CAO Contact Details 2027: Complete Guide to Phone, Email, Address and Support
CAO Contact Details 2027. Finding the correct CAO contact details is important when you need help with an application, payment, personal information, or another question related to the Central Applications Office. Having the right phone number, email address, and office address can save time and help you get an answer faster.
The Central Applications Office (CAO) provides different ways for applicants to contact its support team. You can contact the CAO by phone, email, online contact forms, or by visiting the physical office. Different contact options may be useful depending on the type of question you have.
In this guide, you will find the main CAO contact details, including the call centre number, share call number, email addresses, physical address, postal address, fax number, website, and office hours. We will also explain how to contact CAO for different types of queries.
CAO Contact Details at a Glance
If you need the most important information quickly, the table below provides the main CAO contact details in one place.
| Contact Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Call Centre | 031 268 4444 |
| International Number | +27 31 268 4444 |
| Share Call | 0860 860 226 |
| General Enquiries Email | [email protected] |
| Payments Email | [email protected] |
| Change of Contact Details | [email protected] |
| Fax | 031 268 4422 |
| Website | www.cao.ac.za |
| Physical Address | Gate 11, Mary Thiphe Street, Cato Manor, Durban |
| Postal Address | Private Bag X06, Delbridge, 4014 |
These CAO contact details can be useful if you are applying through the Central Applications Office and need assistance with your application or account.
How to Contact CAO by Phone
One of the easiest ways to contact the CAO is by telephone. Calling the CAO can be useful when you have a question that needs a direct answer or when you need guidance about an application.
Main CAO Contact Number
The main CAO call centre number is:
- 031 268 4444
Applicants can use this number for general questions and assistance related to CAO services. Before calling, it is a good idea to keep your application information nearby if your question is about an existing application.
Having your application number or other relevant details ready may make it easier for the support team to understand your query.
CAO Share Call Number
Another option is the CAO share call number:
- 0860 860 226
This number provides another way for applicants to contact the CAO during the relevant contact hours. If you are having trouble reaching the main number, you can try the share call number instead.
CAO International Contact Number
Applicants who are outside South Africa may need to use the international number when contacting the CAO. The international contact number is:
- +27 31 268 4444
When calling from another country, remember that South Africa may have a different time zone from your current location. It is better to check the time difference before making the call. This can help you call during the CAO’s working hours and avoid unnecessary waiting.
CAO Office Hours
Knowing the CAO operating hours is important before making a phone call or visiting the office. The provided operating hours are:
- Monday to Thursday: 08:00 to 16:30
- Friday: 08:00 to 14:00
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed
- Public Holidays: Closed
Contact hours may also be listed separately as 10:00 to 13:00 and 14:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday. Because contact and office schedules can vary, applicants should check the official CAO website for the latest information before visiting or calling. If you submit a query online during the weekend, your message can be recorded and handled when the office reopens.
CAO Email Contact Details
Email is another useful option when you need to contact the CAO. It can be especially helpful when you need to explain your issue in detail or provide information related to your application.
General Enquiries Email
For general questions, the listed email address is:
You can use the general enquiries email for questions that do not fall under a specific CAO support category. When sending an email, make your question clear and simple. If your query is about an application, include the relevant application information so the CAO team can understand your request.
CAO Payments Email
For payment-related questions, applicants can use:
This contact is useful when your question is related to CAO payments or other payment matters. When contacting the payments team, clearly explain the problem. If you have payment information or a transaction reference, keep it available so you can provide the required details when asked.
Change of Contact Details Email
If you need help with changing your contact information, the provided email address is:
This can be useful when your phone number, email address, or other contact information has changed and you need guidance on updating your details. Always make sure the information you provide is accurate.
CAO Physical Address
Applicants who need to visit the CAO office can use the following physical address:
- Gate 11, Mary Thiphe Street, Cato Manor, Durban, 4001
Mary Thiphe Street was formerly known as Cato Manor Road. If you plan to visit the office, it is recommended that you check the latest office hours before travelling. This is especially important during public holidays or periods when office arrangements may change.
