The Central Applications Office (CAO) is a non-profit organization that provides a centralized application service for public universities and colleges in South Africa. The CAO online application process is as follows:
Click here to start your CAO Online Application.
- If you have already submitted an application form, please do not submit a duplicate application via the Internet.
- The CAO will only accept one application form from you for a specific entry year and term.
- Have your school and tertiary study details handy before you start.
Important dates
The CAO application period for the 2024 academic year is as follows:
- First semester intake: 1 March to 31 August 2023
- Second semester intake: 1 August to 30 September 2023
Late applications will be accepted, but may be subject to a late application fee.
Required documents
The following documents must be uploaded with your CAO application:
- Certified copy of your identity document or passport
- Certified copy of your senior school certificate or equivalent qualification
- Academic transcripts for all previous tertiary studies (if applicable)
- Any other supporting documents required by the institutions to which you are applying
How much is the CAO Application Fee in South Africa?
The CAO application fee is R250 for South African Citizens and R300 for international applicants providing it is submitted on time.
If the documents and forms reach the CAO after the deadline then a late fee apply, this is R470 for SA Citizens and R580 for international students.
You can pay the CAO application fee with one of the below methods:
| Payment option | Where payment can be made | Payment type accepted |
| EASYPAY * Preferred payment option* | Pick n Pay, Checkers, Shoprite, Woolworths or any store displaying the EasyPay sign. | Cash, Debit or Credit Card |
| Paying online by Credit Card | Visit www.cao.ac.za Click on ‘My Application’, enter your CAO or ID number and follow the prompts. | Credit Card Payment ONLY |
| Credit or Debit Card payment | At the CAO Office. Gate 11, UKZN, Mary Thiphe Street, Cato Manor, Durban | Credit or Debit Card |
How do I know if CAO have received my documents?
To get acknowledgment of receipt of your documents and application form from the CAO, you need to include a stamped-addressed postcard or envelope with your application mailing.
CAO will then return acknowledgment in this postcard/envelope on receipt. However, please note that the CAO is not able to check the correctness and completeness of the supporting documents, they will simply confirm to the student that they’ve been received.
How can I access my CAO documents?
CAO will scan in your documents electronically and they will then be made available to view online. You can see your online application on the ‘My Application’ section of the CAO website.
CAO Contact Details
Prospective students can contact the CAO directly, either online contact via social media / email. Or using the phone number below.
Twitter: @CAOKZN
Facebook: @CentralApplicationsOffice
CAO Address: Mary Thiphe Street (formerly corner of Francois and Cato Manor Roads), Cato Manor, Durban
CAO Contact Number: (031) 268 4444 or Share Call: 086 0860 CAO / 086 0860 226
Contact Hours: Monday – Friday 08:00 – 16:30
CAO Email address: customerservice@cao.ac.za
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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