CAO Opens 2026 Late Applications Today!

The Central Applications Office (CAO) is still accepting late applications for the 2026 academic year on behalf of TVET colleges and affiliated universities. If you missed the initial application deadlines, you still have the opportunity to apply during the late application window for suitable programmes with available spaces.

Learn how to secure a place in a sought-after CAO programme at one of the partnering universities or TVET colleges. Continue reading to find out how late CAO applications can still help you study in 2026.

When CAO Will Close 2026 Late Applications

All CAO applications must be submitted online via the official CAO website (www.cao.ac.za) to any of the partnering universities or TVET colleges between now and 14 February 2026

Late Application Fees

If you are submitting your CAO application during the late application period, you are required to pay the following administrative late fee based on your citizenship:

South African citizens: R470
International applicants: R580

N.B.: Ensure that you use your correct CAO number when making the payment online.

Required Documents

When submitting a late application, ensure you have the following documents:

Certified copy of your ID or passport (and/or birth certificate)
Your most recent academic transcript (Grade 11 or 12)
Proof of residence or study permit (for international applicants)
Proof of payment for the application fee

List of CAO Courses with Available Spaces 2026

The following courses currently have available spaces for CAO 2026 late applications. Applicants may apply for up to three courses, depending on the requirements of the university they are applying to:

Accounting / Financial Management
Administration
Agriculture / Nature Conservation
Communication / Journalism
Construction / Surveying
Crime Prevention / Security
Education
Engineering
Food Service / Retail / Production Quality
Housing Development
Human Resources / Industrial Relations
Humanities
Information Technology (IT) / Computer Science
Logistics Management
Management and Planning
Manufacturing
Marketing / Communication
Medicine / Medical Technology
Paramedical Studies
Performing Arts
Public Relations / Marketing
Science and Mathematics
Community Services
Social Sciences / Legal Services
Technology / Processing
Tourism / Hospitality
Transport
Urban and Regional Planning and Development
Visual Arts / Design

CAO Late Application Steps

To apply for the CAO 2026 late applications, follow the steps below:

Visit the official CAO website: www.cao.ac.za.”
Select “Apply” to get started
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.
You can now pay the application fee online and upload your supporting documentation.
pay using EasyPay.

Contact Information:

For any questions or assistance, you can contact the CAO directly through the following:

Email: enquiries@cao.ac.za
Phone: 031 268 4444 | 0860 860 226
Physical Address: Gate 11, Mary Thiphe Street, Durban, 4014

Visit the CAO website for more information and to track the status of your application

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