When Is CAO Application Portal Opening For 2028 Admission

The Central Applications Office (CAO) has released the application dates for the 2028 admission cycle for participating higher education institutions in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The CAO processes applications for selected universities, universities of technology, TVET colleges, and participating private higher education institutions.

Students planning to begin their studies in 2028 at participating institutions should take note of the application dates and submit their applications on time. Applicants who submit after the regular deadline may have to pay a higher application fee, so apply before the relevant closing date.

When you can apply

Generally, the Central Applications Office (CAO) will accept applications from 1 March to 31 October 2027 for the 2028 academic year. Applications may still be accepted from 1 November 2027, but late applicants will be required to pay an additional late application fee.

To avoid paying the higher late application fee, prospective students are encouraged to submit their applications within the regular application period and before the 31 October 2027 deadline.

Universities and Colleges That Accept CAO Applications

The Central Applications Office (CAO) processes applications for four major public higher-education institutions in KwaZulu-Natal, as well as participating private colleges.

The four main public institutions are:

Durban University of Technology (DUT)
Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT)
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
University of Zululand (UNIZULU)

The CAO also processes applications for selected programmes at participating private colleges in KwaZulu-Natal.

What You Need to Apply via CAO for 2028

You need to apply through the CAO application portal with the following documents

Required Documents:

Certified Copy of ID and Birth certificate
Final Grade 11 Report (Grade 12 applicants) OR Highest qualification achieved
Copy of study/residence permit (international applicants)
Proof of Payment of Application Fee
June Grade 12 Report (submit as soon as received)
September/Trials Grade 12 Report (submit as soon as received)
Additional documents requested by specific institutions (e.g., academic records)

CAO Application Fees:

South African Applicants:

On-time: R250
Late: R470

International Applicants:

On-time: R300
Late: R580

Payment Methods:

Online: Credit card payment during application on www.cao.ac.za.
EasyPay: Use your unique EasyPay number at participating outlets.

How to Apply through the CAO (Two Options):

Online Application:

Visit www.cao.ac.za and select “Apply.”
Follow the instructions and enter your information.
Pay the application fee and upload supporting documents.

Hard-copy Application:

Less efficient; takes longer to process.
Application Forms are available at schools, libraries, or CAO offices.
Submit the completed form with documents to CAO by mail, hand delivery, or email as shown here

- Email: formsreceivedcao@cao.ac.za
- Postal: Private Bag X06, Dalbridge, 4014
- Hand-deliver it to CAO, Gate 11, Mary Thiphe Street (previously Cato Manor Road), Durban

Remember:

Even for hard-copy applications, you must still complete the online process.
Upload supporting documents online after submitting your hard-copy form.

For more details:

Visit the CAO website: www.cao.ac.za
Contact the CAO Call Centre: 031 268 4444 or 086 086 0226
Email: formrequestcao@cao.ac.za

Related Posts