How to Apply for CAO 2028: Step-by-Step Online Application Guide

Applicants seeking admission for the 2028 academic year should submit their CAO applications by 31 October 2027 to meet the regular deadline. Applications submitted after this date may incur a higher late application fee. Students are therefore encouraged to complete and submit their applications early to avoid paying additional charges.

Completing the Central Applications Office (CAO) 2028 online application is a critical step for prospective students aiming to study at post-school institutions in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa.

This guide details the exact steps you need to follow, including preparation, the application itself, and what to do afterward.

Essential First Steps Before You Begin

The application process is simple, but you must prepare beforehand to avoid errors and delays.

Get the Official CAO Handbook 2028:
- Download it from the www.cao.ac.za website.
- You cannot apply correctly without it. You apply using programme codes (e.g., KN-D-BCO), not course names. The handbook lists every available programme, its code, minimum entry requirements, and specific closing date.
Determine Your Course Choices:
- You can select a maximum of six (6) programme choices.
- List them in order of genuine preference (your first choice must be number 1). Institutions will only make an offer to your highest preferred programme if you meet the requirements.
Ensure Your Biographical Details are Exact:
- Your full names, surname, and ID number must exactly match how you are registered with the Department of Basic Education (DBE) to write your Matric (NSC) final examinations. If they differ, the CAO will not be able to download your final results in January.
Have a Valid Personal Email and Cell Number:
- Crucial: Do not use someone else’s email or phone. All communications from the CAO and institutions—including application updates and conditional offers—will be sent via SMS and email.

The Step-by-Step CAO Online Application Process

The full application process has three parts: completing the form online, paying the fee, and uploading your documents.

Part 1: Submit the Online Application Form

Go to the official website: www.cao.ac.za.
Click on the “Apply” tab in the main menu.
Fill in the digital application form. You will need to provide:
- Your personal and biographical details (ID, names, address, contact details).
- Your current or previous school details.
- Your Matric/NSC results (Grade 11 final marks, Grade 12 June/Sept results, or final NSC if already completed).
- Your six programme codes from the handbook.
When you finish, four critical numbers will appear on your screen:
- CAO Number (This is your permanent reference number).
- EasyPay Number (This is used for payment).
- Password (Keep this safe).
- Application Serial Number.

Part 2: Pay the Non-Refundable Administration Fee

Your application will not be processed by the CAO until the full administration fee is received.

Payment Deadline: Pay by 31 October 2027 to avoid the late application fee.

Fee Type	South African Citizen	International Applicant
On-Time (before 31 Oct)	R250	R500
Late (from 1 Nov onwards)	R470	R580

How to Pay:

Online: Visit www.cao.ac.za, click ‘Payments’, and follow the instructions to pay using a credit or debit card. Use your CAO Number as the reference.
EasyPay: Pay at any major retailer with an EasyPay counter (e.g., Shoprite, Pick n Pay, Boxer, Woolworths, Checkers). Provide them with your unique EasyPay Number.

Part 3: Upload Your Supporting Documents Online

Hard copies or emailed documents will not be accepted. You must upload clear, legible copies of all required documents on the CAO website.

Required Documents:
- A certified copy of your ID document (RSA) or Passport (International).
- A certified copy of your Grade 11 final report.
- A certified copy of your latest Grade 12 report (June/September results).
- A certified copy of your full NSC Matric results (if you have already completed school).
How to Upload:
- Go to www.cao.ac.za.
- Click on “Upload My Documents”.
- Follow the instructions, using your CAO Number and Password to log in.

What Happens After You Apply?

Application Processing: The CAO processes your form, fee, and documents and makes your application visible to the institutions you chose.
Tracking Your Status: You are responsible for monitoring your application progress.
- Go to www.cao.ac.za and click “My Application”.
- Log in using your CAO Number, Date of Birth, or Password.

Receiving Offers: Institutions will communicate conditional offers or refusals directly to you via the email and cell number you provided. Conditional offers are typically made based on your Grade 11 results or mid-year Grade 12 results and are only confirmed upon release of your final NSC results.