CAO 2028 Applications Are Officially Open: Apply to Universities & Colleges

Great news for prospective students planning to apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) for the 2028 academic year. The first-semester application period is officially scheduled to open on 1 March 2027 for students seeking admission to institutions such as DUT, MUT, UniZulu, UKZN, and other participating TVET colleges.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire CAO application process to help you apply successfully to your preferred institution and programme. You’ll find clear, step-by-step instructions on how to complete your application correctly and improve your chances of securing admission.

What You Need to Know About CAO 2028 Entry

The Central Applications Office (CAO) is a centralized platform that streamlines the university application process for students who hold an NSC or an equivalent qualification. Through the CAO, applicants can apply to universities in KwaZulu-Natal as well as a range of TVET colleges across South Africa, providing access to diverse higher education opportunities.

The CAO receives applications, processes them, and forwards them to the selected institution, where the final admission decision is made.

Applying through the CAO online platform saves time and money by allowing you to submit one application, pay a single fee, apply to multiple institutions and up to six courses, and improve your chances through early submission.

Documents Needed for CAO 2028 Application

Prospective students applying through the Central Application Office for the 2028 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 2028 Application Closing Dates

Applicants planning to apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) should ensure that their application form, supporting documents, and payment confirmation are submitted before the relevant closing date. Applications must be completed by midnight on the applicable deadline.

Regular Application Deadline: 31 October 2027
Late Application Deadline: 30 November 2027

CAO 2028 Application Administration Fee

The Central Applications Office (CAO) accepts applications from both South African and international applicants. The application fee varies depending on the applicant’s status and when the application is submitted.

Regular Application Fee

For applications submitted by 31 October 2027:

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

Late Application Fee

For applications submitted from 1 November 2027 onwards:

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

Payment Methods

Applicants can pay the CAO application fee using the following methods:

Online: Pay by credit card during the online application process through the CAO website.
EasyPay: Use your unique EasyPay number to make payment at participating EasyPay outlets.

The CAO Handbook for 2028 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 2028 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

Good luck with your CAO 2027 application!

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