CAO Email Address for Proof of Payment (Official Guide)

CAO Email Address for Proof of Payment. If you have already paid your Central Applications Office (CAO) application fee but your payment is not showing, you may need to send your proof of payment to the CAO. Many South African students face this issue every year, especially during the busy university application season.

In this guide, you will learn the official CAO email address for proof of payment, when you should send your payment receipt, what information to include, and how to solve common payment problems quickly.

What Is the CAO?

The Central Applications Office (CAO) is an organization in South Africa that manages applications for several universities and higher education institutions, mainly in KwaZulu Natal.

Instead of applying separately to every university, students can submit one application through the CAO system. This makes the application process easier and faster.

However, your application will only be processed after the required administration fee has been paid.

Official CAO Email Address for Proof of Payment

If your payment has not been processed or you need help with a payment related issue, send your proof of payment to the official CAO payments email:

Payments Email: [email protected]

This is the official email address used by the CAO Payments Department for payment verification and payment related enquiries.

When Should You Send Proof of Payment?

There are several situations where you should email your proof of payment to the CAO.

1. Your Payment Is Not Reflecting

Payments normally take up to 3 business days to appear on your CAO application.

If your payment still has not reflected after this time:

• Email your proof of payment.
• Include your CAO number.
• Explain that your payment has not yet appeared.

2. You Paid the Wrong Account

Some students accidentally pay a university instead of paying the CAO directly.

If this happens:

• Email your proof of payment.
• Include your CAO reference number.
• Explain where the payment was made.

The CAO team will advise you on the next steps.

3. You Want to Transfer an Old Payment

If you previously submitted a CAO application and already paid the administration fee, you may be able to transfer that payment to your new application.

Email the Payments Department with:

• Your old CAO number
• Your new CAO number
• Your proof of payment

4. You Paid Too Much

If you accidentally paid more than the required amount, you can request a refund.

Include:

• Your banking details
• Proof of payment
• CAO number

Please note that the CAO may deduct a handling fee from the refund amount.

How to Email Your Proof of Payment

Sending your payment receipt is simple.

Step 1

Open your email application. You can use:

• Gmail
• Outlook
• Yahoo Mail
• Any other email service

Step 2

Enter the official email address:

[email protected]

Step 3

Write a clear subject line.

Example:

Proof of Payment, CAO Number 123456789

Step 4

Write your email. Include:

• Full name
• CAO number
• South African ID number or passport number
• Date of payment
• Amount paid
• Short explanation of your request

Step 5

Attach your proof of payment. You can attach:

• EFT receipt
• Bank confirmation
• EasyPay receipt
• Payment confirmation screenshot

Step 6

Send the email. Keep a copy of the email until your payment has been confirmed.

Sample Email for Proof of Payment

You can use this simple email template.

Subject: Proof of Payment, CAO Number 123456789

Dear CAO Payments Team,

I recently paid my CAO administration fee, but the payment has not yet reflected on my application.

Please find my proof of payment attached.

My details are:

• Full Name:
• CAO Number:
• ID Number:
• Date of Payment:
• Amount Paid:

Kindly confirm once the payment has been received.

Thank you.

Kind regards,

Your Name

How to Pay the CAO Administration Fee

The CAO offers different payment methods.

Pay Online

You can pay online by:

1. Visiting the official CAO website.
2. Opening the Payments section.
3. Entering your CAO number.
4. Following the payment instructions.
5. Completing payment with your bank card.

Pay at EasyPay Outlets

You can also pay at participating EasyPay stores, including:

• Shoprite
• Checkers
• Pick n Pay
• Boxer
• Woolworths

Always use your personal EasyPay number as the payment reference.

Important Note

The CAO does not accept payments at its offices. Payments must be completed online or through approved EasyPay outlets.

CAO Administration Fees

The administration fee depends on your application type.

Late application fees usually apply from 1 November each year. Always check the latest fee schedule on the official CAO website because fees may change.

Where Can You Find Your EasyPay Number?

Your EasyPay number can be found in several places. These include:

• Your CAO registration email
• Payment Outstanding letter
• Application Summary letter
• Acknowledgement letter

If you cannot find it, contact the CAO Call Centre.

What Information Should You Include in Your Email?

To avoid delays, always include:

• Full name
• CAO number
• ID or passport number
• Transaction reference number
• Payment date
• Amount paid
• Proof of payment attachment
• Short explanation of your request

Providing complete information helps the CAO process your enquiry more quickly.

What If Your Payment Still Does Not Reflect?

If more than three business days have passed and your payment is still missing:

• Check that you used the correct CAO reference number.
• Confirm that the payment was successful with your bank.
• Make sure the proof of payment is clear and readable.
• Email the official CAO Payments Department.
• Contact the CAO Call Centre if you need additional assistance.

Do not make another payment unless the CAO specifically tells you to do so.

Official CAO Contact Details

FAQs

What is the official CAO email address for proof of payment?

The official email address is [email protected].

How long does it take for a CAO payment to reflect?

Most payments appear within three business days.

Can I send a screenshot as proof of payment?

Yes. You can send a bank receipt, EFT confirmation, EasyPay receipt, or payment confirmation screenshot, provided it clearly shows the payment details.

Can I get a refund if I overpay?

Yes. You can email the CAO Payments Department and request a refund. A handling fee may apply.

Conclusion

If your CAO payment is delayed, has not reflected, or you have another payment related issue, the first step is to contact the official CAO Payments Department by emailing [email protected]. Make sure you include your CAO number, payment details, and a clear copy of your proof of payment. This helps the CAO verify your payment and resolve your enquiry as quickly as possible.