CAO Closing Date 2027: Application Deadlines, Fees and Important Dates
CAO Closing Date 2027. The CAO closing date for the 2027 academic year is one of the most important things students need to know before applying to universities in South Africa. The Central Applications Office (CAO) helps students apply for different courses at participating higher education institutions, mainly in KwaZulu-Natal.
For the 2027 academic year, the general closing date for many CAO programmes was 30 September 2026. However, this date does not apply to every course. Some programmes, especially medicine and certain health science courses, have earlier closing dates. Students must check the closing date for their chosen course before submitting an application.
This guide explains the CAO closing date for 2027, important university deadlines, application fees, late applications, status checks, and the steps students can follow to avoid common mistakes.
What Is the CAO Closing Date for 2027?
The general CAO closing date for most standard undergraduate programmes for the 2027 academic year was 30 September 2026. The Central Applications Office allows students to apply for courses at participating institutions through its application system. Instead of completing a separate application for every participating institution, students can use the CAO process to list their preferred programmes.
However, every course may have its own closing date. A programme with a competitive selection process may close before the general deadline. Here are the main dates to remember:
- 1 March 2026: CAO applications opened for the 2027 academic year.
- 31 May 2026: Advertised bursary draw cut-off date, where applicable.
- 30 June 2026: Closing date for UKZN Medicine (MBChB).
- 31 August 2026: Closing date for DUT Diagnostic Radiography.
- 30 September 2026: General closing date for many CAO programmes.
- 31 October 2026: Advertised deadline for on-time application fee payments.
- 1 November 2026: Late application fee period begins, subject to the applicable rules.
Important: These dates relate to the 2027 application cycle. Always confirm the closing date and current application status of your selected programme through the official CAO website at https://www.cao.ac.za/.
Why Is the CAO Closing Date Important?
Meeting the CAO closing date helps students submit their applications within the advertised period. It also gives institutions time to review applications, check qualifications, and make admission decisions.
Missing a deadline can create problems, especially when a course has limited places or does not accept late applications. There are several reasons why students should apply early:
- Better preparation: You have enough time to check entry requirements and collect documents.
- Fewer application problems: You can correct errors before the closing date.
- Avoid late fees: Applying and paying on time can help you avoid additional charges.
- Course availability: You can submit your choices before the application period closes.
- Less stress: You do not have to rush through the online application process.
Students should not assume that all CAO courses remain open until 30 September. Always check the deadline for each programme on your application list.
CAO Application Closing Dates for 2027 by University
Different universities and programmes may have different closing dates. The following information summarises the deadlines supplied for the 2027 application cycle.
1. University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) offers a wide range of undergraduate programmes. Students applying through CAO should check the requirements and closing dates for their selected college or programme.
| Programme or College | Advertised closing date |
|---|---|
| Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine (MBChB) | 30 June 2026 |
| College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science | 30 September 2026 |
| Health Sciences, including Nursing | 30 September 2026 |
| College of Humanities | 30 September 2026 |
| College of Law and Management Studies | 30 September 2026 |
| Residence applications | 30 September 2026 |
Important: The advertised deadline for UKZN Medicine was 30 June 2026. Students who missed this deadline should not assume that a late application will be accepted. Check directly with UKZN or CAO for the current position.
2. Durban University of Technology (DUT)
Durban University of Technology offers programmes in health sciences, engineering, management, and other study areas.
| Programme | Advertised closing date |
|---|---|
| B Health Science: Diagnostic Radiography | 31 August 2026 |
| B Health Sciences in Medical Laboratory Science | 30 September 2026 |
| Other listed programmes | 30 September 2026 |
Students applying for Diagnostic Radiography should pay particular attention to the earlier deadline. Other programmes may also have special requirements, so confirm the exact course details before applying.
3. Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT)
The general closing date supplied for MUT programmes was 30 September 2026. Students interested in MUT should review the admission requirements, minimum subject marks, and any programme-specific conditions. Meeting the closing date does not automatically mean that a student will receive an offer.
4. University of Zululand (UNIZULU)
The general closing date supplied for University of Zululand programmes was 30 September 2026, including the listed Faculty of Education programmes. Applicants should check the relevant course information and confirm whether additional documents or special selection requirements apply.
