South Africa CAO 2028 Applications: Dates, Fees and How to Apply
The Central Applications Office (CAO) is expected to open applications for the 2028 academic year on 1 March 2027. Through the CAO system, prospective students can apply to participating higher education institutions in KwaZulu-Natal using a single application.
The CAO application process is available to South African and international applicants who meet the requirements for their chosen programmes. Applicants can select multiple programme choices on one application, making the CAO an important route for students planning to study at participating institutions.
If you are preparing to apply for the 2028 academic year, it is important to understand when applications are expected to open, what documents you need, how much the administration fee may cost and how to submit your application correctly.
When Will CAO 2028 Applications Open?
CAO 2028 applications are expected to open on 1 March 2027 for programmes leading to the January 2028 intake.
The CAO normally opens applications on 1 March for the following year’s January intake. Based on this established schedule, prospective 2028 students should prepare to apply from March 2027.
Applicants should not wait until the closing date before submitting their applications. Individual programmes may have different closing dates, and some qualifications do not accept late applications.
When Should You Apply for CAO 2028?
Applicants are expected to have an opportunity to submit their applications during the main application period in 2027.
For the 2027 entry cycle, the standard administration fee applied until 31 October 2026, after which a higher late fee applied. The CAO’s 2027 handbook shows the same general pattern of 31 October for January entry and a late fee from 1 November.
For 2028 entry, applicants should wait for the official CAO 2028 fee structure before relying on a specific fee or deadline.
The safest approach is to apply early, submit your supporting documents and make the required payment before the relevant programme closing date.
What You Need Before Applying Through CAO
Preparing your information and documents before starting the application can make the process easier.
If you are currently in Grade 12, you should have:
- Your South African ID number or birth certificate details.
- Your final Grade 11 results.
- Your Grade 12 June results, if available.
- Your Grade 12 trial or September results, if available.
- A working email address.
- A valid telephone number.
Applicants who have already completed Grade 12 should also have their final NSC results available.
The CAO’s current application system specifically asks current Grade 12 learners for their ID number, final Grade 11 results and available Grade 12 results. Applicants who have already completed Grade 12 should provide their final NSC results.
How to Apply Through CAO for 2028
The CAO application can be completed online.
Step 1: Visit the CAO Website
Go to the official CAO website and select the option to apply.
Step 2: Complete the Application Form
Enter your personal details, contact information and academic information carefully.
Make sure your name, surname and identification details correspond with your official academic records.
Step 3: Choose Your Programmes
Select the programmes and institutions you would like to be considered for.
The CAO allows applicants to apply for a combination of up to six programmes at its member and partner institutions in KwaZulu-Natal.
Before making your selections, check the admission requirements and closing date for each programme.
Step 4: Upload Your Documents
Upload the supporting documents required for your application.
Documents should be clear and legible. The CAO does not accept supporting documents by email or as hard copies; they must be uploaded through the online system.
Step 5: Pay the Administration Fee
Your application must include the required CAO administration fee before it can be processed and made available to the institutions.
The fee varies depending on whether you are a South African or international applicant and whether you apply before or after the relevant fee deadline.
The official 2027 CAO fee structure listed R250 for South African applicants and R300 for international applicants as the on-time administration fee. Late fees were R470 and R580 respectively.
The 2028 fees should be confirmed from the official CAO fee structure once it is published.
How to Pay the CAO Administration Fee
Applicants can pay their administration fee through the payment options provided by CAO.
The CAO allows applicants to make payment online, including through its online payment facilities. Payment can also be made through participating EasyPay outlets where available.
Make sure you use your correct CAO number or EasyPay reference when making payment.
Your application will only become valid once the completed application and required administration fee have been received by CAO.
How to Check Your CAO Application Status
After submitting your application, you can monitor its progress online.
To check your application:
- Visit the CAO website.
- Select Check My Application.
- Enter your CAO number, South African ID number or passport number.
- Submit the information.
- Review the status displayed on your application.
The CAO currently provides these three options for checking an application: CAO number, ID number or passport number.
Can You Apply After the CAO Closing Date?
A late application may still be possible for some programmes, but this depends on the institution and qualification.
CAO explains that individual programmes have their own closing dates. Applications received after a programme’s closing date may receive a late application status and may only be considered after applications submitted on time have been considered.
However, some programmes clearly state that no late applications will be accepted. These applications will not be considered after the published closing date.
For this reason, applicants should not assume that every programme will remain open after its deadline.
About CAO 2028 Applications
Before submitting your application, make sure you:
- Check the admission requirements for every programme you select.
- Confirm the closing date for each programme.
- Upload all required supporting documents.
- Make the correct administration fee payment.
- Keep your CAO number safe.
- Check your application status regularly.
- Apply early rather than waiting for the deadline.
CAO Contact Details
Applicants who need assistance can contact the Central Applications Office through its official contact channels.
Telephone: 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
Recommended Posts