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www.cao.ac.za online application 2026

One-Stop Admission to Top Universities in KwaZulu-Natal: The Central Applications Office (CAO) is your single gateway to over 1000 undergraduate programs at prestigious universities like DUT, MUT, UKZN, UNIZULU, and many private colleges. Apply to up to six programs with just one application!

Say Goodbye to Multiple Applications And Fees.

The Central Application Office (CAO) system simplifies application management by allowing you to submit a single application to six partner universities or colleges while paying a single administration fee. To submit your application, just visit the website at www.cao.org.za. Apply to up to six universities with a single application!

Start Your University Journey The Smart Way—Apply Through The CAO!

Mark your calendars! CAO Application Portal for 2026 Opens March 1, 2026

Dreaming of starting your university or TVET journey in 2026? The wait is almost over! The CAO application portal for the 2026 academic year opens its doors on March 1, 2025. Don’t miss out on this important date.

Opening date: March 1, 2025
Application period: The regular application period will end on October 31, 2025. Early application is encouraged. Submit your application early and pay the normal processing fee.
Important Dates and Fees: All application documents must reach CAO on or before the closing date

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, 2025
Late application fee: R470.00 if received after October 31, 2025

Second Semester (July/August Entry)

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

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: Ensure Proper Upload!

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): Upload as soon as available.
Highest qualification achieved (if not currently in Grade 12): This could be your Matric certificate, diploma, or other relevant documents.
June Grade 12 Report (for current Grade 12 applicants): Upload it immediately upon receiving it.
September/Trials Grade 12 Report (for current Grade 12 applicants): upload this certificate once you get it.

Additional Requirements:

Copy of study or residence permit (non-South African applicants): Include any relevant documentation for residing or studying in South Africa.
Academic Record (if requested by the institution): Some institutions might require additional academic records besides the listed ones. Check their specific requirements.

Important Tip: Each document must be saved individually according to the designated document type within the application platform.

Remember: Timely submission of all requested documents is crucial for a complete application. If you have any questions regarding specific documents or the upload process, don’t hesitate to contact the institution directly.

How To Apply Using The CAO Online Portal For 2026

The CAO Application Process is explained below for all prospective applicants to follow during the online application.>>>www.cao.ac.za online application 2026

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 2026

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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