Note: The dates above are based on the supplied 2027 application information. Programme deadlines can change, and not every course follows the same schedule. The official CAO programme listing and institution announcements should be treated as the final source.
CAO Application Opening Date for 2027
CAO applications for the 2027 academic year opened on 1 March 2026.
The opening date gave prospective students time to research courses, compare entry requirements, prepare their personal information, and submit their choices. Students could use this period to:
- Explore courses offered by participating institutions.
- Check their school subjects and expected results against course requirements.
- Prepare their South African identity details or passport information, where applicable.
- Review application instructions.
- Submit the application and pay the required fee.
- Keep their CAO application number for future status checks.
Starting early is useful because some courses close before the general deadline. Students who wait until September may find that their preferred programme is no longer accepting applications.
CAO On-Time Application Fee and Late Application Fee
Application fees are another important part of the CAO process. Students should confirm the latest amounts and payment rules on the official CAO website before making a payment. The supplied 2027 application information lists the following fees:
| Fee type | South African applicants | International applicants |
|---|---|---|
| On-time application fee | R250 | R300 |
| Late application fee | R470 | R580 |
The advertised on-time fee deadline was 31 October 2026, while the late fee period was due to begin on 1 November 2026.
These fee dates should not be confused with the closing date for an individual programme. A later payment deadline does not mean that a course with a September closing date remains open for new applications. Before paying, students should check:
- Whether their selected programme is still accepting applications.
- Which fee applies to their application.
- Whether payment has been received and recorded.
- Whether any extra conditions apply to late applications.
Keep your proof of payment until your application status confirms that the payment has been processed.
What Happens If You Miss the CAO Closing Date?
If you missed the main CAO closing date, do not assume that every course is still available. The next step is to check whether the programme is accepting late applications.
Late applications may be considered for some programmes if places remain available. However, this is not guaranteed. Competitive programmes may close early and may not accept applications after their advertised deadline. Follow these steps if you missed the deadline:
- Visit the official CAO website at https://www.cao.ac.za/.
- Search for your preferred institution and programme.
- Check the programme’s current application status and closing date.
- Contact CAO or the institution if the information is unclear.
- Confirm whether late applications are allowed.
- Check the applicable late application fee.
- Submit an application only if the programme is still accepting applications.
- Keep your application number and proof of payment.
Do not pay a late fee before confirming that your chosen programme is open. Paying an application fee does not guarantee admission or ensure that an institution will consider a closed programme.
Difference Between On-Time and Late CAO Applications
Understanding the difference between an on-time and a late application can help students make better decisions.
On-Time Application
An on-time application is submitted within the advertised application period, with the required payment and supporting information handled according to CAO rules. Benefits may include:
- Processing within the normal application cycle.
- Consideration under the institution’s usual selection process.
- More time to correct missing information.
- A lower application fee than the advertised late fee, where applicable.
An on-time application does not guarantee admission. Students must still meet the entry requirements and compete for available places.
Late Application
A late application is submitted after the relevant deadline, where the institution or programme allows it. Important points include:
- Late applications may only be considered if places remain available.
- Some programmes do not accept late applications.
- A higher application fee may apply.
- Admission is not guaranteed.
- Students may have fewer course options.
The safest option is to apply and pay within the advertised deadline rather than depend on late applications.
How to Check Your CAO Application Status Online
After submitting an application, students should check their CAO status regularly. This helps them confirm that their application has been received and identify any outstanding requirements. Follow these steps:
- Open the official CAO website: https://www.cao.ac.za/.
- Find the application status or applicant information section.
- Select the relevant status-check option.
- Enter the requested details, such as your CAO number or South African ID number.
- Follow the instructions on the website.
- Review the displayed application information.
- Check whether any documents, results, or payments are outstanding.
- Follow the official instructions if further action is required.
Keep your CAO number safe because you may need it when contacting the office or checking your application.
Documents You May Need for a CAO Application
The documents required depend on your personal circumstances, qualifications, and chosen programme. Students should use the official application instructions to confirm exactly what they need. Commonly requested information or documents may include:
- South African ID details or passport information for international applicants.
