Categories: University Application

CAO Application Dates Now Open For 2026

The CAO Online Application for the 2026 Academic Year is now open! Apply online through the CAO website (www.cao.ac.za) from March 1, 2025, to November 30, 2025, for the chance to study at top universities and colleges in KwaZulu-Natal and other private institutions 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.

Application Materials Required For CAO 2026 Applications

These materials are essential to the application process. These documents must be uploaded or submitted for consideration; failure to do so will result in your application being rejected.

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)

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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 2026 and July 2025 intakes:

January 2026 Intake

Early Submission (by October 2025):
- South African applicants: R250.00
- International Applicants: R300.00
Submission after the Closing Date (after October 2025):
- South African applicants: R470.00
- International Applicants: R580.00

July 2025 Intake

Early Submission (by May 2025):
- South African applicants: R250.00
- International Applicants: R300.00
Submission after the Closing Date (after June 2025):
- South African applicants: R470.00
- International Applicants: R580.00

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 2026

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 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.