CAO 2026 Application Window is Open – Apply Now

CAO 2026 Application Window is Open – Apply Now!

CAO 2026 Application Window is Open – Apply Now!

The Central Application Office (CAO) is now accepting applications for the 2026 academic year, starting March 1, 2025, on behalf of several reputable institutions that could be offering your dream diploma, higher certificate, and bachelor’s degree courses.

To ensure that you submit applications successfully and get accepted into the university and course of your choice, this article attempts to assist all prospective students applying through the Central Application Office.

What is the Central Application Office (CAO)?

The Central Application Office (CAO), a university application service, allows you to apply for undergraduate programs at UKZN, DUT, MUT, and UNIZULU via a single online application form. This portal will collect and process your applications before forwarding them to the relevant.

With CAO, you can apply to multiple universities and choose up to six different courses. The Central Application Office (CAO) offers you a wide range of options, ensuring you have plenty of choices for your academic future.

CAO Early and Late Application Dates for 2026

The CAO 2026 application window officially opened on March 1, 2025, and will remain open until October 31, 2025. Applications submitted on or before the deadline will incur the standard application fee. However, any applications submitted from November 1, 2025, will be considered late and will be subject to a late application fee penalty.

Important CAO 2026 Application Dates:

Opening Date: March 1, 2025
Application Deadline: October 31, 2025

If you intend to study competitive courses such as Medicine or Law, it is essential to apply early, as these programs often close by June 30 in most universities.

Late applications will be accepted starting November 1, 2025, but will incur a 100% increase in the administration fee. Why pay more when you can apply early, save money, and still secure your place at your dream university?

Why Should You Apply Through CAO?

Universities such as the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban University of Technology, University of Zululand, and Mangosuthu University of Technology have their applications processed through the CAO platform. Direct applications to these universities will not be accepted and will not be processed. To ensure your application is considered, you must apply through the Central Application Office (CAO)

How to Apply Through CAO

Follow the guidelines below to complete your CAO 2026 applications

Visit the Official CAO Website:

Go to cao.ac.za
Ensure your internet connection is strong
Use a compatible browser
Find out the available courses
Ensure you satisfy all the requirements

Create Your Account:

Click on the “Apply” button to begin your application.
Choose your country from the list.
Enter your ID number.
Click “Register” to complete your registration.

Create Your Profile:

Enter your Surnames and First name.
Enter your email address and cell phone number.
Input your residential address.
Enter the address, names, and contact details of your next-of-kin.

Select Your Courses and Institutions:

Select the universities you want to apply to
Select up to six different courses
Make sure you satisfy the academic requirements of the courses

Submit Your Documents:

Ensure all your documents are scanned clearly and are legible.
Upload certified copies of the following documents:
- Your ID number.
- Your Final Grade 11 Results.
- Your Grade 12 June and/or Trial Results.
- Your National Senior Certificate.

CAO Application Fee and Payment Method:

On-time Application Fees:

Domestic students: R250
International students: R300

Please be advised that applications received without proof of payment will be considered invalid. Ensure you complete the payment to avoid any delays in processing your application.

Online Payment: You can make the payment online using a VISA, debit, or credit card.
EasyPay outlet: Pay at any EasyPay outlet, including Pick n Pay, Shoprite, Checkers, Boxer Supermarkets, or Woolworths.
- Ensure you have your CAO number with you when making the payment.
- Retain the original receipt and upload a scanned copy of it as proof of payment.

Confirmation:

Check your email for a confirmation message regarding your application.
If you don’t see it in your inbox, be sure to check your Spam folder.
You can then track the progress of your application using your unique CAO identifier.

Contact Information for CAO

For any questions or concerns, you can contact CAO using the following:

Phone Number: +353-(0)91-509800
Address: Tower House, Eglinton Street, Galway, H91 X25V, Ireland
Website: www.cao.ac.za

Final Thoughts

Apply now for your future as the CAO 2026 application window is now officially open. In addition to saving money, submitting your application early will give you enough time to apply for support. Don’t pass up the chance to use a single application form to submit applications to several universities!

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