CAO Postal Address
The listed postal address is:
- Private Bag X06, Delbridge, 4014
A postal address can be useful when you need to send documents or written correspondence through the post. Before sending important documents, make sure you understand whether the CAO requires physical documents for your specific request. If possible, confirm the correct process first.
CAO Fax Number
The CAO fax number provided is:
- 031 268 4422
Although email and online contact methods are often more convenient, the fax number is another contact option listed for the CAO. If you are planning to send documents by fax, make sure you have confirmed that fax is accepted for your particular request.
CAO Official Website
The official CAO website is:
The website can be one of the most useful places to find information about CAO applications, support services, updates, and other important instructions. Applicants should use the official website when looking for the latest contact information because phone numbers, email addresses, office hours, and procedures can change over time.
How to Contact CAO Successfully
If you want to get a quick and useful response from CAO, follow a few simple steps.
Step 1: Identify Your Question
First, understand exactly what you need help with. For example, your question may be about:
- A CAO application
- Application status
- Payment
- Contact information
- Updating personal details
- Course-related information
- Eligibility
- Application requirements
- Other CAO services
Knowing your exact issue will help you choose the right contact method.
Step 2: Choose the Correct Contact Method
After identifying your question, select the best option. For example:
- General question: Call the CAO or use the general enquiries email.
- Payment problem: Contact the payments email.
- Change of contact details: Use the relevant contact details email.
- Urgent general query: Try the main call centre.
- Outside South Africa: Use the international phone number.
- Online information: Visit the official CAO website.
Step 3: Keep Your Information Ready
If you are contacting CAO about an existing application, keep your application information available. This can help make the conversation or email easier to handle.
Step 4: Explain Your Problem Clearly
Whether you call or send an email, explain your issue in simple words. Avoid sending a message that is too short and does not explain the problem. At the same time, there is no need to write a very long message. A clear message should explain:
- What your problem is.
- What you have already tried.
- What help you need.
- Any relevant application or payment information.
Step 5: Wait for a Response
If you contact CAO through an online form or email, allow the support team time to respond. Queries sent outside working hours, especially during weekends, may be handled after the office reopens.
CAO Contact for Application Questions
Many applicants contact CAO because they need help with their application. If your question is directly related to your application, the CAO contact channels can help guide you through the correct process. Before contacting the office, check whether your question can be answered through the information available on the official CAO website. If you still need help, you can call:
- 031 268 4444
You can also use the relevant email contact where appropriate.
CAO Contact for Payment Queries
Payment questions are common during the application process. If you have a payment-related issue, the dedicated payments email can be useful.
- Payments Email: [email protected]
When sending a payment query, explain the issue clearly. If there is a transaction or payment reference connected to your problem, keep the information ready. Do not send unnecessary personal or financial information unless it is specifically required through an official CAO process.
CAO Contact for Changing Personal Details
Sometimes applicants need to update their contact information after submitting an application. For this type of query, the provided email address is:
Before requesting a change, make sure you know which information needs to be updated. For example, you may need to update:
- Phone number
- Email address
- Other contact information
Providing clear information can make it easier for the support team to understand your request.
What If You Need Help After Office Hours?
If you need assistance outside regular office hours, CAO provides a self-help option for common questions and issues. The after-hours self-help service is designed to help users find answers to frequently asked questions without needing to speak to a staff member immediately.
This can be useful if your question is general and does not require direct support. You can also check the official CAO website for available information before contacting the office when it reopens.
What If You Contact CAO During the Weekend?
If you submit an online query over the weekend, your correspondence may be recorded. A member of the CAO team can respond when the office reopens. This means applicants should not worry if they do not receive an immediate response outside normal working hours. If the issue is not urgent, submitting a clear online query and waiting for a response can be a simple option.
When Should You Contact a Higher Education Institution Directly?
Not every question should be sent to CAO. If your question is specifically about:
- Eligibility
- Exemptions
- Restrictions
- Course requirements
- Programme requirements
you may need to contact the relevant Higher Education Institution (HEI) directly. This is important because universities and other higher education institutions may have their own rules and requirements for specific courses. Before contacting CAO, consider whether your question is about the CAO application process or about a specific institution and course.
