CAO Online Application 2026 Login

You can use the Central Application (CAO) website to apply to universities such as DUT, MUT, UKZN, and UNIZULU for the 2026 academic year, which begins on March 1st, 2026. Students who desire to enroll in these public universities, as well as other private colleges in South Africa, must apply to the Central Applications Office (CAO) for the academic year 2026.

Visit CAO to Apply for 2024 and 2025 Courses

You can explore a wide range of academic programs available for both July 2025 (Second Semester) and January 2026 (First Semester) entry by applying through the Central Application Office (CAO). Applications can be made conveniently online via the CAO application portal or by downloading their mobile app. To apply for your desired program, simply visit the CAO website at www.cao.ac.za.

If you are not successful with your initial program choices after applying, you can submit a ‘Change of Mind’ (COM) form online. This allows you to revise your application and make new choices. The COM form can be completed and submitted directly through the CAO portal, ensuring flexibility if your original choices don’t result in an offer.

Once you complete and submit your COM form, the administration fee must be paid. Upon receipt of the fee, the COM is processed and made available to the institutions you’ve applied to. If the COM is paid using EasyPay, it will be processed the day after the fee is received.

Key Dates and Costs for Applying to CAO Programs in 2026

Ensure that the application materials—including the receipt or proof of payment for the application fee—are sent to the CAO by the following dates:

On-Time Applications:

Deadline: The CAO on-time application deadline is between March 1 and October 31, 2025, and the corresponding administration fee is R250.

Late Applications:

Applications and/or fees received after the deadline incur a late fee of R470, starting from November 1, 2025. Late applications may be considered only after all “on-time” applications have been assessed.

Remember: Early applications increase your chances of securing your desired program. Avoid the late fee and potential delays by submitting your application well before the deadline!

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

Applying Made Easy: A Step-by-Step Guide to Using CAO

You must go through the steps below to apply through the CAO for your desired university

Key Steps:

Complete the online application: Fill out the form and choose your desired institutions.
Pay the administration fee: Conveniently pay online or through EasyPay. You can also opt to skip online payment for now.
Submit supporting documents: Upload relevant documents directly within the application.
Get confirmation: Receive an acknowledgement letter within 24 hours, confirming your application’s availability to chosen institutions.

Remember: Paying online or using EasyPay can expedite the process. Don’t forget to upload your supporting documents!

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.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Applying Through the CAO

The preferred way to apply is online at www.cao.ac.za

Apply online for university placement in South Africa

Website: www.cao.ac.za

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.

Remember to follow all instructions carefully and double-check your information before submitting.

Uploading documents on the CAO website

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.

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 the Central Applications Office, visit the official page

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