CAO Online Registration 2027: How to Apply Online, Fees And Requirements

CAO Online Registration 2027. CAO registration is an important step for students who want to study at a university or college in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The Central Applications Office (CAO) allows students to apply for different programmes at participating institutions through one online application. Instead of completing a separate application for every programme, you can select up to six programme choices through the CAO system.

If you want to apply for the 2027 academic year, it is important to understand the registration process, application fees, required documents and programme closing dates. Submitting your application correctly and paying the required fee on time can help you avoid delays.

In this guide, you will learn how to complete CAO registration online, check your application status, upload documents, pay the administration fee and avoid common application mistakes.

What Is CAO Registration?

CAO registration is the process of submitting an online application through the Central Applications Office. The office manages applications for participating higher education institutions in KwaZulu-Natal. Students can use the CAO website to select their preferred courses, submit personal information and provide the documents required for admission. Some institutions that use the CAO application system include:

• University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
• Durban University of Technology (DUT)
• Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT)
• University of Zululand (UNIZULU)

The programmes available depend on the institution, the academic year and the admission requirements. You should always check the current CAO programme list before applying.

CAO Registration 2027: Important Information

Before starting your application, understand these important details.

• Application method: Online through the official CAO website.
• Application opening: Applications for January 2027 entry opened on 1 March 2026.
• Programme choices: You can select up to six programmes at participating institutions.
• On-time administration fee: R250 for South African citizens and R300 for international applicants.
• Late administration fee: R470 for South African citizens and R580 for international applicants.
• Payment methods: Online payment or an EasyPay outlet.
• Required documents: Identification, academic results and other documents requested for your application.
• Programme deadlines: Each programme may have a different closing date.

For January 2027 entry, the published on-time fee deadline is 31 October 2026. The late administration fee applies from 1 November 2026. However, some programmes may close before these dates, so you should check your selected programmes as early as possible.

How to Register for CAO Online in 2027

You can complete your CAO registration using a computer or mobile phone with an internet connection. Keep your identification details and academic results ready before starting. Follow these steps to submit your application.

Step 1: Visit the Official CAO Website

Open your browser and visit https://www.cao.ac.za/. On the homepage, find the Apply tab and select it. Read the instructions before continuing to the application form. Make sure you use the official website to protect your personal information and avoid fake application services.

Step 2: Enter Your ID or Passport Number

The application system will ask you to enter your identification details. You may need to provide:

• Your South African ID number, if applicable.
• Your international passport number, if you are applying as an international student.

Enter your details carefully and click Submit. Your identification information should match your official documents and your school examination records. Incorrect information may cause problems when CAO tries to match your results with your application.

Step 3: Complete Your Personal Information

After entering your identification details, fill in the required information on the application form. This may include:

• Full name and surname.
• Date of birth.
• Contact number.
• Email address.
• Home and postal address.
• Citizenship information.
• School details.
• Academic results and other requested information.

Check every field before moving to the next section. Your email address and phone number should be correct because they may be used to contact you about your application.

Step 4: Select Your Preferred Programmes

Choose the courses you want to study at participating institutions. You can select up to six programme choices, depending on the available programmes and the application rules. For example, you may choose a programme at UKZN, another at DUT and additional options at MUT or UNIZULU.

When selecting programmes, consider the following points:

• Check the admission requirements for each course.
• Confirm that you have the required subjects and marks.
• Review the programme closing date.
• Consider the campus where the course is offered.
• Arrange your choices in your preferred order.

Do not select a course only because its name sounds interesting. Make sure it matches your qualifications, interests and future career plans.

Step 5: Review Your Application

Before submitting, carefully check your personal details and programme choices. Make sure that your name, ID or passport number, contact details and academic information are correct. Also check the order of your programme choices. If you submit the wrong choices, you may need to use the Change of Mind process and pay an additional administration fee.

Step 6: Click Process My Application

Once you have completed the form, select Process My Application to submit it. The CAO system will provide your application details, including your unique CAO number, password and EasyPay number.

Keep these details in a safe place. You will need them to check your application, make payments and access relevant application services. Your CAO number is especially important because it helps identify your application in the system.

Step 7: Pay the Administration Fee

Pay the correct administration fee using one of the accepted payment methods. You can pay online through the CAO website or at an EasyPay outlet, such as Shoprite or Pick n Pay. Use the correct CAO or EasyPay number when making payment. Keep your payment receipt for future reference.

Step 8: Upload Your Supporting Documents

After submitting your application, log in to the CAO website and use the document upload service. Upload clear digital copies of the documents requested for your application.

