South Africa CAO 2026 Applications Now Open

South Africa CAO 2026 Applications Now Open/ South Africa University Admission Guide

The South Africa Central Application Office (CAO) has officially opened applications for the 2026 academic year as of March 1, 2025. Both local and international students now have the opportunity to apply to their preferred universities across South Africa. This is the ideal time for prospective students to begin their application process for undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and certificate programs, allowing them to apply to multiple institutions through a single platform

All new applications, change of mind requests, and required documents must be submitted online through the official CAO website at www.cao.ac.za. Follow the instructions provided in this article to complete and submit your application before the specified deadlines.

When to Apply at CAO for 2026 Entry

The Central Applications Office (CAO) is now open for 2026 academic intake applications on behalf of TVET colleges and universities, including both public and private institutions (Universities and Tvet Colleges). The CAO 2026 application period begins on March 1, 2025, and will remain open until midnight on October 31, 2025.!

To ensure your application is processed, submit all required documents, including proof of payment for the processing fee, to the CAO office before the deadline. Applications received after October 31, 2025, will be considered late and subject to a late fee.

What You’ll Need to Apply at CAO

It is advisable to prepare in advance when applying through the Central Applications Office (CAO) due to the highly competitive nature of admissions. To enhance your chances, gather the following essential documents before starting your application process.

Your ID Number (Found on your ID Document and/or Birth Certificate).
At least your Final Grade 11 Results.
Also, Your Grade 12 June and/or Trials (September results) if you already have it or as soon as you get it.
Your ID Number (Found on your ID Document and/or Birth Certificate).
Your Final NSC results.
Email address and a phone number

How to Apply at CAO

Follow the guidelines below to apply to CAO

Step 1: Go to www.cao.ac.za to complete the application form

Step 2: Upload all supporting documents

Follow the steps below to upload all the documents listed in this article

Select the document type you want to upload.
Enter any information requested.
Click on ‘Choose file’ and select the document that you saved.
Click on ‘Next’.
If you have uploaded an exam result you will be prompted to enter your results.
Once you have entered your results click on ‘Next’
You will be provided with an option to load any additional documents, select as required.
A summary of the information you have entered, and the document will be presented to you to check.
Click on ‘Submit my Documents’.
A message will be displayed on screen to inform you that your documents have been uploaded successfully.

Step 3: Pay the Administration Fee

To have your application processed and forwarded to your chosen TVET college or university by the Central Applications Office (CAO), you must pay the required administration fee based on your citizenship status. Applicants can make the payment online either during the application process or at any time after logging out by returning to the payment portal. The CAO application and handling fees for entry 2026 are:

South African applicants: R250
International applicants: R300

How to Pay the CAO Administrative fee

At the time of completing the application form, you can:

Select the ‘Make Payment’ option.
Follow the instructions onscreen to make payment.

After Completing CAO Applications

You can make your payment after completing your applications by following the steps below

Click on the ‘Check My Application’ icon on the Homepage.
Enter your CAO or ID number and click ‘Submit’.
Click on Make a payment to pay by credit card or Click ‘Here’ to pay by debit /credit card using the
Easypay website.
Follow the prompts on screen.

Alternative Payment method

You can pay at any EasyPay outlet, e.g. Shoprite, Checkers, Pick n Pay, Woolworths, etc. Use your unique EasyPay Number on your application as the reference when making payment

Step 4: Check Application Status

You can check the progress of your application by following the steps below

Click on the ‘Check My Application’ icon on the HOMEPAGE
Enter your CAO number or ID number/Passport Number and the status of your application will be displayed on the screen.