CAO 2026 Application Process South Africa

The Central Applications Office (CAO) has announced the opening and closing dates for the 2026 application cycle. Whether you’re targeting top public universities or considering private colleges, get ready to apply to multiple universities with just one application form via the CAO portal. The Central Applications Office (CAO) manages university applications for students seeking admission to public and private institutions in South Africa for the 2026 academic year

What you must have before the application date

Applicants must be ready with all the supporting documents such as results, certificates, ID, and others. A working email address is also required from the applicants. Applicants whose documents are not certified and scanned must do so before commencing the online application. This facilitates the online application process. Applicants must also download the prospectus from the Central Applications Office to check all the requirements of their desired courses.

Key Documents Required For CAO 2026 Applications

These documents are crucial to the application procedure. These documents must be uploaded or submitted to be considered; otherwise, your application will be rejected entirely.

Certified Copy of ID and Birth certificate
Final Grade 11 Report (if you are in Grade 12) OR
Highest qualification achieved
Copy of study/residence permit (if you are a non-South-African applicant)
June Grade 12 Report (as soon as you receive it if you are currently in Grade 12)
September/Trials Grade 12 Report (as soon as you receive it if you are currently in Grade 12)
Any other document requested by the institution

When is the Application date for the 2026 admissions

The official application period for 2026 opens on March 1st, 2025. That’s right, you can start your application early!

Ensure CAO receives your application by the following dates:

South African Citizens: Applications close on October 31st, 2025.
International Applicants: Applications close on October 31st, 2025.

Application Fee of the Central Applications Office (CAO).

The various application fees are outlined below:

January 2026 Intake:

Early Submission: By the close of October 2025

South African applicants pay R250.00
International Applicants pay R300

Submission after the Closing date: After October 2025

South African applicants pay R470.00
International Applicants pay R580.00

July 2025 Intake

Early Submission: By the close of May 2025

South African applicants pay R250.00
International Applicants pay R300.00

Submission after the Closing date: After June 2025

South African applicants pay R470.00
International Applicants pay R580.00

How to Apply Online via the CAO office portal

Visit the official CAO website: www.cao.ac.za
Click on “Apply” to begin the application process.
Read through the details, then click “Continue with Application.”
Enter your ID number and click ‘Submit.’
After scrolling down, click “Continue with Application” at the bottom of the page.
Enter all required information in the application form. Once completed, click “Next.”
You’ll be provided with your CAO number, password, and EasyPay number. Read the guidelines carefully before continuing.
Click “Continue with Online Application” to proceed.
Complete all necessary information and click “Next.”
Enter your Next of Kin details, and click “Next.”
When prompted, enter the school details, including the years you enrolled and graduated, and click “Search.”
After reviewing everything, click “Next.”
Once you’re satisfied with your application, click “Process My Application”.
After successful submission, you will receive a confirmation notification.
You can now proceed to pay online via credit card or use EasyPay to make the payment.

For more information about the Central Applications Office, visit the official page

How to Apply for CAO Form Online 2026