Applying Through the CAO in 2026: Everything You Need to Know

Applying Through the CAO in 2026: Everything You Need to Know

Are you planning to study at a university in KwaZulu-Natal or at an institution that accepts applications through the Central Applications Office (CAO)?

The CAO makes the university application process easier by allowing prospective students to apply for multiple programmes at participating institutions using a single application.

If you're preparing for the 2026 academic year, this guide explains how the CAO works, which institutions use it, what documents you'll need, application fees, programme choices, and what happens after you submit your application.

What Is the CAO?

The Central Applications Office (CAO) is a centralised application service used by participating universities, universities of technology, private colleges and TVET colleges.

Instead of completing a completely separate application for every programme, applicants can use the CAO system to submit multiple programme choices through one application.

You can select up to six programme choices, giving you the opportunity to apply for different qualifications and institutions through the same application process.

Universities That Use the CAO

Some of the institutions that accept applications through the CAO include:

1. University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
2. Durban University of Technology (DUT)
3. Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT)
4. University of Zululand (UNIZULU)
5. University of Mpumalanga (UMP) – limited programmes
6. Participating TVET colleges and other institutions

Important: Universities such as Wits, UCT, TUT, UP, UJ, Stellenbosch University and UNISA do not generally use the CAO application system. Applications to these universities are normally completed through their respective application portals.

Always confirm that your chosen institution and programme are available through the CAO before applying.

How Much Does a CAO Application Cost?

For 2026 applications, the application fee information provided for this guide is:

• R250 for South African applicants applying on time.
• R300 for applications submitted after the on-time deadline.

The application fee is generally non-refundable.

Make sure your payment is completed correctly because an unpaid application may not be processed.

How to Apply Through the CAO

Step 1: Prepare Your Documents

Before starting your application, prepare the documents you may need.

These can include:

• A certified copy of your South African ID or passport
• Your Grade 11 final results if you are currently in Grade 12
• Your Grade 12 results or certificate if you have already completed matric
• Proof of payment where required
• Any additional supporting documents required for your selected programme

Certain programmes may require additional documentation such as a portfolio, medical information or other supporting documents.

Having everything ready before starting can make the application process much easier.

Step 2: Pay the Application Fee

Applicants can pay the required CAO application fee using the available payment methods.

These may include:

• Online debit or credit card payment
• EFT or direct deposit
• EasyPay using the payment/reference details provided by the CAO

Make sure you use the correct CAO or applicant reference information when making your payment so that it can be linked to your application.

Keep your proof of payment until your application has been successfully processed.

Step 3: Complete Your CAO Application

Visit the official CAO website and select the option to apply.

During the application process, you will need to:

1. Enter your personal information.
2. Provide your contact details.
3. Complete your academic information.
4. Select your programme choices.
5. Upload the required supporting documents.
6. Complete the required payment process.
7. Review your information carefully.
8. Submit your application.

Keep your CAO number/reference number safe after completing your application. You may need it when checking your application status or communicating with the CAO.

How Many Programmes Can You Apply For?

Applicants can select up to six programme choices.

You don't necessarily have to choose six different universities.

For example, your choices could look like this:

• 2 programmes at UKZN
• 2 programmes at DUT
• 1 programme at MUT
• 1 programme at UNIZULU

Alternatively, you could select several programmes at the same institution.

Your programme choices should be arranged carefully according to your preferences.

Don't choose programmes simply to fill all six spaces. Check the admission requirements and select qualifications you are genuinely interested in studying.

What Happens After You Apply?

Submitting your CAO application does not automatically mean that you have been accepted.

After submission:

1. Your application information is processed.
2. The institutions you've selected assess your application.
3. Your application status may change as institutions review your results and information.
4. You may receive communication regarding your application through SMS, email or the relevant application system.
5. Institutions may make offers depending on your results, programme requirements and available space.

Remember that admission decisions are ultimately made by the individual institutions.

Check Your CAO Application Status

After applying, don't forget about your application.

Check your status regularly to make sure:

• Your application has been received
• Your payment has been processed
• Your documents have been received
• There are no outstanding requirements
• Your programme choices are correct
• You haven't missed an important message or offer

Keep the cellphone number and email address used on your application active throughout the application process.

Important Application Deadlines

For the information provided for this 2026 guide, the general on-time application deadline is:

30 September 2025

Late applications may remain available for certain institutions or programmes after this date, depending on available space and institutional closing dates.

However, you should not wait until the deadline.

Some competitive or specialised programmes may have different or earlier closing dates.

Always check the closing date for the specific programme and institution you're applying to.

Why Use the CAO?

The CAO can make the application process much simpler for students applying to participating institutions.

Some of the main benefits include:

• Apply for multiple programme choices through one application
• Choose up to six programmes
• Apply across participating institutions
• Manage your programme choices in one place
• Track the progress of your application
• Reduce the need to complete multiple separate applications
•  

Tips Before Submitting Your Application

Before clicking submit, take a few minutes to check everything carefully.

Apply early. Don't wait until the final application deadline.

Check admission requirements. Make sure your subjects, marks and other requirements match the programmes you're considering.

Choose your programmes carefully. Your choices should reflect what you genuinely want to study.

Double-check your information. Incorrect ID numbers, contact information or academic details can cause problems later.

Keep your documents ready. Make sure uploaded documents are clear and readable.

Use an active cellphone number and email address. Important application information may be sent to these contact details.

Keep your CAO number safe. You'll need it when checking your application or contacting the CAO.

Ready to Apply?

If you've checked your programme requirements and prepared your documents, you can begin your application through the official Central Applications Office (CAO) website.

When applying, make sure you're using the official CAO platform and carefully review all information before submitting your application.

Final Reminder

The CAO gives students a convenient way to apply for several programme choices at participating institutions without completing a completely separate application for every choice.

However, submitting an application is only the beginning.

After applying, continue checking your application status, respond to requests for outstanding documents, monitor messages from institutions and keep track of important deadlines.

Most importantly, apply as early as possible. Early preparation gives you more time to correct problems with documents, payments or programme choices before applications close.

Your university journey starts with making informed choices — so check the requirements, prepare your documents and submit your application carefully.