CAO 2026 University Applications Are Officially Open

CAO 2026 University Applications Are Officially Open, Secure Your Spot at South African Universities with CAO 2026 Applications

Exciting news for those eagerly awaiting the 2026 application opening for the Central Application Office (CAO)! The application period for the 2026 academic year has officially begun as of March 1, 2025, for the first semester. You can now submit your applications, and institutions like DUT, MUT, UniZulu, and UKZN are ready to receive them through the CAO. Don’t delay – apply now!

In this article, we will guide you through the application process to ensure that you successfully gain admission to any of the undergraduate programs at your chosen university. With step-by-step instructions, you’ll be equipped with all the information you need to complete your application and increase your chances of being accepted.

What You Need to Know About CAO 2026

The Central Application Office (CAO) is a platform that facilitates the university application process for students with an NSC or equivalent qualifications. Through CAO, students can apply to universities in KwaZulu-Natal and a variety of TVET colleges across South Africa, offering a wide range of opportunities for higher education across the country. “The CAO accepts, processes, and forwards your application to the university of your choice for the final decision.”

Benefits of Apply through CAO 2026

Prospective students who wish to pursue a Diploma, Higher Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma, or Bachelor’s Degree can apply through the Central Application Office (CAO) to any of the partnering institutions. Applying through CAO offers numerous benefits, including but not limited to the following:

Time-Saving: Time is crucial when it comes to university applications, as priority is often given to those who submit their applications early. With CAO, you can streamline the process by completing just one application form for up to two or more institutions in a matter of minutes. There’s no need to fill out separate applications for each university – simply apply once and be considered by multiple universities at the same time.

Reduce Cost: The administration or application fee is a necessary part of the application process. However, when you apply through the Central Application Office, you can apply to multiple institutions and only pay a single application fee. CAO encourages you to “apply more and pay once,” allowing you to save money while applying to your preferred universities for 2026. Take advantage of this cost-effective option and streamline your application process.

More Courses: The Central Application Office allows you to apply for up to six different courses – that’s right, six! You can submit applications for multiple undergraduate programs and be considered for all of them. Just make sure you meet the requirements for each course, and you’ll have the opportunity to explore a variety of options for your studies.

Early Applications: Early applications are key to securing your spot at university. While most universities will open their 2026 application period on April 1, 2025, institutions like DUT, UniZulu, UKZN, and MUT have already opened applications as of March 1, 2025. All these universities accept applications through the Central Application Office. By applying early, you not only increase your chances of being considered but also gain the opportunity to explore various financial aid options to support your studies. Don’t miss out on this advantage – apply early and set yourself up for success!

Documents Needed for CAO 2026 Application

Prospective students applying through the Central Application Office for the 2026 academic year must submit a copy of each of the documents listed below.

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

CAO 2026 Final Application Submission Deadline

The Central Application Office (CAO) opened on March 1, 2025, and is already receiving applications on behalf of its partnering institutions for the first semester of the 2026 academic year. CAO expects all application documents, including a fully completed application form, supporting documents, and proof of payment, to be submitted by the following deadlines (at midnight):

Early Applications: March 1 to October 31, 2025
Late Applications: November 1, 2025, to March 1, 2026

Late Applications: Prospective students who apply from November 1 will be considered for late applications, which will depend on the availability of spaces at the various partnering institutions. Please note that late applications will also incur an additional fee. Therefore, it is always advisable to apply early to avoid extra costs and ensure your application is considered.

CAO 2026 Application Administration Fee

Since the Central Application Office accepts both domestic and international applications, the application fee varies based on country and submission time. Below is the breakdown of the CAO 2026 application fees based on the time of submission and applicant status:

Early Submission (by October 31, 2025):

South African applicants: R250.00
International applicants: R300.00

Late Applications (November 1, 2025, onwards):

South African applicants: R470.00
International applicants: R580.00

Payment Methods:

Online: Credit card payment during application on www.cao.ac.za.
EasyPay: Use your unique EasyPay number at participating outlets.

The CAO Handbook for 2026 contains detailed and comprehensive information about the application process, academic requirements, fees to be paid, partnering institutions, and everything you may need. Get a copy by clicking here

How to Apply Through the Central Application Office

The Central Application Office accepts both online and manual applications. You are advised to either apply online or manually.

CAO Manual Applications:

If you prefer to apply manually, you can obtain a copy of the application form at the following locations:

Your high school admission office
The four universities in KwaZulu-Natal and the DBE District Offices
Selected libraries across South Africa

Once completed, you can submit your application form through any of the following channels:

Email it to: formsreceivedcao@cao.ac.za
Post it to: Private Bag X06, Dalbridge, 4014
Hand deliver it to: CAO, Gate 11, Mary Thiphe Street (formerly Cato Manor Road), Durban

Please Note: All supporting documents must be uploaded online at www.cao.ac.za and should not be attached to the hard copy applications for manual submissions.

CAO 2026 Online Application Steps

If you want real-time feedback on your application, it’s best to complete an online application form. Follow the steps below to submit your application online:

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.

CAO Contact Details

If you encounter any difficulties, you can reach out to the Central Application Office, and they will assist you. For more details:

Visit the CAO website: cao.ac.za
Contact the CAO Call Centre: 031 268 4444 or 086 086 0226
Email: formrequestcao@cao.ac.za

Conclusion

The CAO 2026 university application period is now open! With clear steps, cost-saving benefits, and early application advantages, the Central Application Office is the easiest and most efficient way to apply to multiple universities in South Africa. Don’t miss out—apply now for the 2026 academic year and set yourself on the path to a successful future!

Good luck with your CAO 2026 application!

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