How To Pay Your CAO Application Fee. If you are planning to apply to a university or college through the Central Applications Office (CAO), paying your CAO application fee is one of the most important steps after completing your application. Your application is not fully valid until CAO receives the completed application and the required administration fee. The CAO system is useful because you do not need to submit a separate application and pay a separate administration fee for every participating institution. One CAO administration fee allows you to apply for a combination of up to six programmes at CAO member and partner institutions in KwaZulu-Natal.

However, many students are confused about how to pay the CAO application fee, which payment methods are available, how much they need to pay, and what happens if the payment is made late. In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know about the CAO application fee payment process, including online payment, EasyPay outlets, payment deadlines, late fees, payment references, and important tips to avoid problems.

What Is the CAO Application Fee?

The CAO application fee is an administration fee charged for processing your application. It is different from paying a separate university application fee because CAO processes applications for participating institutions through one application system.

The official CAO information states that one administration fee can cover an application with up to six programme choices at participating institutions. Institutions can only access and consider the application once the completed application and relevant administration fee have been received. The administration fee is also non-refundable. Therefore, applicants should carefully check their programme choices and application information before making payment.

What Does the CAO Fee Cover?

Your CAO administration fee is connected to the processing of your CAO application. Depending on your application, CAO can make your application available to the institutions and programmes you have selected.

The CAO system can allow you to:

Apply for up to six programme choices.
Apply to participating institutions through one application.
Track your application status online.
Make permitted changes to your programme choices through the Change of Mind process.
Have your application processed through the CAO system.

Remember that paying the CAO fee does not automatically mean that you have been accepted by a university or college. Admission decisions are made by the relevant institutions according to their own requirements.

CAO Application Fee Amounts for 2027

The amount you pay depends on your applicant status and when the payment reaches CAO. For January 2027 entry, the current CAO 2027 fee structure lists the following amounts:

Payment Timing	South African Citizens	International Applicants
On or before 31 October 2026	R250	R300
On or after 1 November 2026	R470	R580

For July 2027 entry, the current CAO 2027 handbook lists:

Payment Timing	South African Citizens	International Applicants
On or before 31 May 2027	R250	R300
On or after 1 June 2027	R470	R580

These amounts are based on when the administration fee reaches CAO, not simply when you start the payment process. The CAO also notes that programmes can have their own closing dates, so applicants should check the closing date for each selected programme.

Important: CAO Fee Is Non-Refundable

One of the most important things to understand before making payment is that the CAO administration fee is non-refundable. This means you should check your application carefully before paying. Make sure:

Your personal details are correct.
Your ID or passport information is correct.
Your programme choices are correct.
Your programme choices are in the correct order.
You have selected programmes for the correct entry year.
You understand the closing dates for your selected programmes.

The official CAO terms also state that an application becomes valid when the required application information, declaration/consent requirements, and full administration fee have been received by CAO.

How To Pay Your CAO Application Fee Online

Online payment is one of the easiest ways to pay your CAO administration fee. You can use the official CAO website to make a payment after submitting your application.

Step 1: Visit the Official CAO Website

Go to the official CAO website. Always make sure you are using the official website when entering your personal or payment information.

Step 2: Complete Your CAO Application

If you have not already applied, complete your CAO application first.
Enter the required information and select your programme choices.
You can choose up to six programme choices through the CAO system.

Step 3: Submit or Process Your Application

After completing your application, follow the instructions shown on the website.
The system will provide payment instructions after your application has been processed for payment.

Step 4: Select the Payment Option

The CAO payment system provides online payment options. The official CAO payment information includes options such as MyGate and EasyPay. The available payment choices can include card and other supported online payment methods.

Step 5: Complete the Payment

Enter the required payment information and complete the transaction. Before confirming, check:

Amount
CAO number
Payment details
Card or payment information
Applicant information

Do not close the payment page before the transaction has been completed.

