CAO Application Guide for the 2028 Academic Year
The Central Applications Office (CAO) provides a convenient way for students to apply to multiple higher education institutions in KwaZulu-Natal through a single application. Instead of submitting separate applications to participating institutions, applicants can use the CAO application system to apply for several programmes using one application.
If you are planning to study in South Africa in 2028, this CAO application guide for the 2028 academic year explains the expected application dates, fees, eligibility requirements, application methods, supporting documents and requirements for international applicants.
CAO Application Dates for 2028
Based on the previous application cycle, the CAO application system for the 2028 academic year is expected to open on 1 March 2027 at 10:00 AM.
Applications are expected to remain open until approximately 31 October 2027 for the January 2028 intake.
| CAO 2028 Application Information | Expected Details |
| Applications open | 1 March 2027 at 10:00 AM |
| Applications close | 31 October 2027 |
| Intake | January 2028 |
| South African applicants | Eligible |
| International applicants | Eligible |
| Late applications | Expected to be accepted at a higher fee |
Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Applying before the closing date can help you avoid the higher late application fee and reduce the risk of your preferred programme reaching its available capacity.
Who Can Apply Through CAO?
Both South African and international students can apply through the CAO system for programmes offered by participating institutions.
International applicants may include students from outside South Africa as well as qualifying refugees and asylum seekers who meet the relevant immigration and admission requirements.
However, admission requirements can differ between institutions and programmes. Meeting the minimum requirements does not necessarily guarantee admission.
CAO Application Fees for the 2028 Intake
The CAO fees for the January 2028 intake have not yet been announced.
For reference, the figures below are based on the January 2027 rates and are provided only to give prospective applicants an indication of the previous fee structure.
| Application submitted | South African applicants | International applicants |
| By the end of October | R250 | R300 |
| After October | R470 | R580 |
The 2028 CAO application fees may be higher than these amounts. Applicants should confirm the current fees on the official CAO website when the 2028 application cycle opens.
One of the advantages of applying through CAO is that one application fee can cover applications to several participating institutions, subject to CAO’s rules and the applicant’s selected choices.
How to Apply Online Through CAO
Students can complete their CAO application online using the CAO website.
Follow these steps:
Step 1: Visit the CAO website
Go to cao.ac.za and select “Apply.”
Step 2: Read the application information
Read the information provided on the application page and select “Continue with Application.”
Step 3: Enter your ID number
Enter your South African ID number when requested and submit the information.
If you are an international applicant, follow the instructions provided for your particular applicant category.
Step 4: Continue with your application
Scroll to the bottom of the page and select “Continue with Application.”
Step 5: Complete your personal information
Fill in all the required fields accurately and select “Next” to continue.
Step 6: Record your CAO details
A pop-up will display your:
- CAO number
- Password
- EasyPay number
Keep these details safe because you will need them when checking your application and making payments.
Read the guidelines and select “Continue with Online Application.”
Step 7: Complete the remaining sections
Continue completing each section of the application. Select “Next” after completing each section.
You will also be required to provide information about your next of kin.
Step 8: Enter your school information
When completing the school section, provide:
- The name of your school
- The year you started at the school
- The year you completed or expect to complete your studies
Select “Search” and then click “Next.”
Step 9: Process your application
Once you have completed the required sections, the “Process My Application” option will appear.
Select it to submit your application.
Step 10: Confirm your application
A confirmation message should appear when your application has been successfully submitted.
Step 11: Pay and upload documents
After submitting your application, you can make your payment online using EasyPay and upload the required supporting documents.
Applicants should carefully check that their documents are clear, valid and in the required format.
How to Apply Through the CAO Mobile App
Applicants can also use the CAO mobile application on Android and Apple devices.
To access the app, you can either visit the CAO website from your mobile phone and select the appropriate device icon, which will direct you to the relevant app store, or search for the CAO application directly in your device’s app store.
The mobile option can be useful for students who do not have regular access to a computer.
How to Apply Using a CAO Paper Form
Students who prefer to apply using a paper application form can also use this option.
Where can you get a CAO application form?
CAO handbooks and application forms are normally distributed to schools by the end of April.
If you are a Grade 12 learner, you can ask your:
- School principal
- Life Orientation teacher
Application forms may also be available from the four KwaZulu-Natal universities, Department of Basic Education district offices and selected libraries.
Where do you submit a completed CAO form?
A completed form can be submitted through the following methods:
Email: formsreceivedcao@cao.ac.za
Post:
Private Bag X06
Dalbridge
4014
In person:
CAO
Gate 11, Mary Thiphe Street
(formerly Cato Manor Road)
Durban
The CAO office is open Monday to Friday, 08:00–16:30.
CAO Applications for International Students
International students can apply through CAO for eligible programmes at participating institutions.
This also applies to qualifying refugees and asylum seekers who hold a valid study permit.
International applicants may apply for degree, diploma and certificate programmes at many universities and colleges in KwaZulu-Natal. However, programme-specific and institutional restrictions may apply.
Important requirements for international applicants
International applicants should take note of the following:
- A valid study permit is generally required.
