Which Colleges & Universities Use CAO for Applications? Complete South Africa Guide
Which Colleges & Universities Use CAO for Applications? If you are planning to study in South Africa, you may have heard about the Central Applications Office (CAO). Many students ask, “Which colleges and universities use CAO for applications?” Knowing the answer can save you time and help you apply correctly.
The Central Applications Office (CAO) allows students to apply to several participating institutions through one application. Instead of completing separate applications for every participating institution, you can submit one CAO application and choose multiple study options.
In this guide, you will learn what CAO is, which universities and colleges use CAO, how it works, and whether you should apply through CAO or directly to a university.
What Is CAO?
The Central Applications Office (CAO) is a centralized application service for higher education institutions in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa. It helps students apply to participating universities and colleges using a single application.
Instead of visiting different websites and filling out separate forms for each institution, you can complete one CAO application and select several courses or institutions at the same time.
CAO also allows applicants to:
- Submit one application for multiple institutions
- Track their application status online
- Update certain application details
- Receive admission offers from participating institutions
This system makes the application process easier and more organized for many students.
Which Universities Use CAO for Applications?
Several public universities in South Africa accept applications through the Central Applications Office. Here are the universities that currently use CAO:
| University | Uses CAO |
|---|---|
| Durban University of Technology (DUT) | Yes |
| Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) | Yes |
| University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) | Yes |
| University of Zululand (UNIZULU) | Yes |
These universities allow students to apply for many undergraduate programmes through the CAO platform.
Which Colleges Use CAO?
Many private colleges and higher education institutions also accept applications through CAO. These include:
- AAA School of Advertising
- Berea College of Technology
- Berea Technical College
- STADIO
- CTU Training Solutions
- Central Technical College
- ICESA Education
- iStudent Academy
- PAX College
- Regent Business School
- Richfield Graduate Institute of Technology
- Varsity College Business School
- MANCOSA
- Management and Leadership Academy
- Eduvos
Since institutions can update their admission process from time to time, it is always a good idea to confirm the latest application method before applying.
Universities and Colleges That Commonly Use CAO
Here is a quick overview.
| Institution | Institution Type | Application Method |
| Durban University of Technology | Public University | CAO |
| Mangosuthu University of Technology | Public University | CAO |
| University of KwaZulu-Natal | Public University | CAO |
| University of Zululand | Public University | CAO |
| MANCOSA | Private Institution | CAO |
| Eduvos | Private Institution | CAO |
| Regent Business School | Private Institution | CAO |
| STADIO | Private Institution | CAO |
| Richfield Graduate Institute of Technology | Private Institution | CAO |
Can You Apply to Multiple Universities with One CAO Application?
Yes. One of the biggest benefits of CAO is that you can apply to multiple participating institutions using a single application.
When completing your application, you can select several study programmes in the order of your preference. This increases your chances of receiving an admission offer if your first choice is not available. For example, a student can choose:
- First Choice: University of KwaZulu-Natal
- Second Choice: Durban University of Technology
- Third Choice: Mangosuthu University of Technology
The institutions will consider your application based on their admission requirements and available spaces.
Should You Apply Through CAO or Directly?
Not every university in South Africa uses CAO. Many universities have their own online application portals where students must submit applications directly.
Generally:
Use CAO if you are applying to participating institutions such as:
- UKZN
- DUT
- MUT
- UNIZULU
- MANCOSA
- Eduvos
- Regent Business School and other participating colleges
Apply directly if the university does not participate in CAO.
Always check the admission instructions for your chosen institution before submitting your application.
Benefits of Applying Through CAO
Many students prefer CAO because it offers several advantages.
One Application
You only complete one application instead of filling out multiple forms.
Save Time
Applying through one system is much faster than visiting different university websites.
Multiple Study Choices
You can list several courses and institutions in one application.
Easy Application Tracking
You can log in to your CAO account and check your application status online.
Simple Process
CAO provides one organized system that helps students manage their applications more easily.
How to Apply Through CAO
Applying through CAO is straightforward.
Step 1: Visit the CAO Website
Go to the official Central Applications Office website.
Step 2: Create Your Application
Enter your personal details and educational information.
Step 3: Choose Your Institutions
Select the universities or colleges where you want to study.
Step 4: Select Your Programmes
Choose the courses you want to apply for and arrange them according to your preference.
Step 5: Upload Required Documents
Depending on your application, you may need documents such as:
- South African ID or Passport
- Grade 11 or Grade 12 results
- Proof of payment (if applicable)
- Other supporting documents requested by the institution
Step 6: Submit Your Application
Review all your information carefully before submitting.
Step 7: Check Your CAO Application Status
After submitting your application, you can log in anytime to monitor your application progress.
Who Should Use CAO?
CAO is suitable for:
- Grade 12 learners
- Students applying for undergraduate programmes
- Students applying to participating universities
- Students applying to participating private colleges
- Applicants who want to apply to multiple institutions at once
Important Things to Remember
Before submitting your application, keep these points in mind.
- Apply before the application closing date.
- Make sure your documents are complete.
- Double check your contact information.
- Arrange your course choices carefully.
- Check your application status regularly for updates.
FAQs
Which universities use CAO in South Africa?
The main public universities using CAO include Durban University of Technology (DUT), Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT), the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), and the University of Zululand (UNIZULU).
Which private colleges use CAO?
Several private institutions participate in CAO, including MANCOSA, Eduvos, Regent Business School, STADIO, Richfield Graduate Institute of Technology, CTU Training Solutions, ICESA Education, and several others.
Can I apply to more than one university using CAO?
Yes. One CAO application allows you to apply to multiple participating universities and colleges by listing different study choices.
Do all South African universities use CAO?
No. Many universities have their own application systems and require students to apply directly through their official websites.
Can I check my CAO application status online?
Yes. After submitting your application, you can log in to your CAO account to check your application status and view updates.
Conclusion
The Central Applications Office (CAO) makes the university application process much easier for students applying to participating institutions in South Africa. Instead of submitting separate applications to each institution, you can complete one application and apply to several universities and colleges at the same time.
