How To Pay CAO Application Fee? Applying through the Central Applications Office (CAO) is an important step for students who want to apply to universities and colleges in South Africa. After completing your application, one of the most important things to understand is how to pay CAO application fee correctly. The CAO application fee helps the Central Applications Office process your application and forward it to the institutions and programmes you have selected. Students can pay the fee through different methods, including online payment, EasyPay retail stores, EFT or bank deposit, and cash at the CAO office.

The payment method you choose may depend on what is easiest for you. Online payment is usually convenient for students who have a debit or credit card, while EasyPay allows applicants to pay at participating retail stores. If you prefer paying directly, you can also visit the CAO office during its working hours.

In this guide, you will learn how to pay your CAO application fee, where to pay, which payment methods are available, what the fee covers, and what you should do after making your payment.

What Is the CAO Application Fee?

The CAO application fee is an administration fee connected with processing your application. When you apply through the Central Applications Office, your application can be processed and sent to the institutions and programmes you selected. The fee can cover services such as:

Processing your CAO application.
Processing applications for multiple programme choices.
Forwarding your application to the selected institutions.
Online application status tracking.
SMS and email notifications.
Administrative processing of your application.

The application fee is generally non-refundable, so applicants should carefully check their application details before completing the process.

How Much Is the CAO Application Fee?

The CAO fee can depend on the payment deadline and applicant category. Based on the information provided for the current application process, the stated fees for South African citizens are:

Payment period	Application fee
On or before October 31	R250
From November 1	R470

Because application deadlines and fees can change between application cycles, always check the latest information on the official CAO website before making your payment.

How To Pay CAO Application Fee Online

One of the easiest ways to pay your CAO application fee is online. This method can save time because you do not need to visit a store or CAO office.

Step 1: Visit the CAO Website

Open your internet browser and visit the official Central Applications Office website: Make sure you are using the official CAO website before entering your personal or payment information.

Step 2: Open the Payment Section

After opening the CAO website, look for the Payments option in the top menu. Click on it to continue with the payment process.

Step 3: Enter Your CAO Application Number

You will normally need your CAO application number to identify your application. Enter the number carefully in the required field. Check the number before continuing because entering incorrect information can cause problems with payment matching.

Step 4: Select Your Payment Method

The online payment page may provide different payment options. Depending on the available options, you can select MyGate for credit or debit card payments or use the available EasyPay online payment option.

Step 5: Follow the Instructions

After selecting your payment option, follow the instructions shown on the screen. You may need to provide your card details and complete the required security checks.

Step 6: Complete the Payment

Confirm the payment amount and complete the transaction. Once the payment has been processed successfully, save your confirmation and keep a copy of the payment record.

How To Pay CAO Fee at EasyPay Retail Stores

If you do not want to pay online, you can use the EasyPay payment method at participating retail stores. This can be useful for applicants who prefer paying in person. Some stores that may accept CAO EasyPay payments include:

Shoprite
Checkers
Pick n Pay
Woolworths
Other participating stores displaying the EasyPay sign

Before visiting the store, make sure you have your correct EasyPay reference number.

1. Get Your EasyPay Reference Number

First, access your CAO application through the CAO website. Your application profile should provide the payment information you need, including the relevant EasyPay reference number. Write it down or keep it available on your phone.

2. Visit a Participating Store

Go to a participating retail outlet that displays the EasyPay sign. For example, you may visit Shoprite, Checkers or Pick n Pay.

3. Give Your Reference Number to the Cashier

Tell the cashier that you want to make an EasyPay payment. Provide your CAO EasyPay reference number. The cashier can use the reference number to identify the payment.

4. Pay the Required Amount

Pay the required CAO application fee using the payment method accepted by the store, such as cash or card. Before leaving, check that the amount paid is correct.

5. Keep Your Receipt

This is one of the most important steps. Always keep your EasyPay receipt or till slip after paying your CAO fee. The receipt can be useful if your payment takes time to appear on your application.

How To Pay CAO Application Fee by EFT or Bank Deposit

Applicants may also be able to pay the CAO application fee through a bank deposit or EFT, depending on the payment instructions provided by CAO. This option can be useful if you prefer transferring money directly from your bank account. However, EFT payments may take longer to reflect than online card payments.

Important Point About EFT Payments

Allow around 3 to 5 working days for an EFT or bank payment to be verified and reflected. For this reason, students should avoid waiting until the last day to make an EFT payment. After making the transfer:

Keep your bank confirmation.
Check that the correct reference information was used.
Allow the required processing time.
Check your CAO application status.
Contact CAO if the payment does not appear after the expected period.

How To Pay CAO Application Fee in Cash

Applicants who prefer cash payment can visit the CAO office. The CAO office is located at:

Gate 11, Mary Thiphe Street, Cato Manor, Durban.

The stated office hours are:

Monday to Friday: 08:00 to 16:30

If you plan to pay at the office, it is a good idea to check the latest CAO information before travelling because office arrangements and payment options can change.

Can You Pay CAO Application Fee With a Debit or Credit Card?

Yes, online payment can be made using a credit or debit card through the available CAO payment system. This is one of the convenient methods because you can complete the payment without visiting a retail store. Before making the payment, make sure:

Your card is active.
You have enough funds available.
Your internet connection is stable.
You enter the correct CAO application number.
You save the payment confirmation.

Never share your card PIN or banking password with another person.

