www.cao.ac.za online application 2027 now open

The Central Applications Office (CAO) serves as a one-stop application platform, giving you access to more than 1,000 undergraduate programmes at leading institutions such as DUT, MUT, UKZN, and UNIZULU, as well as several private colleges. With CAO, you can select up to six programme choices using just one application. The CAO application cycle opens on 2 March 2026.

The CAO system makes the process simple and cost-effective by allowing you to apply to six participating universities or colleges through a single application and by paying one administration fee. To get started, visit the official website at www.cao.ac.za and complete your online application.

CAO 2027 Entry Date

The CAO application portal for the 2027 academic year opens on 2 March 2026 and closes on 31 October 2026. Applicants are encouraged to apply early to avoid late fees and last-minute stress.

All required supporting documents must be submitted to CAO before the closing date to ensure your application is processed.

Application Fee Requirements

The Central Applications Office (CAO) is responsible for processing applications for admission to all public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa. To be considered for admission, applicants must submit their applications by the following deadlines and pay the applicable fees:

First Semester (January/February Entry)

On-time application fee: R250.00 if received on or before October 31, 2026
Late application fee: R470.00 if received after October 31, 2026

Second Semester (July/August Entry)

On-time application fee: R250.00 if received on or before May 31, 2027
Late application fee: R470.00 if received after May 31, 2027

Please note: These are the general deadlines and fees. Some institutions may have their own deadlines and fees, so it is important to check with the institutions you are interested in for their specific requirements.

Required Application Documents

To ensure a smooth application process, please review and upload the following documents individually to the designated fields on the application platform:

Basic Documents:

Copy of your valid ID: Ensure it’s clear and readable.

Academic Records:

Grade 11 Final Report (for Grade 12 applicants)
Highest qualification achieved (if not currently in Grade 12)
June Grade 12 Report (for current Grade 12 applicants)
September/Trials Grade 12 Report (for current Grade 12 applicants)

How To Apply Using The CAO Online Portal For 2027

The CAO application process is explained below for all prospective applicants to follow during the online application. >>>www.cao.ac.za online application 2027

STEP 1: Login Information

To apply, go to www.cao.ac.za and click the ‘Apply’ option.
Read the instructions, and click the ‘Continue with Application’ button.
Enter your ID or passport number.
Click on ‘Continue with Application’ at the bottom of the page.

Step 2: Provide a Personal Profile

Begin entering all of the needed information. Click ‘Next’ once you’ve completed all of the required fields.
Select ‘Continue with Online Application’ from the drop-down menu.
Your CAO number, password, and EasyPay number will show up in a pop-up window. Read the directions carefully. ‘Continue’ should be selected.

Step 3: Provide Next-of-Kin Details

Then click ‘Next’ after following the instructions and providing all of the needed information.
Click ‘Next’ after filling out the ‘Next of Kin’ information.

Step 4: Educational History

Click ‘Search’ after entering the school’s name. The name of the institution will be displayed in a box, and you must
Fill in the years you attended and graduated from that school.
Next, click the ‘Next’ button.

Step 5: Review and Submit a Fully Completed Application Form

Click the button when you get to ‘Process My Application.’
Your submission will be marked as successful by a message on your screen.

Step 6: Pay the Application Fee and Upload Supporting Documents

You can now pay and/or upload your supporting documents via the internet.
EasyPay is the preferred method of payment. ‘Ways to Pay the Administration Fee’ is discussed in our next article.

Read Also: WITS 2026 Applications

CAO Manual Application For 2027

Handbooks and application forms are sent to your school. Find out from your principal and LO teacher. This application material should have reached your school by the end of April.
They are also available from the four universities in KZN and from the DBE District Offices.
You can also find them in some libraries that also have the handbooks and application forms.

How to Submit the Application Form (Hard Copy)

Send completed hard-copy application forms to CAO by:

Emailing it to formsreceivedcao@cao.ac.za
Posting it to Private Bag X06, Dalbridge, 4014
Hand-delivering it to CAO, Gate 11, Mary Thiphe Street (previously Cato Manor Road), Durban. (Office Hours: 08:00–16:30 Monday–Friday).

Central Application Office Contact Information

At certain points during the application process, phone lines will be extremely busy, and we advise all applicants to send their queries through the online contact us form.

Address: Central Applications Office, Tower House, Eglinton Street, Galway, H91 X25V, Ireland
Telephone: +353-(0)91-509800

Visit the official website for more information by clicking on “CAO OFFICE”‘

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