CAO Undergraduate Application 2027: Online Application, Fees, Requirements

CAO Undergraduate Application 2027. The CAO undergraduate application is an important step for students who want to study at universities and colleges in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa. The Central Applications Office (CAO) provides an online system that allows students to apply for different study programmes through one application. Instead of completing a separate application for every participating institution, students can use the CAO portal to select up to six programme choices. These choices can include different qualifications and institutions, depending on the available programmes and their entry requirements.

The CAO system helps students manage their applications, upload supporting documents, pay the administration fee and check their application status online. However, submitting an application does not mean that admission is guaranteed. Each institution reviews applications according to its own admission requirements and the number of places available.

In this guide, you will learn how to complete the CAO undergraduate application, which documents you need, how much the application costs, and how to track your application after submission.

What Is the CAO Undergraduate Application?

The Central Applications Office is an application service that processes applications for its member and partner institutions in KwaZulu-Natal. It helps students apply for undergraduate programmes using a central online platform. Students can use the official CAO website to explore available courses, check admission requirements and submit their applications.

• Official website: https://www.cao.ac.za/

The CAO application process is useful for students who are completing Grade 12, have already passed matric, or want to apply for undergraduate studies at participating institutions.

Main Features of the CAO Application

The CAO online system offers several useful features:

• One application: Apply for multiple programmes through one application.
• Up to six choices: Select a maximum of six programme choices.
• Online document uploads: Submit your identification documents and academic results online.
• Application tracking: Check your application progress through the official portal.
• Online payments: Pay the administration fee using the available payment methods.
• Change of Mind: Request changes to your programme choices when permitted and pay the applicable fee.

Students should always check the latest CAO handbook because programme availability, requirements and closing dates can change.

Which Universities and Colleges Accept CAO Applications?

The CAO works with public universities and other participating higher education institutions. The available programmes depend on the institution and the academic year.

Public Universities

The main public universities associated with the CAO application system include:

1. University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
2. Durban University of Technology (DUT)
3. Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT)
4. University of Zululand (UNIZULU)

The CAO also lists programmes from participating private and specialised higher education providers. Before selecting a programme, check whether the institution and qualification appear in the official CAO programme list.

Important: International applicants should check the special application rules for each university. For example, applicants who want to apply to UKZN as international students may need to apply directly to UKZN rather than through CAO. The correct route depends on the institution and applicant category.

CAO Undergraduate Application Requirements

Before starting your application, prepare the required information and documents. Having everything ready can help you complete the process without unnecessary delays. The exact documents depend on your current education level, nationality and the programme you want to study.

1. Requirements for Grade 12 Students

If you are currently studying in Grade 12, you should prepare:

• A valid South African ID number or passport number, as applicable.
• Your final Grade 11 results.
• Your Grade 12 June examination results, if available.
• Your Grade 12 trial or September results, when available.
• Your contact details and personal information.

Students should upload additional results when they become available and follow any instructions shown on their CAO profiles.

2. Requirements for Students Who Have Completed Matric

If you have already completed Grade 12, prepare the following documents:

• Your South African ID number or passport details.
• Your final National Senior Certificate (NSC) results.
• Any additional academic records requested for your chosen programme.
• Supporting documents required by the institution.

Applicants who completed their education outside South Africa may need to provide qualification evaluation documents or other certificates.

3. Requirements for International Applicants

International applicants should check the CAO rules and the requirements of their chosen institutions before applying. Depending on their circumstances, they may need:

• A valid passport or other accepted identity document.
• A valid study permit or relevant immigration documents.
• School-leaving certificates and academic results.
• English language proficiency evidence, if required.
• A qualification evaluation from the relevant authority, if required.
• Any additional documents requested by the institution.

Refugee and asylum-seeker applicants should prepare the appropriate permit or identity documents accepted by the authorities and the institution. Do not assume that the same requirements apply to every applicant. Check the official handbook and the university’s website for your particular situation.

CAO Undergraduate Application Fees for 2027

Applicants must pay the relevant CAO administration fee. The amount depends on the applicant category and when the payment reaches CAO. The published fee structure for January 2027 entry is as follows.

Fee type	South African applicants	International applicants
On-time administration fee	R250	R300
Late administration fee	R470	R580
Change of Mind request	R140	R140

These fees are based on the published CAO 2027 entry information. Always confirm the amount displayed on the official website before making payment.

When Does the Late Application Fee Apply?

For January 2027 entry, the late administration fee applies to payments received from 1 November 2026 onwards. The standard on-time fee applies when the administration fee reaches CAO by 31 October 2026. However, individual programmes can close earlier.

For example, a programme may have a September closing date. If you apply after that programme’s closing date, your application may be marked as late even if the general late-payment date has not arrived.

For July 2027 entry, the published fee schedule lists 31 May 2027 as the on-time payment deadline and 1 June 2027 as the start of the late-payment period. You should therefore check both the closing date for your chosen programme and the general fee deadline.

Is the CAO Application Fee Refundable?

