Categories: University Application

CAO Application Dates Now Open For 2027

The Central Applications Office (CAO) is pleased to announce that the online application portal for the 2027 Academic Year is officially open to the general public. Starting March 1, 2026, students across South Africa can access the portal to submit and complete their undergraduate applications. This marks the beginning of the national recruitment cycle—ensure you apply early to secure your future at our partner institutions

What is the CAO?

The Central Applications Office (CAO) is a non-profit organisation 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

CAO Application Date 2027

The Central Applications Office (CAO) has officially opened the online portal for the 2027 Academic Year. This is your opportunity to secure your spot at a participating institution in South Africa.

Key Dates to Remember

Opening Date: March 1, 2026.
“On-Time” Deadline: October 31, 2026.
Late Application Fee: From November 1, 2026, all submissions will be considered “Late” and will incur a higher application fee.

Application Materials Required For CAO 2027 Applications

Before you begin your online application at www.cao.ac.za, ensure you have the following ready:

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 2027 and July 2026 intakes:

January 2027 Intake

Early Submission (by October 2026):
- South African applicants: R250.00
- International Applicants: R300.00
Submission after the Closing Date (after October 2026):
- South African applicants: R470.00
- International Applicants: R580.00

July 2026 Intake

Early Submission (by May 2026):
- South African applicants: R250.00
- International Applicants: R300.00
Submission after the Closing Date (after June 2026):
- 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 2027

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.