CAO Opens 2027 University Applications in March
CAO Opens 2027 University Applications in March
The Central Applications Office (CAO) has officially announced that applications for the 2027 academic year will open on 1 March 2026. Prospective students who wish to study in KwaZulu-Natal will be able to submit their applications online through the CAO portal once the application cycle begins.
The Central Applications Office is a non-governmental organization (NGO) in South Africa that manages the admissions process on behalf of its partner institutions. It receives and processes applications before forwarding them to the respective universities and colleges, which then make the final admission decisions.
In this article, we have listed several universities that will be accepting 2027 applications through the Central Applications Office starting from 1 March 2026.
Universities Under CAO for 2027
The following institutions will accept 2027 applications through CAO starting from March 2026:
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
UKZN is one of South Africa’s top research-led universities. It offers a wide range of programmes including:
- Health Sciences
- Engineering
- Law
- Humanities
- Management Studies
- Agriculture and Science
University of Zululand (UNIZULU)
UNIZULU provides career-focused qualifications in:
- Education
- Commerce
- Science and Agriculture
- Arts
- Law
Durban University of Technology (DUT)
DUT is a technology-driven institution offering industry-aligned programmes such as:
- Engineering and the Built Environment
- Applied Sciences
- Accounting and Informatics
- Health Sciences
- Arts and Design
Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT)
MUT offers diploma and degree programmes in:
- Engineering
- Management Sciences
- Natural Science
When Do 2027 Applications Open?
The Central Applications Office application portal for the 2027 academic year will be open from 1 March 2026 to 31 October 2026. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to submit their applications within this timeframe to avoid late penalties and limited programme availability.
Applications submitted after the closing date will incur an additional late application fee.
2027 Application Fee Requirements
Below is the breakdown of the Central Applications Office (CAO) early and late application fees for the 2027 application season.
Early (On-Time) Application Fees
These apply if your completed application and administration fee are received on or before the 31st October 2026:
- South African citizens: R250
- International applicants: R300
Late Application Fees
If your application and payment reach CAO from November 1st 2026
- South African citizens: R470
- International applicants: R580
Note: Payments must be made in South African Rands and are non-refundable:
How to Apply Through CAO
Follow these steps to complete your 2027 application:
- Visit www.cao.ac.za to get started
- Check the available courses and confirm that you meet all academic requirements.
- Click on the “Apply” button to begin your application.
- Choose your country from the list.
- Enter your ID number and click “Register” to complete your account setup.
- Create your profile by entering your surname and first name.
- Enter your email address and cellphone number.
- Provide your residential address.
- Enter the names, addresses, and contact details of your next of kin.
- Select the universities you want to apply to.
- Choose up to six different courses.
- Ensure you meet the academic requirements for each course.
- Scan and upload all required documents clearly and legibly.
- Upload certified copies of the required documents.
Required Documents
All prospective students (applicants) must have the following documents to be eligible for the Central Applications Office 2027 admission process:
- Certified copy of ID or passport
- Grade 11 final results
- Grade 12 June or September results (if available)
- Matric certificate (if completed)
- Proof of payment
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
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