Make sure that all pages are readable and that your name and other important details can be seen clearly. CAO does not accept supporting documents by email or as ordinary hard-copy submissions. Documents must be uploaded through the official website.

Step 9: Check Your Application Status

After submitting your application, return to the CAO website and select Check My Application. Enter the requested information to view your application details and progress. Check your status regularly and respond to any requests for additional information or documents.

Important: Submitting the form alone does not mean that you have been admitted to a university. The application must meet CAO’s validity requirements, including the required programme choices, supporting information, signed forms where applicable and full administration fee.

CAO Registration Fees for 2027

The administration fee depends on your applicant category and when the fee reaches CAO. The published fee structure for January 2027 entry is shown below.

Applicant category	On-time fee	Late fee
South African citizens	R250	R470
International applicants	R300	R580

For January 2027 entry:

• On-time fee deadline: 31 October 2026.
• Late fee applies from: 1 November 2026.

The late fee may apply even if you completed the online form before the deadline but your payment reaches CAO after the relevant date. The programme’s individual closing date is also important. A programme that has closed may not accept further applications, even if the general CAO application period is still open.

How to Pay the CAO Registration Fee

You can pay the administration fee through the following methods.

Option 1: Online payment

1. Visit the official CAO website.
2. Open the Payments section or Check My Application page.
3. Enter your CAO number where requested.
4. Select the available payment option.
5. Follow the instructions to complete the transaction.
6. Save your payment confirmation.

Option 2: EasyPay outlet

1. Visit an accepted EasyPay outlet, such as Shoprite or Pick n Pay.
2. Provide your unique CAO-EasyPay number.
3. Pay the required amount.
4. Keep your receipt as proof of payment.

Check the current payment instructions on the CAO website before making a transaction.

Is the CAO Administration Fee Refundable?

CAO’s published terms state that administration fees and Change of Mind fees are not refundable. Therefore, review your application carefully before paying and submitting it.

Documents Required for CAO Registration

You should prepare the documents required for your applicant category before starting the application.

1. Identification Document

South African applicants may need to provide a clear copy of their green ID book or smart ID card. A passport may be required where applicable. International applicants should prepare a valid passport and any additional immigration documents requested by the institution.

2. Grade 11 Results

If you are currently in Grade 12, prepare your final Grade 11 progress report. Your Grade 12 June or mid-year results and September or trial results should also be submitted as soon as they become available, where required.

3. Matric Results

If you have already completed Grade 12, prepare your National Senior Certificate (NSC) results or statement of results. Use the documents relevant to your current academic situation.

4. Study Permit or Residency Documents

International applicants may need to upload their study permit, proof of permanent residence or other immigration documents, depending on their circumstances and the institution’s requirements. Check the CAO international applicant guidance before submitting your application.

5. Signed Declaration and Consent Forms

Applicants under 18 may need a signed declaration and informed consent form. CAO’s terms state that the declaration must be signed by a parent or legal guardian where the applicant is under 18. Check the instructions provided during the application process to confirm which forms apply to you.

Tips for Uploading Documents

• Upload documents through the official CAO website.
• Make sure every page is clear and readable.
• Use PDF format where supported and follow the portal’s file requirements.
• Check that the documents belong to the correct applicant.
• Upload updated results when they become available.
• Do not send supporting documents by email unless CAO specifically directs you to use a different official process.

Incomplete or unreadable documents may delay the admission process.

How to Choose the Right CAO Programmes

Selecting the right programmes is one of the most important parts of CAO registration. You can use your six choices to apply for suitable programmes at participating institutions. However, every programme has its own entry requirements and selection process. Follow these tips when choosing your courses:

1. Check your subjects: Make sure you have studied the subjects required for your chosen qualification.
2. Review your marks: Compare your results with the published admission requirements.
3. Check the APS or points system: If a programme uses an Admission Point Score (APS), calculate your points according to the institution’s rules.
4. Review closing dates: Some programmes close earlier than others.
5. Choose carefully: Put your preferred programmes in the correct order.
6. Keep alternative choices: Consider other suitable courses if your first choice is highly competitive.

Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Institutions may consider available places, academic performance and other selection rules.

How to Check Your CAO Registration Status

After applying, you should check your status to see whether your application has been received and what action may still be required. Follow these steps:

1. Visit https://www.cao.ac.za/ website.
2. Select Check My Application.
3. Enter your CAO number, South African ID number or passport number, as requested.
4. Submit your details.
5. Review the information displayed on the screen.