The administration fee is generally non-refundable. Applicants should check the official payment terms before paying. If you make an incorrect payment or pay more than the required amount, contact CAO for guidance. Refunds, where applicable, are handled according to its payment rules and may involve a handling fee.

How to Apply for CAO Undergraduate Application Online

Follow these steps to submit your application through the official CAO website.

Step 1: Visit the Official CAO Website

Open your browser and visit: https://www.cao.ac.za

On the homepage, find the Apply option. Read the instructions and select the option to continue with your online application. Make sure you are using the official website before entering personal information or making payments.

Step 2: Enter Your Personal Information

Enter your ID number or passport details as requested. You may need to provide information such as:

• Full name and surname.
• Date of birth.
• Gender and other requested personal details.
• Home and postal address.
• Email address and mobile number.
• School information and academic history.
• Next-of-kin details, where requested.

Check your information carefully before moving to the next section. Your name and identification details should match your official records. Incorrect information can create problems when CAO matches your application with your examination results.

Step 3: Select Your Undergraduate Programmes

Choose the programmes you want to study. You can select up to six programme choices across participating institutions. Each programme has its own code, so use the official CAO programme list or handbook to identify the correct option. Before selecting a programme, check:

• The minimum admission requirements.
• The subjects required for the qualification.
• The programme closing date.
• The campus where the programme is offered.
• Whether the programme is available for your intended entry year.
• Whether late applications are accepted.

Choose programmes that match your interests, school results and future career plans.

Step 4: Rank Your Programme Choices

Arrange your selected programmes in your preferred order. Your first choice should normally be the programme you most want to study. Place your other choices according to your interests and the entry requirements you meet.

Do not choose a programme only because its admission requirements appear easier. Think about the career you want to follow and whether the qualification suits your goals. Also remember that meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.

Step 5: Review Your Application

Before submitting your application, review the summary displayed on the screen. Check your:

• Personal information.
• Contact details.
• School and academic information.
• Programme codes and preferences.
• Identification details.

Correct any mistakes before proceeding.

Step 6: Submit Your Application

Once you have checked all the information, select Process My Application. Follow the instructions on the screen. A successful submission message should confirm that CAO has received your application.

Keep a record of your CAO number, password and EasyPay number where applicable. You may need these details to make payments and check your application later. Submitting the application is only one part of the process. You must also complete the required payment and document submission steps.

Step 7: Pay the Administration Fee

You can pay online or use an available EasyPay payment option. The official portal provides payment instructions. Depending on the available options, you may be able to pay using a bank card or at a participating EasyPay outlet, such as Shoprite, Checkers or Pick n Pay. If you pay through an outlet, use the correct EasyPay number as your payment reference. Keep your proof of payment until the payment appears on your application record.

Step 8: Upload Your Supporting Documents

Visit the CAO website and select Upload My Documents. Upload the documents requested for your application. These may include your identification document, school results, passport or other supporting records. Make sure each document is:

• Clear and readable.
• Complete, with no missing pages.
• Uploaded in an accepted file format.
• Correctly matched to your application.
• Consistent with the personal details you entered.

CAO states that supporting documents must be uploaded through its website rather than submitted as hard copies or emailed documents. You should also check whether you need to print, sign and upload the Power of Attorney form. Follow the current instructions on the official website.

Step 9: Check Your Application Status

After submitting your application, return to the CAO homepage. Select Check My Application and enter the requested details, such as your CAO number or ID/passport information. Review your application status and check whether additional documents, results or payments are required. Visit the portal regularly so that you do not miss important updates.

How to Check Your CAO Undergraduate Application Status

The CAO application status helps you understand what is happening with your application. Follow these steps:

1. Visit https://www.cao.ac.za/.
2. Select Check My Application.
3. Enter your CAO number or the requested identification details.
4. Submit your information.
5. Review the status displayed on the screen.
6. Check for messages about outstanding payments or documents.

If your status has not changed, it does not always mean that something is wrong. The institution may still be reviewing applications or waiting for your final results.

Common CAO Application Statuses Explained

• Waiting for a Decision: The institution has not yet made a decision about your programme choice.
• Awaiting Results: The institution is waiting for additional academic results before making a decision.
• Conditional Offer: You may receive an offer subject to meeting specific requirements, such as achieving the required final marks.
• Late Application: Your application was received after the programme’s closing date. The institution decides whether it can still consider your application.
• Unsuccessful: The institution has not offered you a place for that programme.

The exact wording and meaning of statuses should be checked against the latest CAO guidance. If you are unsure about a status, contact CAO or the institution concerned.

How to Change Your CAO Undergraduate Application

Sometimes students change their minds after submitting their applications. You may decide to select a different qualification, add another programme or change the order of your choices. CAO provides a Change of Mind (COM) process for eligible changes. The published administration fee for a Change of Mind request is R140.

Steps:

1. Visit the official CAO website.
2. Select the Change of Mind option.
3. Log in using your application details.
4. Review your existing programme choices.
5. Make the changes permitted by the portal.
6. Check the updated list carefully.
7. Submit your request.
8. Pay the applicable fee and confirm that the request has been processed.

