CAO Fees Calculator: Application Fees for 2027, NSFAS Waiver and Payment Guide

CAO Fees Calculator. Applying to a university is an exciting step, but before submitting your application, it is important to understand the costs involved. Many students want to know: How much is the CAO application fee? This is where a CAO Fees Calculator can be helpful.

The Central Applications Office (CAO) uses a simple fee structure. In most cases, the amount you pay depends on your applicant type and whether you submit your application on time or late. The good news is that one application fee can cover up to six programme choices.

In this guide, I will explain the CAO application fees for 2026, how to calculate your fee, how the NSFAS fee waiver may work, payment methods, and simple ways to save money.

Important: CAO deadlines and fees can change. Always confirm the latest information before making a payment or submitting your application.

What Is a CAO Fees Calculator?

A CAO Fees Calculator is a simple tool or method that helps you estimate how much you may need to pay for your CAO application. The calculation is mainly based on:

Whether you are a South African or international applicant
Whether you apply before or after the relevant deadline
Whether you qualify for an approved NSFAS-related fee waiver
Whether any additional service, such as a Change of Mind request, applies

One important point is that you do not normally pay a separate standard application fee for every programme choice. A single application can include up to six programme choices.

CAO Application Fees for 2026

Based on the fee information provided for this article, the following amounts apply to the standard CAO application fee structure.

Applicant Type	On-Time Fee	Late Fee	Potential Saving by Applying On Time
South African applicant	R250	R470	R220
International applicant	R300	R580	R280

The difference between applying on time and applying late is significant. This means that submitting your application early can help you save money.

Simple CAO Fee Formula

You can think about the CAO Fees Calculator in a simple way:

Your CAO Fee = Applicant Type + Application Timing – Approved Fee Waiver

For example:

A South African applicant who applies on time may pay R250.
A South African applicant who applies late may pay R470.
An international applicant who applies on time may pay R300.
An international applicant who applies late may pay R580.
An applicant with an approved eligible fee waiver may have a fee of R0, depending on the applicable CAO and funding rules.

How to Calculate Your CAO Application Fee

You do not need complicated maths to work out your estimated fee. Simply follow these steps.

Step 1: Choose Your Applicant Type

First, identify which category applies to you:

South African applicant
International applicant

This is important because the fee is different for each group.

Step 2: Check When You Will Apply

Next, find out whether your application will be submitted:

On time
Late

The on-time application fee is much lower than the late fee. Therefore, it is a good idea to prepare your documents and programme choices before the deadline.

Step 3: Check Your NSFAS Status

If you are applying for NSFAS funding, check whether you meet the conditions for a fee waiver.

If an eligible waiver is approved, you may not need to pay the normal CAO application fee.

Step 4: Select Your Programme Choices

A single CAO application fee can cover up to six programme choices. This means the standard fee is not normally multiplied by the number of choices.

Whether you select one programme or use all six available choices, it is important to make each choice carefully.

Example CAO Fees Calculator

Here are some simple examples to help you understand the calculation.

Example 1: South African Applicant Applying on Time

Suppose you are a South African applicant and submit your application before the relevant deadline.

Estimated fee: R250

Example 2: South African Applicant Applying Late

If you miss the on-time deadline and submit a late application where late applications are accepted:

Estimated fee: R470

By applying on time, you could save R220.

Example 3: International Applicant Applying on Time

An international applicant who submits an application on time may pay:

Estimated fee: R300

Example 4: International Applicant Applying Late

A late international application may cost:

Estimated fee: R580

This is R280 more than the on-time fee.

Example 5: Applicant With an Approved Fee Waiver

If you meet the required conditions and your applicable fee waiver is approved:

Estimated fee: R0

However, students should not assume that selecting NSFAS automatically guarantees a fee waiver. Make sure you provide the required information and follow the official process.

NSFAS Fee Waiver and CAO Applications

For students who need financial support, NSFAS funding can be an important option. Eligible applicants may also be able to benefit from an application fee waiver, depending on the applicable requirements. The general process may include the following steps:

Select the relevant NSFAS option during your online CAO application.
Provide the required proof or information.
Show that you have applied for NSFAS or meet the applicable financial requirements.
Wait for the application or waiver to be reviewed.
If approved, the applicable CAO fee may be waived.

The household income guideline mentioned for checking potential NSFAS eligibility is under R350,000 per year, but students should always check the current official requirements because funding rules can change.