- School results or the latest available academic results.
- Final National Senior Certificate results, when available.
- Previous qualification certificates, if applicable.
- Contact details, including an active email address and phone number.
- Proof of payment, where required.
- Additional documents requested for a specific course.
Some programmes may require extra information, selection assessments, portfolios, or other supporting documents. Make sure that all details are correct before submitting the application. Incorrect contact details or missing documents can cause delays.
Common Mistakes to Avoid Before the CAO Closing Date
Many students face application problems because they leave everything until the last minute. Avoid the following mistakes:
- Assuming every course closes on 30 September: Some courses have earlier deadlines.
- Ignoring entry requirements: A course may reject an applicant who does not meet its minimum requirements.
- Paying without checking the programme status: A fee does not guarantee that an application can be considered.
- Entering incorrect personal details: Check your ID, email address, and contact number carefully.
- Forgetting supporting documents: Upload or submit all required information according to the instructions.
- Ignoring status updates: Check your application after submission.
- Believing admission is guaranteed: Meeting the deadline is only one part of the admission process.
- Using unofficial information only: Confirm important dates through CAO and the relevant institution.
A careful application can help prevent avoidable delays and confusion.
CAO Closing Date 2027: Important Dates at a Glance
The table below summarises the main dates supplied for the 2027 application cycle.
| Application milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| CAO applications opened | 1 March 2026 |
| Advertised bursary draw cut-off | 31 May 2026 |
| UKZN Medicine closing date | 30 June 2026 |
| DUT Diagnostic Radiography closing date | 31 August 2026 |
| General closing date for many programmes | 30 September 2026 |
| Advertised on-time fee deadline | 31 October 2026 |
| Late fee period begins | 1 November 2026 |
| Expected start of the 2027 academic year | February 2027 |
These dates are a guide to the supplied 2027 cycle, not a guarantee that every course follows the same schedule. Check the current programme listing for any changes.
Official CAO Website and Contact Information
The official CAO website is the main place to check application instructions, programme closing dates, application status, and other updates.
- Official website: https://www.cao.ac.za/
Before contacting CAO, keep your application number and relevant personal details ready. Explain your question clearly, especially if you need help with a closing date, payment, missing document, or application status.
FAQs About CAO Closing Date 2027
What was the CAO closing date for 2027?
The general closing date supplied for many CAO programmes for the 2027 academic year was 30 September 2026. Individual programmes may have earlier deadlines.
When did CAO applications open for 2027?
The 2027 application cycle opened on 1 March 2026.
Is the CAO application deadline the same for every university?
No. The deadline depends on the institution and programme. Some courses close earlier than the general deadline.
What was the closing date for UKZN Medicine in 2027?
The supplied deadline for the MBChB programme at UKZN was 30 June 2026. Applicants should confirm the programme information directly with CAO or UKZN.
What was the DUT Diagnostic Radiography closing date?
The supplied closing date for DUT Diagnostic Radiography was 31 August 2026.
Can I apply to CAO after 30 September 2026?
Some programmes may consider late applications if places are available, but others may not accept them. Check the current programme status before applying.
How much is the CAO late application fee?
The supplied fee information lists R470 for South African applicants and R580 for international applicants. Confirm the applicable fee on the official CAO website before paying.
Does paying the CAO application fee guarantee admission?
No. Payment does not guarantee admission. Applicants must meet the course requirements and be selected by the institution.
How can I check my CAO application status?
Visit https://www.cao.ac.za/ and use the available application status-check service. Enter the details requested by the website and review your application information.
What should I do if my preferred course is closed?
Check whether the institution accepts late applications. If the programme is closed, contact the institution or CAO to ask about any official options. Do not assume that paying a late fee will reopen the course.
Conclusion
The CAO closing date for the 2027 academic year was an important deadline for students planning to study at participating South African institutions. The general date supplied for many programmes was 30 September 2026, while UKZN Medicine and DUT Diagnostic Radiography had earlier deadlines. Students who missed a deadline should check whether their selected programme is still accepting applications before paying any late fee. They should also review their application status, confirm that all required documents have been received, and follow the official instructions.