Step 6: Keep Your Proof of Payment

After making your payment, save your payment confirmation. You can keep:

A screenshot
Payment receipt
Transaction number
Bank notification
Email confirmation

Keeping proof of payment can be helpful if there is a payment verification problem later.

How To Pay CAO Fee Later

You do not always have to make the payment immediately at the same moment you submit your application. If you need to pay later, you can return to the CAO website and use the payment section. The official CAO payment page asks applicants to provide their CAO number to access payment information. A simple process is:

Open the official CAO website.
Go to the payment or application section.
Select the option to make a payment.
Enter your CAO number or other requested details.
Check the amount due.
Select your payment method.
Complete the transaction.
Save your payment confirmation.

Do not delay the payment unnecessarily because your application is not considered fully valid until CAO receives the required fee and completed application information.

How To Pay CAO Fee at EasyPay Outlets

Another option is to pay your CAO administration fee at a participating EasyPay outlet. This can be useful if you do not want to make an online payment. CAO information lists participating retailers such as:

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

You need your unique CAO EasyPay number when making the payment.

Steps to Pay at an EasyPay Store

Step 1: Find Your EasyPay Number

Check your CAO application information for your unique EasyPay number. Make sure you use the correct number because it is used to identify your payment.

Step 2: Visit an EasyPay Outlet

Go to a participating store displaying the EasyPay sign.

Step 3: Provide Your Payment Details

Tell the cashier that you want to make an EasyPay payment. Provide your unique EasyPay number and the required amount.

Step 4: Make the Payment

Depending on the outlet, you may be able to pay using cash, a debit card, or a credit card.

Step 5: Collect Your Receipt

Always take your receipt after making the payment.

Do not throw it away until your CAO payment has been confirmed.

Can You Pay the CAO Fee at the CAO Office?

Yes. CAO also provides a card payment option at its office.

The CAO 2027 information lists the CAO office payment location as:

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

Card payment is accepted at the office according to the published payment information. Before visiting the office, applicants should check the latest CAO contact and office information because operating arrangements can change.

What Happens If You Pay the CAO Fee Late?

Late payment is important because it can increase the amount you have to pay. For January entry, the current 2027 CAO fee structure states that the standard fee applies when payment reaches CAO on or before 31 October 2026. From 1 November 2026, the late fee applies. For July 2027 entry, the standard fee applies when payment reaches CAO on or before 31 May 2027. From 1 June 2027, the late fee applies.

January 2027 Late Fees

South African citizens: R470
International applicants: R580

July 2027 Late Fees

South African citizens: R470
International applicants: R580

However, the administration fee deadline and the programme closing date are not always the same thing. Some programmes may close earlier and may not accept late applications.

CAO specifically warns that some programmes, including certain health science programmes, may not consider applications received after their programme closing dates. This is why students should not wait until the last day.

CAO Application Fee vs Programme Closing Date

This is an important point that many applicants misunderstand. The CAO administration fee deadline is not necessarily the same as the closing date for every programme. Different programmes can have different closing dates.

For example, one programme may close earlier than another programme. If you submit an application and pay after a particular programme has closed, that programme may not be considered, especially where the institution does not accept late applications. The CAO advises applicants to check the closing dates and programme information carefully.

Best Practice

Before submitting your CAO application:

Check every programme closing date.
Check whether late applications are accepted.
Complete your application early.
Pay the administration fee early.
Upload required documents as soon as possible.
Keep your payment proof.

What Is the CAO Change of Mind Fee?

The CAO also has a Change of Mind process. This is different from the normal CAO application fee. If you want to change, add, or rearrange your programme choices after applying, a R140 Change of Mind administration fee applies under the current CAO information.

A Change of Mind can involve things such as:

Changing a programme choice.
Adding a programme.
Changing the order of your programme choices.
Other permitted changes to your application.

The CAO states that the maximum remains six programme choices. It is important to check your new choices carefully before submitting a Change of Mind request because the selected choices can replace your existing choices.

