South Africa CAO 2027 Applications Now Open
South Africa CAO 2027 Applications Now Open/ South Africa University Admission Guide
The South African Central Applications Office (CAO) is now accepting applications for the 2027 academic year from Sunday, 1 March 2026, on behalf of its partner universities and TVET colleges. Both local and international students are invited to apply to their preferred institutions across South Africa.
This is the ideal time to apply for undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and certificate programmes, as applicants may submit applications to multiple institutions in order to increase their chances of admission.
All prospective first-time applicants are encouraged to apply through the Central Applications Office, as most participating institutions do not accept direct applications. If you are unsure about the application process, take time to carefully read this article to prepare yourself before completing your application form and to avoid common mistakes.
When to Apply
The Central Applications Office (CAO) is now open for 2027 academic intake applications on behalf of TVET colleges and universities, including both public and private institutions.
The best time to apply through the CAO is between 1 March and 31 October 2026, as applicants will pay the standard application fee during this period. Applications submitted after this deadline will attract a higher late application fee.
Prospective applicants are therefore encouraged to apply as early as possible to avoid additional costs associated with late applications.
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 2027 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.
Contact the CAO
- Call Centre: 031 268 4444 or 086 086 0226
- Email: formrequestcao@cao.ac.za
Go to the Central Application Office official website for more details: www.cao.ac.za
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