DARE and HEAR Contact Support
Some applicants may also need information about DARE or HEAR. For DARE-related questions, applicants can contact a DARE representative through the Access Office of the participating institution.
Similarly, HEAR applicants can speak to a HEAR representative through the Access Office of the participating institutions. If your question is specifically related to these programmes, it is better to use the contact information provided for the participating institution or programme.
CAO Contact Details for Ireland
There is also contact information associated with a Central Applications Office in Ireland. The provided address is:
Central Applications Office
Tower House
Eglinton Street
Galway
H91 X25V
Ireland
The listed telephone number is:
- +353 (0)91 509800
It is important to understand that this information refers to a Central Applications Office in Ireland and should not be confused with the South African CAO contact details listed above. If you are looking for South African CAO application support, use the South African CAO contact information, including the 031 268 4444 call centre number and cao.ac.za website.
Important CAO Contact Information to Save
If you regularly need to check your application or may need support later, it is useful to save the main contact information. Here are the key details again:
- CAO Call Centre: 031 268 4444
- International: +27 31 268 4444
- Share Call: 0860 860 226
- General Enquiries: [email protected]
- Payments: [email protected]
- Change of Contact Details: [email protected]
- Fax: 031 268 4422
- Website: www.cao.ac.za
- Physical Address: Gate 11, Mary Thiphe Street, Cato Manor, Durban
- Postal Address: Private Bag X06, Delbridge, 4014
Tips Before Calling CAO
Before you call the CAO, following a few simple tips can make the process easier.
1. Call During Working Hours
Try to call during the official operating hours. Calling outside working hours may mean that you cannot reach a staff member.
2. Keep Your Application Information Ready
If your question concerns an application, have your relevant information available.
3. Write Down Your Question
Before calling, write down the main points you want to ask. This can help you avoid forgetting an important question.
4. Use the Correct Email
For payment problems, use the payments email instead of sending the same question to several different addresses.
5. Check the Website First
Some common questions may already have answers on the official CAO website. Checking the website first can sometimes save time.
Why Accurate CAO Contact Details Matter
Using the correct CAO contact details is important because applicants may be dealing with deadlines, payments, application information, or other important matters. A wrong phone number or email address can delay your request. That is why applicants should always check the official CAO website for the latest information before sending important documents or making a trip to the office. It is also important to use official CAO communication channels when sharing application information.
FAQs About CAO Contact Details
What is the CAO phone number?
The main CAO call centre number is 031 268 4444.
What is the CAO international phone number?
If you are calling from outside South Africa, the international number is +27 31 268 4444.
What is the CAO share call number?
The CAO share call number is 0860 860 226.
What is the CAO payments email?
For payment queries, the listed email address is [email protected].
What is the CAO general enquiries email?
The listed general enquiries email is [email protected].
How can I contact CAO about changing my contact details?
You can use [email protected] for queries related to changing contact details.
Where is the CAO office located?
The listed physical address is Gate 11, Mary Thiphe Street, Cato Manor, Durban, 4001.
What are the CAO office hours?
The provided operating hours are Monday to Thursday from 08:00 to 16:30 and Friday from 08:00 to 14:00. The office is closed on public holidays.
Can I contact CAO after office hours?
Yes. CAO provides a self-help service for common questions outside regular office hours. Online queries submitted outside working hours may be handled when the office reopens.
What is the CAO website?
The CAO website is www.cao.ac.za.
Should I contact CAO for course eligibility questions?
If your question concerns eligibility, exemptions, restrictions, or course-specific requirements, you may need to contact the relevant Higher Education Institution directly.
Conclusion
Having the correct CAO contact details makes it much easier to get help when you need it. Whether you have a general question, payment issue, contact information problem, or application-related concern, there are several ways to reach the CAO. For general assistance, you can call 031 268 4444, while applicants outside South Africa can use +27 31 268 4444. The share call number is 0860 860 226. You can also use the relevant CAO email addresses for general enquiries, payments, or changing contact details. Before calling or sending an email, make sure you understand your question and have the necessary information ready. For course eligibility and course-specific requirements, contacting the relevant higher education institution directly may be more suitable.
