How to Complete CAO 2028 Online Application

The Central Applications Office (CAO) is inviting eligible students who wish to pursue higher education at participating public and private institutions to visit the official CAO website and complete their applications. The application portal is now open and ready to receive submissions.

The CAO system accepts and processes applications from both new and returning applicants who meet the relevant admission requirements. Follow the steps outlined in this guide to complete your application, submit the required supporting documents, and pay the applicable application fee before the deadline.

What Is CAO?

The Central Applications Office (CAO) is a centralized platform that allows students to apply to a wide range of public and private universities and colleges in South Africa, including DUT, MUT, UKZN, UniZulu, and several private institutions.

It simplifies the application process for both students and institutions by allowing applicants to submit a single application and apply to multiple universities or colleges simultaneously. This makes the process more efficient, cost-effective, and convenient.

CAO Application Timeline

Prospective students have until 31 October 2027 to submit their regular CAO application for the 2028 academic year. Applications submitted after this date may be subject to a higher late application fee. To avoid additional charges, applicants are encouraged to complete and submit their applications before the regular deadline.

Documents You May Need

During the CAO application process, you may be asked to upload supporting documents. The specific documents required will depend on your circumstances and the institution or programme you are applying for.

You may need to provide:

Certified copy of your ID or birth certificate
Final Grade 11 report, if you are currently in Grade 12
Copy of your highest qualification achieved, if applicable
Copy of your study or residence permit, if you are an international applicant
Proof of payment of the application fee
June Grade 12 report, once available, if you are currently in Grade 12
September/Trial Grade 12 report, once available, if you are currently in Grade 12
Any additional documents requested by the institution, such as an academic record or other relevant qualifications

CAO Application Fees for 2028

Applicants should prepare to pay the applicable CAO application fee when submitting their application. After making the payment, you may be required to provide proof of payment as part of the application process.

Fee Amounts

South African Applicants

On-time application: R250
Late application: R470

International Applicants

On-time application: R300
Late application: R580

Payment Methods:

Online: You can pay via credit card during the online application process at www.cao.ac.za.
EasyPay: Visit any EasyPay outlet (Shoprite, Checkers, Pick ‘n Pay, etc.) and use your unique EasyPay number as a reference.

How to Apply via CAO for 2028

There are two basic ways to apply: either online at www.cao.ac.za or by filling out a hard copy application form.

TO COMPLETE YOUR ONLINE APPLICATION FOR CAO 2028

Visit the official website @ cao.ac.za and select “Apply.”
After reading the details, press “Continue with Application.“
Enter your ID number and click on ‘Submit.’
Click ‘Continue with Application at the bottom of the page after you have scrolled there.
Start by entering ALL of the required information.
After you have completed all the required fields, click “Next.” “Continue with Online Application” should be clicked.
You’ll see your CAO number, password, and EasyPay number in a pop-up window. Read the guidelines.
“Continue with Online Application” should be clicked.
After carefully reading the instructions and submitting ALL necessary information, click “Next.”
Click “Next” after filling out the “Next of Kin” information.
Once the school’s name is displayed in a box, you must enter the years that you first enrolled there and when you graduated from it before clicking “Search.”
Choose “Next.”
NOW THAT YOUR APPLICATION HAS BEEN SENT, CLICK THE BUTTON WHEN “Process My Application” IS VISIBLE.
When your submission is successful, a notification will appear on your screen.
Now you can pay online and upload your supporting documentation.
Pay using EasyPay.

COMPLETE A HARD-COPY APPLICATION FORM FOR

This is the least efficient option. Hard-copy applications may take up to 2-3 weeks to process after the CAO receives them, with the administration fee

There are so many ways to obtain the application form for CAO

Application Forms are posted to your school. Find out from your principal and LO teacher. This application material should have reached your school by the end of March.
Handbooks and Application Forms are also available from the four universities in KZN and the DBE District Offices.
Some Libraries also have Handbooks and Application Forms.

You may also request an application form by:

Contacting the CAO Call Centre at 031 268 4444 or 086 086 0226
Sending an email to formrequestcao@cao.ac.za
Visiting the CAO office at Gate 11, Mary Thiphe Street, Cato Manor

SEND YOUR FORMS TO CAO

Any of these methods must be used to submit your fully completed application form to CAO.

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

Upload Supporting Documents

Prospective applicants who wish to apply manually must still go to the CAO’s official website to complete the online application. The manual application is not entirely self-contained. After submitting your forms, you must upload all supporting online documents by following the steps.:

Go to the Central Applications Office website, www.cao.ac.za, and log in with your CAO or ID number
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.

Contact CAO

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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