill up quickly. Additionally, submitting your application early can save you money, as late submissions incur extra fees. For timely processing, make sure to follow the CAO 2026 application schedule:

Current Application Status: 2026 Application Cycle Now Open (March 1, 2025)
Application Deadline: All materials must be submitted to CAO by October 31, 2025.

Why CAO, and what is it?

The Central Application Office (CAO) is a platform where you can apply to more than one university or TVET college at the same time using a single application form. The CAO accepts and processes applications on behalf of all four universities in KwaZulu-Natal, as well as private colleges and TVET colleges.

With CAO, you can:

Apply to more than two universities at once.
Regardless of the number of institutions you apply to, you only need to pay a single application fee.
Apply for up to six courses in one academic year.
Increase your options by choosing multiple universities and courses.
You have more time to plan as the portal opens as early as March 1 every year
Save time and money

Requirements for CAO 2026 Applications

Like many other institutions, the Central Application Office (CAO) accepts applications through their online system. To ensure you submit your application successfully and on time, make sure you’re prepared with the following:

A smart device (such as a mobile phone, laptop, tablet, etc.)
An active email address and phone number
A valid identity card
A compatible browser
The application fee (details will be provided later)

Documents Required for CAO 2026 Applications

The following documents must be submitted by the deadline when submitting an application to the Central Application Office (CAO):

Your ID number (as found on your ID document or birth certificate).
Your Final Grade 11 Results.
Your Grade 12 June and/or Trial Results (September results), if available, or as soon as you receive them.
Your final NSC results (National Senior Certificate) once completed.

CAO Administration Fee Required

As mentioned earlier, CAO is the only platform where you can apply to multiple universities with a single application fee. To complete your CAO 2026 application, the following fees are required:

R250: For students with a South African ID.
R300: For students without a South African ID (international students).

You can make the payment at any EasyPay outlet, such as Shoprite, Checkers, Pick ‘n Pay, Boxer Supermarkets, Woolworths, and others.

How to Apply at CAO

Applying to the Central Application Office is as easy as 1, 2, 3. Just follow the guidelines below

Visit the official CAO website: www.cao.ac.za.
Click on “Apply” to start the application process.
Read the details and click “Continue with Application.”
Enter your ID number and click ‘Submit.’
Scroll down and click “Continue with Application” at the bottom of the page.
Fill in all required information and click “Next.”
Review your CAO number, password, and EasyPay number. Read the guidelines, then click “Continue with Online Application.”
Complete all necessary details and click “Next.”
Enter your Next of Kin details, then click “Next.”
Provide your school details, including enrollment and graduation years, and click “Search.”
Review your information and click “Next.”
When satisfied with your application, click “Process My Application.”
After successful submission, you’ll receive a confirmation notification.
Proceed to pay online via credit card or use EasyPay for payment.