CAO Application Dates Now Open For 2025/2026

CAO Application Dates Now Open For 2025/2026

The CAO Online Application for the 2025-2026 Academic Year is open! Don’t miss your chance to study at top universities and colleges in KwaZulu-Natal. Apply through the CAO website (www.cao.ac.za) from March 1, 2024, to November 30, 2024.

The Central Application Office (CAO) is now accepting applications for the 2025-2026 academic year! You can apply online between Friday, March 1, 2024, and Saturday, November 30, 2024. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to apply to prestigious institutions in KwaZulu-Natal and other private universities in South Africa.

What is the CAO?

The Central Applications Office (CAO) is a non-profit organization that simplifies the application process for universities and colleges in KwaZulu-Natal, including:

Durban University of Technology (DUT)
Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT)
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
University of Zululand (UNIZULU)
Most private colleges in KwaZulu-Natal

What you must have before the application date

Applicants must be ready with all the supporting documents such as results, certificates, ID, and others. A working email address is also required from the applicants. Applicants whose documents are not certified and scanned must do so before commencing the online application. This facilitates the online application process. Applicants must also download the prospectus from the Central Applications Office to check all the requirements of their desired courses.

Prepare these documents before the opening date in 2025

These papers are crucial to the application procedure. These documents must be uploaded or submitted to be considered; otherwise, your application will be rejected entirely.

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, eg. Academic Record, etc.

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When is the Application date for the CAO 2025 admissions

The Central Application Office CAO application process is Now Open! The Central Applications Office (CAO) application process for the academic year 2025-2026 will officially open on March 1, 2024. However, it’s important to note that individual institutions may have their application deadlines and procedures.

Here are some key things to remember:

Institution Deadlines: While the CAO application opens on March 1st, individual institutions (such as universities and colleges) may have earlier or later deadlines for their programs. Be sure to check the deadlines of the specific institutions you are interested in attending.
Late Applications: The CAO does accept late applications, but there is a 100% late fee. To avoid this additional cost, it’s strongly recommended to submit your application as early as possible.
Partnered Institution Websites: Each institution will have its own website with detailed information about its application process, programs, and deadlines. Make sure to visit the websites of the institutions you are interested in for the most up-to-date information.

Application Fee of the Central Applications Office (CAO)

The Central Applications Office (CAO) charges different fees depending on the intake year, application date, and applicant status (South African or International). Here’s a breakdown of the fees for the January 2025 and July 2025 intakes:

January 2025 Intake

Early Submission (by October 2024):
- South African applicants: R250.00
- International Applicants: R300.00
Submission after the Closing Date (after October 2024):
- South African applicants: R470.00
- International Applicants: R580.00

July 2024 Intake

Early Submission (by May 2024):
- South African applicants: R250.00
- International Applicants: R300.00
Submission after the Closing Date (after June 2024):
- South African applicants: R470.00
- International Applicants: R580.00

Download the CAO Handbook for 2025 admission

Online Application Steps for the Central Applications Office (CAO)

Follow the steps below to apply through the Central Application Office application portal for the academic year 2025-2026: Remember the application processing starts on March 1st, 2024 for the 2025 January intake

Steps:

Create an account:
- Go to the CAO website: https://www.cao.ac.za/
- Click on “Apply” and then “Continue Application”.
- Register for a new account by providing your personal details and creating a password.
Complete your application:
- Once logged in, select the “Apply” tab.
- Choose the “First Semester” option for January intake.
- Enter your academic achievements (matric results, certificates, etc.).
- Select the study programmes you’re interested in (up to 12 choices).
- For each programme, choose the specific campus and qualification option.
- Upload required documents (certified copies of certificates, ID, etc.).
- Review your application carefully before submitting it.
Pay the application fee:
- After submitting your application, you’ll be redirected to the payment page.
- You can pay online using EasyPay or via other methods mentioned on the website.
- Your application will be available to chosen institutions only after successful payment.

How to reach the Central Applications Office

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 Central Applications Office, visit the official page

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