Keep checking your status for updates. Your application may show that it is being considered, that a decision is pending or that further action is required. The exact status depends on the stage of your application.

What Is the CAO Number?

A CAO number is a unique number assigned to your application during the online application process. You should keep it because it is used for several important tasks, including:

• Checking your application status.
• Making payments.
• Accessing your application information.
• Following up on application-related questions.

Your EasyPay number is used for payments through participating EasyPay outlets. Your password helps you access the relevant online services. Do not share your password with unknown people or unofficial agents.

Can You Change Your CAO Programme Choices?

Yes. If you want to add, remove or rearrange your programme choices after applying, you can use the CAO Change of Mind service. The published Change of Mind administration fee is R140 per submission. Follow these steps:

1. Visit the official CAO website.
2. Select the Change of Mind option.
3. Log in using your application details.
4. Select your new programme choices.
5. Add any existing choices you want to keep.
6. Review the complete list before submitting.
7. Pay the required fee.

Your new choices replace the choices currently on your application. Therefore, include every programme you want to retain before submitting the change. Check programme availability and closing dates before making changes. A Change of Mind request does not guarantee that a closed programme will accept your application.

Common CAO Registration Mistakes to Avoid

Many application problems can be avoided by checking your details before submitting. Here are common mistakes to watch out for:

• Entering an incorrect ID or passport number.
• Providing an email address or phone number that you no longer use.
• Selecting programmes without checking entry requirements.
• Missing an individual programme closing date.
• Forgetting to pay the full administration fee.
• Using the wrong CAO or EasyPay number for payment.
• Uploading unclear or incomplete documents.
• Forgetting to submit updated academic results.
• Assuming that application submission means automatic admission.
• Failing to check application status after submission.

The best approach is to complete your application early, keep proof of payment and regularly review the information on the official CAO website.

Important CAO Registration Rules

Before you finish your application, remember these rules.

• CAO accepts only one application from an applicant for a specific entry year and term.
• You can select up to six programme choices through the applicable application system.
• Full payment and the required supporting information are needed for a valid application.
• Programme closing dates may differ between courses and institutions.
• Applications for programmes that have closed may not be considered.
• Administration fees and Change of Mind fees are not refundable.
• TVET college applicants should contact the relevant TVET college directly because CAO’s application service does not cover TVET college applications.

These rules can help you avoid unnecessary costs and delays.

FAQs About CAO Registration

How do I register for CAO online?

Visit the official website at https://www.cao.ac.za/, select Apply, enter your ID or passport number and complete the application form. Choose your programmes, submit the application, pay the required fee and upload your supporting documents.

How much is the CAO registration fee for 2027?

For January 2027 entry, the published on-time administration fee is R250 for South African citizens and R300 for international applicants. The late fees are R470 and R580, respectively.

What is the closing date for CAO registration 2027?

The on-time administration fee deadline for January 2027 entry is 31 October 2026. However, each programme may have an earlier closing date, so check your chosen courses on the official CAO website.

How many courses can I choose on CAO?

You can select up to six programme choices at participating institutions through the CAO application system.

Which documents are required for CAO registration?

Common documents include an ID or passport, Grade 11 results for current Grade 12 learners, matric results for applicants who have completed school, and relevant immigration documents for international applicants. Additional forms may be required depending on your age and circumstances.

Can I apply to UKZN through CAO?

Yes. UKZN is one of the institutions that uses the CAO system for applicable programmes. Check the current programme list and admission requirements before applying.

Can I apply to DUT through CAO?

Yes. You can apply for eligible DUT programmes through CAO. Programme availability, entry requirements and closing dates should be checked on the official website.

How do I find my CAO number?

Your CAO number is provided during the application process and is also sent to the email address you supplied. Keep it safe because you may need it to check your application and make payments.

Can I check my CAO application using my ID number?

Yes. Open Check My Application on the CAO website and enter your South African ID number or another accepted identification detail.

Can I change my course choices after submitting my application?

Yes. You can use the Change of Mind service, subject to the applicable rules and a published fee of R140 per submission. Remember to include every programme you want to keep before submitting the change.

Conclusion

CAO registration is an important step for students who want to apply to participating universities and colleges in KwaZulu-Natal. By completing the online application carefully, choosing suitable programmes, uploading the correct documents and paying the administration fee on time, you can reduce the risk of application delays. For January 2027 entry, remember that the published on-time fee deadline is 31 October 2026, and late fees apply from 1 November 2026. Some programmes close earlier, so do not wait until the last day to apply.