To check your CAO status in South Africa, you can:
- Go to the the following link: https://cao.ac.za/MyApplicationLogin.aspx?
- Enter your CAO number, ID number, or passport number.
- Click on “Submit”.
You will be able to see the status of your application, including whether it has been received, processed, or sent to institutions. You can also see which institutions have received your application and their response status.
How to view my CAO Status Check Online?
You can check your CAO application status online via the CAO student Portal.
- First, access the CAO Portal at the following link: https://cao.ac.za/MyApplicationLogin.aspx?
- Select and enter one of the following identification numbers:
– CAO Number
– ID Number
– Passport Number - Then click the Submit button
You will now be presented with your CAO application status.
What do the different statuses mean?
The CAO uses specific terms to indicate what progress the institution has made in considering your application process. Please see the below list of admission application status updates:
Waiting for a Decision: The institution / school has not yet considered your application (This is the default status for on time applications).
Late Application: This is a default status as your application was received after the closing date for the programme. Each institution deals with late applications in different ways. Refer to the institutions’ prospectus for further information.
Awaiting Results: The institution is waiting for further results (e.g. June, Trial or Final NSC results) before making a decision on your application.
Conditional Offer: The institution will accept you provided that you meet the requirements. Where space is limited, these may be higher than the minimum requirements for the programme published in this Handbook. Some programmes may conduct assessment tests at registration. This may be withdrawn if you do not indicate that you want to accept the place or if your final results are not as good as your earlier results.
Firm Offer: You are offered a place by the institution / university. This may be withdrawn if you do not indicate that you want to accept the place or if your final results are not as good as your earlier results.
Has Not Met Programme Ranking Criteria: You do not meet the institution’s specific criteria. Refer to the institutions’ prospectus for further information. You may complete a Change of Mind Request Form on which you can change the programme ranking.
Interview/Audition/Portfolio: The programme has _ special selection procedures. Institutions should contact you with details of the date, time and venue. You may need to follow up with the institution directly.
Please Supply Academic Record: The institution requires a copy of your academic record from your current or previous study at tertiary level.
Please Supply USAf/SAQA Evaluation: The institution requires a Universities South Africa (USAf)/SAQA evaluation of the foreign exam results you may have written.
Programme Closed: No further applications will be considered.
Refer for Decision: The application has to be assessed before the ‘status can be changed.
Regret Programme Discontinued: The institution has decided that they will no longer be offering a programme that was initially listed in this Handbook. In some cases, institutions may advise on an alternative programme that you can apply for. Complete a Change of Mind Request Form at no cost to yourself.
Regret Unsuccessful: The institution has decided not to offer you a place for whatever reason according to their selection processes.
Short-listed, Standby and Wait-listed: The institution is considering your application but has not yet decided whether they will be able to offer you a place.
Unsuccessful Following Placement Test/Interview: The institution has decided not to offer you a place following the entrance test you wrote or the interview you attended. There are also a number of messages the institution can use to tell you that they are unable to offer you a place.
Overview of Public Universities in South Africa
Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.
University of Pretoria
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
- Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.
University of Cape Town
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
- Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.
Stellenbosch University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
- Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.
University of the Witwatersrand
- Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
- Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.
University of Johannesburg
- Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
- Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.
University of the Free State
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.
University of Venda
- Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
- Application Period: Usually from May to September.
University of Fort Hare
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
- Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.
University of the Western Cape
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
- Application Period: Generally from May to September.
North-West University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
- Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.
Rhodes University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
- Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.
Nelson Mandela University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
- Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.
University of Limpopo
- Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
- Application Period: From April to September.
University of Zululand
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
- Application Period: Usually between April and November.
Central University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
- Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.
Vaal University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
- Application Period: Typically from May to September.
Walter Sisulu University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
- Application Period: From April to September.
This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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