Why You Should Check Before Paying

If you may qualify for a waiver, it is sensible to check your eligibility before paying the full application fee. Paying without first understanding your options could mean missing a possible saving.

At the same time, do not delay your application while waiting without checking the official deadlines. Missing a deadline could result in a higher fee or affect your application options.

How to Pay Your CAO Application Fee

The CAO provides different payment methods. Choose the option that is most convenient for you.

1. Online Payment

Online payment is usually one of the fastest options.

You can use a credit or debit card through the official CAO platform.

CAO Official Website

Make sure you enter your details correctly and keep proof of payment.

2. EasyPay

You may also be able to make payment through EasyPay at participating stores, including:

Shoprite
Checkers
Pick n Pay

Take your CAO reference number with you to ensure that the payment is linked to the correct application.

3. Bank Deposit or EFT

Another option may be a bank deposit or electronic funds transfer. Remember that bank payments can take time to reflect and be verified. Based on the information provided, verification may take around 3–5 working days. Always keep your payment confirmation.

4. Cash Payment at the CAO Office

Cash payment may also be available at the CAO office:

Gate 11, Mary Thiphe Street, Cato Manor, Durban

The provided office hours are:

Monday to Friday: 08:00–16:30

It is a good idea to confirm current office hours and payment arrangements before visiting.

What Does the CAO Application Fee Cover?

Some students think they must pay separately for every university or programme. However, the standard CAO application fee can cover multiple choices in one application. According to the information provided, the fee can cover:

Processing of up to six programme choices
Sending or forwarding applications to participating institutions
Online application status tracking
SMS notifications
Email updates

The participating institutions mentioned include:

UKZN
DUT
MUT
UNIZULU

The application fee is generally an administration and processing fee. It is not the same as tuition fees.

CAO Fee vs University Tuition Fees

This is an important difference. The CAO application fee is paid for processing your university application. University tuition fees are separate costs related to your studies after you are admitted and registered.

Type of Cost	What It Is
CAO Application Fee	Cost for processing your application
Tuition Fee	Cost of studying your chosen programme
Registration Costs	Possible charges when registering at a university
Accommodation	Cost of student housing, if applicable
Books and Learning Materials	Costs related to your studies

Therefore, paying your CAO application fee does not mean that your tuition has been paid.

What About the Change of Mind Fee?

The information provided for the 2026 CAO fee structure also mentions a Change of Mind request fee of R140.

Students should carefully select their programmes before submitting a Change of Mind request. If you need to make changes, check the current CAO rules, deadlines, and applicable fee before proceeding.

Tips to Save Money on Your CAO Application

Apply on Time

This is one of the easiest ways to reduce your application cost.
A South African applicant could save R220 by paying the on-time fee instead of the late fee.
An international applicant could save R280.

Check NSFAS Eligibility

If you need financial support, investigate whether you qualify for NSFAS and any applicable CAO fee waiver.
Do not assume that you automatically qualify. Complete the process correctly and provide the required documents.

Use Your Programme Choices Wisely

Since one standard application fee can cover up to six programme choices, it makes sense to use your choices carefully. Consider:

Your preferred programme
Entry requirements
Your academic results
Career opportunities
Alternative programmes

Having a mix of realistic choices can give you more options.

Prepare Your Documents Early

Last-minute applications can lead to mistakes and unnecessary stress. Prepare your documents, programme list, and personal details before the deadline.

FAQs About the CAO Fees Calculator

How much is the CAO application fee for 2026?

Based on the information provided, the on-time fee is R250 for South African applicants and R300 for international applicants.

What is the CAO late application fee?

The provided late fee is:

R470 for South African applicants
R580 for international applicants

Does the fee increase for more programmes?

The standard fee covers up to six programme choices in one application, so you do not normally pay the standard application fee six separate times.

Can NSFAS applicants get a fee waiver?

Eligible applicants may qualify for a fee waiver, subject to the relevant requirements and approval process.

Is the CAO fee refundable?

The information provided states that the CAO application fee is non-refundable. Check the official terms before making payment.

Is the CAO application fee the same as tuition?

No. The CAO fee is for processing your application. Tuition fees are separate and relate to your studies after admission and registration.

Conclusion

The CAO Fees Calculator makes it easier to understand what you may pay before submitting your university application. For 2026, the key factors are your applicant type, whether you apply on time or late, and whether you qualify for an approved fee waiver.