www.cao.ac.za Online Application 2028 Handbook: Your Complete Guide
If you plan to start university or college in 2028, the Central Applications Office (CAO) website at www.cao.ac.za is where your application journey is likely to begin. This guide explains what the CAO is, what the 2028 handbook is for, and how to prepare so you can apply early and without stress.
What Is the CAO?
The Central Applications Office (CAO) is a registered non-profit that processes applications for admission to participating institutions. Instead of filling in a separate application for every institution, you apply once through the CAO. It is mainly used in KwaZulu-Natal. One application can cover several institutions and programmes, and you deal with a single office if you need to change anything.
What Is the CAO Handbook?
The CAO Handbook is the official guide for students applying through the Central Applications Office (CAO). A new edition is generally released each year ahead of the opening of the application period. The 2028 edition is available online for prospective applicants who need information about the application process.
The handbook typically includes:
- Information about the CAO and its contact details
- Participating universities, colleges, and other institutions
- Available programmes and admission requirements
- Application fees and payment methods
- Application deadlines and information about late applications
- Instructions for updating personal details online
- Explanations of application status terms
- Terms and conditions for applicants
Click here to download or view the 2028 CAO Prospectus
CAO 2028 Application Dates:
The Central Applications Office generally opens its application period in March of the year before the academic year of study. Based on this schedule, applications for the 2028 academic year are expected to open on 1 March 2027 and close on 31 October 2027 for applicants submitting their applications within the regular period.
Prospective students are encouraged to apply early and keep track of the official CAO deadlines to avoid missing the application window or incurring additional late application fees.
How to Apply Online at www.cao.ac.za
Applying online is the quickest route. The steps below follow the process described for recent years, and the 2028 process may differ slightly:
- Go to www.cao.ac.za.
- Click the Apply button.
- Choose Continue with Online Application.
- Complete your personal details, school results, and programme choices.
- Upload your supporting documents.
- Pay the administration fee.
- Submit, and keep your reference details safe.
Tip: Use a personal email address and phone number that you check regularly. This is how the CAO and institutions will reach you.
Documents to Have Ready
Gather these before you start so you can finish in one sitting:
- Certified copy of your ID (or passport for foreign applicants)
- Your latest school results (Grade 11 final results, or Grade 12 results if available)
- Proof of payment of the administration fee
- Any extra documents required for your chosen programme (the handbook lists these)
Paying the Application Fee
The CAO charges an administration fee for processing your application. Fees change each year, so check the 2028 handbook for the exact amount. You can pay online through the Payments option at the top of the CAO landing page, and payment queries go to paymentscao@cao.ac.za or 031 268 4444. Your application is only processed once the full fee has been received.
How to Check Your Application Status
After you apply, you can follow your progress online. Use the “Check My Application” icon on the CAO website. The handbook explains each status, such as late application or applications closed, so read that section if you are unsure what your status means. Check regularly, and respond quickly if you are asked for more documents.
Which Institutions Use the CAO?
The list of participating institutions can change each year, which is why the handbook matters. Recent handbooks have included a group of private colleges and institutions, for example AAA School of Advertising, Berea College of Technology, Berea Technical College, Central Technical College, STADIO and iStudent, alongside the public universities that use the CAO. Before applying, confirm in the 2028 handbook that your chosen institution and programme are included. If an institution is not on the list, apply to it directly.
Contacting the CAO
- Website: www.cao.ac.za
- Address: Private Bag X06, Dalbridge, 4014, South Africa
- Payments: paymentscao@cao.ac.za, 031 268 4444
- Office hours: Office hours have changed between handbooks. The 2026 handbook lists Monday to Friday, 08h00 to 16h30, while the 2027 handbook lists Monday to Thursday. Confirm the current hours before visiting or phoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do CAO 2028 applications open?
The CAO had not announced dates when this was written. Previous years opened on 1 March, so expect something similar, and confirm on www.cao.ac.za.
Is the CAO 2028 handbook available?
Yes, the 2028 CAO handbook/brochure/prospectus has been released online.
Can I apply to more than one institution through the CAO?
Yes. One of the main benefits of the CAO is that a single application can cover multiple participating institutions, as described in the handbook.
How do I update my personal details?
The handbook includes a section on updating your details online. Follow it rather than submitting a new application.
Does applying through the CAO guarantee admission?
No. The CAO processes your application, but each institution makes its own admission decisions based on its requirements.
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