CAO Online Application 2027 Login Portal Now Open

If you are thinking of applying to multiple universities for the 2027 admission season, the CAO is here to help. The application login for 2027 has officially launched, and all prospective students are invited to visit the portal to complete their forms.

The Central Applications Office accepts, processes, and forwards applications to partnering universities and colleges for a final decision. In this article, you will learn how to use the login portal to access the 2027 CAO online application, including tips on how to complete and submit your forms.

How to Find the Login Portal

Before accessing the Central Applications Office (CAO) login for the 2027 academic intake, please ensure you have the following ready:

A smart device (computer, tablet, or smartphone)
Your CAO number
Your National Identity Number
A valid email address and an active phone number

Once you have these ready, visit www.cao.ac.za and click on the 2027 application link. You will then be redirected to the login page to access the online form.

When To Access the Portal

The application portal is open for the regular window from March 1 to October 31, 2026. While applications can still be submitted starting November 1, 2026, please note that these will be subject to an additional late application fee.

Application Fees and Deadlines

Application Type	Period	Administration Fee
On-Time	March 1 – October 31, 2026	R250
Late	Starting November 1, 2026	R470

For more detailed information on specific programs and deadlines, refer to the official CAO website.

How to Apply

The Central Applications Office (CAO) accepts both online and manual applications, allowing you to choose the method most convenient for you. However, we strongly recommend that all first-time applicants apply online for greater efficiency and faster processing.

Regardless of the method you choose, please ensure that your completed application and all required supporting documents reach the CAO before the deadline.

Read Also: www.cao.ac.za my application 2026

CAO Application Requirements for 2026

Ensure to upload the following documents during your online applications

Proof of Identity: Include a copy of your valid ID document.
Academic Records:
- Grade 12 Students: Submit your final Grade 11 report. If unavailable, your highest achieved qualification will suffice.
- Grade 12 Students in Progress: Upload your June Grade 12 report as soon as you receive it. Follow up with September/Trials reports when available.
International Students: Non-South African applicants must provide a copy of their study/residence permit.
Additional Documents: Be prepared to submit any other documents requested by the specific institution you’re applying to, such as your complete academic record.

CAO Online Application Procedures

The preferred and most efficient way to apply is online via the official website: www.cao.ac.za. To apply for university placement in South Africa, please visit the site and follow these steps:

Click “Apply”.
Enter your ID number and submit.
Click “Continue with Application” at the bottom.
Fill out all requested details and click “Next”.
Click “Continue with Online Application”.
Read the instructions and click “Continue”.
Complete the requested information and click “Next”.
Add “Next of Kin” details and click “Next”.
Find your school, enter attendance years, and click “Next”.
Click “Process My Application” to finalize.

How to Upload Outstanding Documents

If you are not ready to upload everything at once, you may submit your initial application first and provide your supporting documents at a later date, provided it is within the application period.

To upload your documents after you have already submitted your application, follow these steps:

Go to the Central Applications Office website, www.cao.ac.za
Click on the ‘Upload My Document icon on the Home Page.
Read the instructions to know what you need ‘to log in to upload your documents’.
Once logged in, follow the steps provided to upload your documents and enter your related examination results, where required.
Review and make sure that you have uploaded the correct documents and entered the correct results, where required.
Once you are ready to submit, click the ‘Submit My Documents’ icon.

Please Note:

To log in to upload your documents, you must have the following:

Your CAO or ID number AND
Cell phone (with cell number entered on your application)
Access to your email (which was entered into your application.

Contacts

Reach out to the Central Applications Office through the following with any questions

Physical Address
Gate 11, Mary Thiphe Street (previously Cato Manor Road), Durban
Postal Address:
Private Bag X06,
Dalbridge, 4014
Email Address:
enquiries@cao.ac.za
Telephone Number
031 268 4444
0860 860 226

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

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