Central Application Office (CAO) Online Application 2027-2028: How to Apply via CAO 2027

CAO Online Application 2027-2028

The Central Application Office (CAO) Online Application 2027-2028 Academic year is open from 1 March 2026 to 30 November 2026. Therefore, if you want to apply via CAO for the 2027 session, visit www.cao.ac.za online application form 2026 before the closing date or deadline.

Please, remember that many programmes have early closing dates to accommodate interviews and assessment tests. All Applications received after the closing dates are processed as ‘late’ and Late applications are dealt with differently at each institution.

The Central Applications Office (CAO) is a registered NON-PROFIT COMPANY or organization authorised to recruit and process applications for admissions to the Durban University of Technology (DUT), Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT), University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), University of Zululand (UNIZULU) and most private colleges in KwaZulu-Natal.

CAO Semester Application Dates 2027-2028

There are two main semester applications. They are namely;

1. First 1st semester application intake which starts between January and February 2026
2. Second 2nd semester application intake which starts between July and August 2026

Read this before you continue the online application….

If you have already submitted an application form, please do not submit a duplicate application via the Internet.
The CAO will only accept one application form from you for a specific entry year and term.
Have your school and tertiary study details handy before you start.

PREPARATION BEFORE YOU APPLY:-

If you are currently in Grade 12

• 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.

If you have already passed the Grade 12 Final Examinations:

• Your ID Number (Found on your ID Document and/or Birth Certificate).
• Your Final NSC results

CAO Admission Entry Requirements 2027-2028

Matric (Grade 12) achievement to qualify for:

Degree Study

• Must obtain at least 40% for Home Language
• Must obtain at least 50% for FOUR other subjects excluding Life Orientation
• Must obtain at least 30% for ONE other subject
• Must obtain at least 30% in Language of Learning and Teaching (LOLT) of the Higher Education Institution where you intend to study
• (5) Must pass at least 6 out of 7 subjects

For details of all minimum entry requirements, click HERE

How to Apply via CAO Online Application Form 2027-2028

1. Go to CAO website: www.cao.ac.za/apply-2027
2. Click on “Apply” at the top menu of the page
3. Read the information and click on “Continue with Application”
4. Please, enter your ID number and click on the “Submit” button
5. Then, scroll to the bottom of the page and click on “Continue with Application”
6. Enter ALL the necessary details requested.
7. Click on the “Next” button to proceed if you have entered all the required information
8. After that, you click on “Continue with Online Application”
9. A pop-up window will appear with your CAO number, password and EasyPay number
10. Kindly read the instruction carefully and click on “Continue with Online Application”
11. Follow the prompts and complete ALL the information as required and click “Next”
12. Enter the “Next of Kin” details in the blocks and click on the “Next” button
13. Type the school name and click on “Search”.
14. Enter the year you attended that school and the year you completed attending and click “Next”
15. Then, click on the “Process My Application” button to submit your application for review

The message you see on your screen will display that your submission has been successful.

If you want to apply as an international applicant, click HERE

CAO Administration Application Fee 2027-2028

All South African applicants must pay the CAO online administration application fee of R250 and R300 for international applicants. Please, note that any administration application fee paid is not refundable. The administration application fee must be paid before the closing date.

For more details, visit http://www.cao.ac.za/Apply.aspx?content=Apply

OTHER RELATED LINKS:

• UKZN online application 2025-2026