Can NSFAS Applicants Get a CAO Fee Waiver?

Some applicants may qualify for a CAO application fee waiver if they meet the relevant NSFAS-related requirements. If you are applying for NSFAS funding, check whether the CAO application system provides an option to request a fee waiver. You may need to provide information or documents showing that you have applied for NSFAS or that you meet the required household-income criteria.

If your fee waiver is approved, your payable application fee may be R0. However, applicants should not assume that every NSFAS applicant automatically receives a fee waiver. Check the current CAO requirements and follow the instructions provided during the application process.

What Happens After You Pay the CAO Fee?

After paying your CAO application fee, your next step is to make sure that the payment is correctly linked to your application. For online or retail payments, the payment may reflect by the next business day according to the provided payment information. EFT payments can take longer, with verification potentially taking 3 to 5 working days. After making your payment:

Keep your payment receipt.
Save your online payment confirmation.
Check your CAO application status.
Make sure your application has been submitted correctly.
Check your email and SMS messages for updates.
Contact CAO if your payment does not reflect within the expected period.

What To Do If Your CAO Payment Is Not Showing?

Sometimes a payment may not immediately appear on your CAO application. This does not always mean that your payment failed. First, check your receipt or payment confirmation. If you paid through EFT, remember that bank payments can take several working days to verify.

If the payment is still missing after the expected processing period, keep your proof of payment ready. You may need to upload your receipt or send proof of payment to the relevant CAO payment contact. The provided contact email for payment-related proof is:

[email protected]

When contacting CAO, include the information needed to identify your application and attach clear proof of payment where requested.

Why Should You Keep Your CAO Payment Receipt?

Your payment receipt is important because it proves that you made the payment. Do not delete the receipt immediately after paying. Keep it until your CAO application has been fully processed and you can confirm that the payment has been reflected. Your receipt may contain important information such as:

Payment amount.
Date of payment.
Reference number.
Store or payment details.
Transaction information.

If there is a payment delay, this information can help CAO identify your transaction.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Paying CAO Fee

Paying the CAO application fee is simple, but small mistakes can cause delays.

Using the Wrong Reference Number

Always use the correct CAO or EasyPay reference number connected to your application.

Waiting Until the Deadline

Do not leave payment until the final day, especially if you are using EFT. Bank payments may take several working days to verify.

Losing Your Receipt

Keep your receipt or payment confirmation until your payment is reflected.

Entering Incorrect Details

Check your application number and payment information carefully before submitting a payment.

Assuming Payment Means Application Is Complete

Paying the fee is important, but applicants should also make sure that their CAO application has been properly submitted and that all required information and supporting documents have been provided.

Which CAO Payment Method Should You Use?

There are several ways to pay your CAO application fee, and each method can suit different applicants.

Payment method	Where to pay	Processing consideration
Online card	CAO website	Usually the quickest
EasyPay	Participating retail stores	May reflect by next business day
EFT/Bank deposit	Through your bank	Allow 3–5 working days
Cash	CAO office	Pay directly during office hours

If you have access to online banking or a debit/credit card, online payment can be convenient. If you prefer paying in cash, an EasyPay retail outlet may be more suitable.

What Does the CAO Application Fee Cover?

The CAO application fee is an administration charge associated with processing your application. The fee can cover the processing of your programme choices and the forwarding of applications to participating institutions. It can also support services such as:

Application processing.
Forwarding applications to institutions.
Online application status checking.
SMS notifications.
Email notifications.
Administration related to your selected programme choices.

Applicants should remember that paying the fee does not guarantee admission. Each institution and programme can have its own admission requirements, selection process and available spaces.

FAQs About CAO Application Fee

How do I pay my CAO application fee?

You can pay through available online payment options on the CAO website, at participating EasyPay retail stores, through EFT or bank deposit, or by cash at the CAO office, subject to the current CAO payment arrangements.

Where can I pay my CAO fee?

EasyPay payments can be made at participating outlets such as Shoprite, Checkers, Pick n Pay and other stores displaying the EasyPay sign.

Can I pay my CAO fee online?

Yes. You can use the CAO website and follow the payment instructions. Online card payment can be a convenient option for applicants.

What is the CAO EasyPay number?

The EasyPay reference number is the payment reference connected to your CAO application. You should obtain the correct number from your CAO application profile before visiting a participating store.

How long does a CAO payment take to reflect?

Online and retail payments may reflect by the next business day based on the provided CAO payment information. EFT or bank payments can take approximately 3 to 5 working days for verification.

Is the CAO application fee refundable?

The application fee is generally non-refundable. Applicants should check their application information carefully before making payment.

Can NSFAS applicants pay R0?

Some applicants may qualify for a full CAO fee waiver if they meet the applicable NSFAS or household-income requirements. Eligibility should be confirmed through the current CAO application process.

What should I do if my CAO payment is not showing?

Keep your receipt or proof of payment and check your application again after the expected processing time. If the payment still does not appear, contact CAO using the current payment-support instructions and provide your proof of payment.

Conclusion

Knowing how to pay CAO application fee can help you avoid unnecessary delays during the application process. Students have several payment options, including online card payment, EasyPay retail stores, EFT or bank deposit, and cash payment at the CAO office. If you choose EasyPay, remember to take your CAO EasyPay reference number with you and keep the till slip after payment. For online payments, save the transaction confirmation. If you use EFT, allow enough time for the payment to be verified.