- Distance-learning students studying from their home country are an exception to the study-permit requirement.
- International students, including refugees and asylum seekers, may not be eligible for every programme.
- Some institutions have additional admission requirements for international applicants.
International applicants and access programmes
The access programmes at DUT and UKZN are closed to international applicants, including refugees and asylum seekers.
Medicine at UKZN is also restricted to citizens of Lesotho or Mauritius, who are required to apply through their respective governments.
Where Should International Students Apply?
The application method depends on the type of study and institution.
For short-term study, applicants should apply directly to the institution.
For UKZN, applicants should apply directly to UKZN.
For applications to another institution, or applications involving more than one institution, applicants should apply through CAO by emailing:
Alternatively, the information provided by CAO indicates that applications can be faxed to:
+27 31 268 4422
CAO Supporting Documents
Applicants should prepare their supporting documents before submitting their application.
Depending on your circumstances, you may need to provide:
- Certified copy of your South African ID and birth certificate
- Final Grade 11 report if you are currently in Grade 12
- Your highest completed qualification if you have already finished school
- Copy of your valid study or residence permit if you are not a South African citizen
- June Grade 12 report once it becomes available
- September or trial Grade 12 report once it becomes available
- Academic records where required
- Any additional documents requested by the institution or programme
Grade 12 applicants
If you are currently in Grade 12 when applying, you should not wait until the end of the year to update your academic information.
Your June Grade 12 report should be submitted once available, followed by your September/trial examination report when it becomes available.
This allows institutions to receive your latest academic results during the application process.
Foreign Qualifications Accepted for CAO Degree Entry
International applicants who completed secondary education outside South Africa may need to meet specific qualification requirements for admission.
Some of the qualification pathways include GCE, SADC qualifications and HIGCSE/IGCSE.
GCE requirements
For degree entry, applicants may qualify through one of the following routes:
Option 1:
Five passes, including two A-level passes.
A-level grades should be A–E, while O-level grades should be A–C.
Option 2:
Five passes together with four AS-level passes.
For this route:
- A-level grades should be A–E
- O-level grades should be A–C
- AS-level grades should be A–D
SADC applicants
Applicants from SADC countries may qualify for diploma-level study with five O-level passes, including English, subject to the applicable institutional requirements.
HIGCSE and IGCSE
Applicants with HIGCSE/IGCSE qualifications generally require:
- Five subjects
- Four subjects at HIGCSE level
- HIGCSE grades of 1–3
- IGCSE grades of A–C
Degree applicants generally need passes in English and another language, and Mathematics is also usually required, depending on the programme.
Applicants should always check the specific admission requirements for the qualification and programme they intend to study.
Tips for a Successful CAO Application
Applying through CAO is relatively straightforward, but applicants should avoid common mistakes that can delay their application.
1. Apply early
Do not wait until the final day to submit your application. Applying early gives you more time to correct mistakes, submit documents and make your payment.
2. Keep your CAO number safe
Your CAO number and password are important for accessing and managing your application.
Save them somewhere secure immediately after receiving them.
3. Check your programme choices carefully
Before processing your application, make sure you have selected the correct institution, programme and study option.
4. Submit supporting documents
An application is not necessarily complete simply because the online form has been submitted. Check whether CAO or your chosen institution requires additional documents.
5. Keep your academic results updated
Grade 12 applicants should submit their June and September/trial results when they become available.
6. Avoid the late application fee
Applying after the normal closing date can result in a substantially higher application fee.
For the previous cycle, the fee increased from R250 to R470 for South African applicants and from R300 to R580 for international applicants.
The 2028 amounts may change.
CAO 2028 Application: Frequently Asked Questions
When will CAO applications for 2028 open?
The CAO 2028 application cycle is expected to open on 1 March 2027 at 10:00 AM, based on the previous application cycle. The official date should be confirmed by CAO.
When will CAO applications for 2028 close?
The application deadline is expected to be 31 October 2027. Applicants should confirm the official deadline when the 2028 application cycle is announced.
Can international students apply through CAO?
Yes. International students can apply for eligible programmes through CAO, although additional requirements such as a valid study permit may apply.
How much is the CAO application fee for 2028?
The 2028 fee has not yet been announced. The previous January intake rates were R250 for South African applicants and R300 for international applicants when submitted by the end of October. Late applications were R470 and R580 respectively.
Can I apply after the CAO closing date?
CAO has previously accepted late applications at a higher fee. However, late applications may be affected by programme availability, so applicants should apply before the normal closing date whenever possible.
Can I apply using my phone?
Yes. CAO provides a mobile application for Android and Apple devices, and applicants can also access the CAO website through a mobile browser.
CAO Contact Details
If you need clarification about your application, you can contact the Central Applications Office directly.
Physical address:
Gate 11, Mary Thiphe Street
(formerly Cato Manor Road)
Durban
Postal address:
Private Bag X06
Dalbridge
4014
Email: enquiries@cao.ac.za
Telephone: 031 268 4444 / 0860 860 226
For more information about Central Applications Office, visit the official page
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