If you want to keep any existing choices, make sure you include them again when required by the Change of Mind process. Do not assume that a change will be accepted automatically. Programme closing dates and institutional rules still apply, and CAO warns that submitted mistakes may not be reversible.

Important CAO Undergraduate Application Deadlines

There is no single closing date for every undergraduate programme. Each programme may have its own deadline, and some popular qualifications close earlier than others. Programmes in health sciences and other competitive fields may have strict closing dates and may not accept late applications.

For January 2027 entry, remember these key dates:

• 31 October 2026: General on-time administration fee deadline.
• 1 November 2026: Late administration fee period begins.
• Individual programme deadlines: These may be earlier than 31 October.

For July 2027 entry, the published general fee dates are 31 May 2027 for the on-time fee and 1 June 2027 for the late fee. These general fee dates do not replace programme-specific closing dates. To avoid missing an opportunity, check the CAO handbook, the available programmes list and any notices on the official website before submitting your application.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During the CAO Application

Students can reduce delays by checking their applications carefully. Avoid these common mistakes:

• Applying too late: Some programmes close before the general fee deadline.
• Entering incorrect personal details: Your information should match your official identification and examination records.
• Choosing the wrong programme code: Check each code against the official programme list.
• Ignoring admission requirements: A programme may require specific subjects or marks.
• Forgetting to pay: An unpaid or partially paid application may not be available to institutions for selection decisions.
• Uploading unclear documents: Blurry or incomplete documents can delay the selection process.
• Ignoring application messages: Check your email, SMS messages and online status regularly.
• Assuming admission is guaranteed: The minimum requirements are not a promise of acceptance.
• Making unplanned changes: Review your programme choices carefully before submitting a Change of Mind request.

A careful approach can help you avoid unnecessary costs and make the application process easier.

What Happens After You Submit Your CAO Application?

After you submit the application, pay the required fee and upload the requested documents, CAO processes your application and makes it available to the relevant institutions according to its procedures. Institutions then assess applicants against their own admission rules. During this period, you should:

1. Check your application status regularly.
2. Upload new academic results when requested or available.
3. Respond to requests for additional information.
4. Monitor your email and phone for admission updates.
5. Read the instructions included with any offer.
6. Contact the institution if you need help understanding its admission decision.

If you receive an offer, follow the institution’s instructions about accepting the place, paying any required deposit and registering for classes.

Important: Acceptance or registration payments requested by a university are separate from the CAO administration fee. Confirm the payment details directly with the institution and do not pay an acceptance deposit to CAO unless its official instructions specifically say otherwise.

CAO Contact Details

If you experience a problem with your application, contact the Central Applications Office through its official channels.

• Website: https://www.cao.ac.za/
• Telephone: 031 268 4444
• International callers: +27 31 268 4444
• Payment queries: [email protected]

The published call centre hours are Monday to Thursday, 08:00–16:30, and Friday, 08:00–14:00, excluding public holidays. Check the official website for current hours and contact information before calling. When contacting CAO, keep your CAO number available and explain the problem clearly. For payment issues, retain your payment reference and proof of payment.

FAQs About CAO Undergraduate Application

How do I apply for CAO undergraduate programmes?

Visit www.cao.ac.za, select Apply, enter your details, choose your programmes, review your application and select Process My Application. Then pay the required administration fee and upload your supporting documents.

How many programmes can I choose through CAO?

You can select up to six programme choices across participating institutions. Check the official programme list to confirm that your preferred qualifications are available.

How much is the CAO application fee for 2027?

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

What is the CAO late application fee?

The published late fee for January 2027 entry is R470 for South African applicants and R580 for international applicants when the payment reaches CAO from 1 November 2026 onwards.

Which documents are required for a CAO undergraduate application?

Grade 12 learners generally need their ID or passport details, final Grade 11 results and available Grade 12 June or trial results. Students who have completed matric should prepare their identification details and final NSC results. Additional documents may be required.

Can I change my CAO programme choices after applying?

Yes, eligible changes can be submitted through the Change of Mind process. The published fee is R140 per request. Programme closing dates and other CAO rules still apply.

How can I check my CAO application status?

Visit the official CAO website and select Check My Application. Enter the requested CAO number or identification details to view your application progress.

Does submitting a CAO application guarantee admission?

No. Each institution assesses applications according to its entry requirements, available places and selection rules. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an offer.

Can international students apply through CAO?

International students may apply through CAO for eligible programmes at participating institutions, but special rules apply. For example, UKZN-only international applications may need to be submitted directly to UKZN. Check the relevant institution’s official instructions.

What should I do if my CAO payment does not appear?

Allow time for the payment to clear and reflect on the CAO system. If the payment remains missing, contact [email protected] and provide your CAO number and proof of payment.

Conclusion

The CAO undergraduate application process gives students a practical way to apply for several programmes through one online system. By preparing the correct documents, checking admission requirements, choosing suitable programmes and paying the fee on time, you can reduce common application problems. Remember that each programme may have a different closing date, and some qualifications do not accept late applications. Submitting your application early is therefore a sensible way to protect your options.