The CAO application fee in South Africa depends on the type of program you are applying to. For undergraduate programs, the fee is R180. For postgraduate programs, the fee is R250. You can pay the fee online or at any Nedbank branch.
To pay the fee online, you will need to create an account on the CAO website. Once you have created an account, you can log in and select the “Pay Application Fee” option. You will then be redirected to a secure payment page where you can enter your credit card information or pay using a bank transfer.
To pay the fee at a Nedbank branch, you will need to bring a copy of your CAO application form with you. The teller will be able to process your payment and give you a receipt.
PAYING YOUR ADMINISTRATION FEE
ADMINISTRATION FEE (Not Refundable)
| ADMINISTRATION FEE | To start studies in January | To start studies in July | To start studies in July | ||||||
| Date | SA Citizens | International applicants | Date | SA Citizens | International applicants | Date | SA Citizens | International applicants | |
| If form and fee reach us on or before | 31 Oct | R 250.00 | R 300.00 | 31 May | R 250.00 | R 300.00 | 31 May | R 250.00 | R 300.00 |
| If form and fee reach us on or after | 01 Nov | R 470.00 | R 580.00 | 01 June | R 470.00 | R 580.00 | 01 June | R 470.00 | R 580.00 |
| Any request to add, change or renumber programme choices will incur a “Change of Mind” Administration Fee of R 140.00 |
Citizens of other countries must pay the international fee if they do not have permanent residence in South Africa or refugee or asylum seeker status recognised by the Department of Home Affairs.
All monies must be paid in South African rands
Ways of paying the CAO administration fee
| 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 |
Please note that the CAO application fee is non-refundable.
Here are some additional safety guidelines:
- Do not share your CAO application number or password with anyone.
- Be careful about opening emails from the CAO. Make sure that the sender’s email address is correct before you open any attachments.
- Do not provide your personal information to anyone who claims to be from the CAO unless you are sure that they are legitimate.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the CAO directly at 0860 112 266.
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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