CAO Booklet

The Central Applications Office (CAO) booklet in South Africa is a comprehensive guide to the application process for tertiary education. It is published annually and contains information on all of the participating institutions, their programmes, and the admission requirements.

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CAO Booklet in South Africa

The CAO booklet is divided into two sections:

  • Section One: General information about the CAO application process, including eligibility criteria, deadlines, and fees.
  • Section Two: Detailed information about each of the participating institutions, their programmes, and the admission requirements.

The CAO booklet is an essential resource for any student who is planning to apply to tertiary education in South Africa. It is available for free download from the CAO website.

How to use the CAO booklet

The CAO booklet can be used to:

  • Research different institutions and programmes: The booklet contains detailed information about all of the participating institutions, their programmes, and the admission requirements. This can help students to narrow down their choices and find the right institution and programme for them.
  • Check eligibility: The booklet contains information on the eligibility criteria for each programme. This can help students to check that they meet the requirements before they apply.
  • Understand the application process: The booklet explains the CAO application process step-by-step, including how to create an account, submit your application, and accept an offer.

Tips for using the CAO booklet

  • Start early: The CAO application process can be complex and time-consuming, so it is important to start early. This will give you plenty of time to research different institutions and programmes, check your eligibility, and prepare your application.
  • Read the booklet carefully: The CAO booklet contains a lot of important information, so it is important to read it carefully. This will help you to understand the application process and avoid making any mistakes.
  • Get help if you need it: If you have any questions about the CAO application process, or if you need help completing your application, you can contact the CAO helpline for assistance.

The CAO booklet is an essential resource for any student who is planning to apply to tertiary education in South Africa. It contains all of the information that you need to know about the application process, the participating institutions, and their programmes.

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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