The Central Applications Office is the organization responsible for overseeing undergraduate applications to colleges and universities in South Africa. The primary mission of the Central Applications Office is to centrally process applications fairly and efficiently.
The Central Applications Office (CAO) handles applications for certificates, undergraduate diplomas, and bachelor’s degree programmes at higher education institutions in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and for study programmes at UNISA from diplomas to doctorates.
- What is the purpose of CAO?
- How do I apply for CAO?
- How many courses can I apply for CAO?
- Is CAO still open for applications?
VISION
The leading organisation that provides services in the facilitation of student access to post-schooling education.
MISSION
To direct the activities and processes of the CAO by the operationalization of its service to ensure:
- Appropriate resourcing to provide the structural stability of the required capacity to deal with growth requirements;
- The provision of a policy framework to guide protocols, processes and consistent practices;
- The development and maintenance of advanced human capacity for the knowledge sector to sustain and grow its customer base;
- The building of an effective communication culture with current and prospective customers, while ensuring the same culture exists in the internal team; and
- The leveraging of existing partnerships to build future relationships to support the growth of the business.
VALUES
- Provide the highest ethical standards of service;
- Be professional, and empathetic to customer needs and challenges
- Promote a strong team synergy, mutual support and a friendly atmosphere to work in;
- Be accessible and resource-driven to meet our customer needs;
- Facilitate correct information dissemination to our customers, thereby assisting learners to make correct decisions about their careers;
- Ensure good governance through management support and inclusive participation, accountability and responsiveness to our customer’s needs;
- Acknowledge the input and relationship with key partnerships in driving the success of post-schooling education; and
- Instil a climate of passionate employees and encourage internal growth and development among all employees
Phone Numbers
Call Centre: 031 268 4444 or 086 0860 226
Physical Address
Gate 11, Central Services Complex – UKZNMary Thiphe Street (Cato Manor Road)Cato ManorDurban
Postal Address
Private Bag X06Dalbridge4014
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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