Do Not Pay the Fee Without Checking Your Application

Because the administration fee is non-refundable, it is better to spend a few extra minutes checking your application before payment.

Use this quick checklist:

Personal Details

Full name is correct.
ID or passport number is correct.
Contact number is correct.
Email address is correct.

Programme Choices

Correct programme selected.
Correct institution selected.
Correct entry year selected.
Programme choices are ranked correctly.
Closing dates have been checked.

Payment

Correct CAO number.
Correct amount.
Correct payment method.
Payment completed successfully.
Receipt saved.

What If Your CAO Payment Is Not Showing?

Sometimes applicants make a payment but do not immediately see the expected update. If this happens, do not make another payment straight away.

First:

Check your payment receipt.
Check your bank or payment confirmation.
Confirm the CAO number used.
Check your application status.
Allow the payment to be processed where applicable.
Contact CAO if the payment problem continues.

The official CAO website provides a payment section and application checking tools for applicants. For payment-related questions, the 2027 CAO handbook provides the payment contact email [email protected].

Important Tips for Saving Money on CAO Application Fees

Paying early is the simplest way to avoid the higher late administration fee. Here are some useful tips:

1. Apply Early

Do not wait until the deadline. Starting early gives you more time to correct mistakes and complete your payment.

2. Pay Before the Late Fee Date

For January 2027 entry, aim to make sure the fee reaches CAO by 31 October 2026.
For July 2027 entry, aim for payment to reach CAO by 31 May 2027.

3. Use Your Six Choices Carefully

One administration fee allows you to apply for up to six programmes. Think carefully about your programme choices and use the available choices according to your study plans.

4. Keep Your Payment Receipt

A receipt gives you proof that you made the payment.

5. Check the Official Website

Application rules, dates and programme information can change. Always check the official CAO website for the latest information before making your payment.

CAO Fee and NSFAS Applicants

Students who need financial aid should also pay attention to the financial aid section of the application. If you are applying for NSFAS, complete the relevant financial aid information in your CAO application where applicable. Remember that CAO application processing and NSFAS funding are separate processes. Paying the CAO administration fee does not itself guarantee NSFAS funding or university admission. Students should check the latest NSFAS requirements and deadlines separately.

FAQs About CAO Application Fee

How much is the CAO application fee?

For the 2027 entry fee structure, the standard administration fee is R250 for South African citizens and R300 for international applicants when the fee reaches CAO by the applicable standard deadline. Late fees are R470 and R580 respectively.

Is the CAO application fee refundable?

No. The CAO administration fee is non-refundable.

Can I pay my CAO fee online?

Yes. CAO provides online payment options through its website, including MyGate and EasyPay options.

Can I pay the CAO fee at Shoprite or Checkers?

Yes. Participating EasyPay outlets include stores such as Shoprite and Checkers. You need your unique EasyPay number.

How many programmes can I apply for with one CAO fee?

The CAO administration fee allows you to apply for a combination of up to six programmes at participating CAO member and partner institutions.

What happens if I pay the CAO fee late?

You may have to pay the late administration fee. More importantly, some programmes may already be closed or may not accept late applications.

How much is the CAO Change of Mind fee?

The current published CAO information lists the Change of Mind administration fee as R140.

Can I pay at the CAO office?

Yes. The published payment information provides for debit or credit card payment at the CAO office at Gate 11, Mary Thiphe Street, Cato Manor, Durban.

Conclusion

Knowing how to pay your CAO application fee can make the application process much easier. The most important thing is not only choosing a payment method but also making sure your payment reaches CAO before the relevant deadline. For January 2027 entry, the standard fee is R250 for South African citizens and R300 for international applicants when the fee reaches CAO by 31 October 2026. From 1 November 2026, the listed late fees are R470 and R580. For July 2027 entry, the standard deadline is 31 May 2027, with the late fee applying from 1 June 2027.