CAO 2025: Online Application | Requirements & Status Check

CAO 2025: Online Application |Requirements & Status Check

Here's how to apply on CAO for future online applications and where to pay any fee related to your CAO registration process if you are looking for a university for 2025.

Single-handedly applying to each university of your choice can be tiring and sometimes intimidating especially if you're not tech-savvy as some applications can be complicated.

Luckily for you, there is a website that can ease your workload and the work for you with just one application form.

Introducing CAO - central applications office- a service that forwards a single application form to all the colleges and universities in South Africa at a low cost.

Learn more about the ins and outs of this application platform by reading the post below that answers all your questions for a better understanding of how everything works. 

CAO ( Central Applications Office)

CAO (Central Applications Office) passes on the applications it receives from students in South Africa to the relevant institutions which they qualify for.

The final decision is taken by the university or the colleges and not the central applications office. 

In simpler terms, CAO sends your application to many universities or colleges without having to apply individually for your desired courses. Cool right?

Does CAO apply to all universities in South Africa?

As we’ve mentioned before CAO transmits your application forms to most universities, along with the universities of technology, and private colleges.

 It also dispatches applications for admissions to TVET Colleges in the KZN province.

Which universities does CAO apply to? 

The central applications office partners with universities in the KZN such as:

• Durban University of Technology (DUT)

• University of KZN (UKZN)

• University of Zululand

• Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT)

Additionally, it also works with private colleges like: 

• AAA School of Advertising

• Berea College of Technology

• Berea Technical College

• CTU Training Solutions

• Central Technical College 

• Eduvos

• ICESA Education

• iStudent

• MANCOSA

• Management and Leadership Academy

• PAX College

• Regent Business School

• Richfield Graduate Institute of Technology

• STADIO (Embury)

• Varsity College: Business School

How to apply on CAO for 2024?

You can either apply online on the organization's website, or via their mobile app which you can download on Play Store or Apple Store. 

The third way of applying is by sending you send in a hard copy to their office in KwaZulu Natal to the following postal address: 

Private Bag X06

Dalbridge

4014

Subsequently, you can use their physical address for a hand delivery if you are in Durban:

Gate 11, Central Services Complex – UKZN

Mary Thiphe Street (Cato Manor Road)

Cato Manor

Durban

How to apply via CAO online?

Before beginning your online application you need to have certain documents or personal information ready on hand.

For current Grade 12 Learners you’ll need:

• Your ID Number (Found on your ID Document and/or Birth Certificate) • 

• Final Grade 11 Results.

• Grade 12 June and/or Trials (September results)

For students who have already matriculated, the following is needed:

• Your ID Number (Found on your ID Document and/or Birth Certificate) 

• Your Final NSC results

 Once you have all those ready, here is how you proceed: 

1. Go to the CAO website: www.cao.ac.za and click on ‘Apply’ on the top navigation bar. 

2. Read the information and click on 'Continue with Application'. 

3. Enter your ID Number and click on ‘Submit’. 

4. Enter ALL the details requested. Once you have entered all the requested information, click on 'Next'. 

5. Click on 'Continue with Online Application'. 

6. A pop-up window will appear with your CAO number, password, and EasyPay number. Read the instructions. The same information will also be sent to the email address you provided. This information is important to access your information at a later date and track the progress of your application.

But you aren’t just done yet. Once the above has been completed you must do the following:

1. Click on 'Continue with Online Application’ and  Follow the instructions, complete ALL the information requested, and click ‘Next’ on each page as you navigate through the application.

2. At the end of the application, view the summary of YOUR application presented on screen. Should any information be incorrect, click on ‘Edit’ and update the information immediately. 

3. To submit your application, click on 'Process My Application’ at the bottom of the page. 

And now you're done.

You’ll receive a message on the screen letting you know that your application has been submitted successfully.

Can I apply for CAO twice?

No. You can only send in one application per year.

How much is CAO application fee 2024?

CAO charges a non-refundable fee of R250 for South African Students for its services and R300 to International applicants.

Given that the administration fees reach them before 31 October 2024 for learners starting their studies in January 2025.

A fee of R470 will apply to South African students who pay the application fee after October. Meaning from November onwards. International applicants will have to pay a fee of R580 for the same condition. 

So it is best to settle the application fee as soon as possible to avoid paying more money and risk losing a spot to study. 

Where do I pay my CAO?

You can pay the application fee or change of mind fee online via your credit card or at any EasyPay outlet such as Shoprite, Checkers, & Boxer SuperStores, etc.

Remember to use your EasyPay number as the reference when making payment. 

For students closer to the CAO headquarters, you can pay any of the fees at the office using a debit or credit card as they do not take cash.

Once you’re done with the payment you must upload the proof of payment online via the “Upload My Documents" tab.

If you feel you need more information about something related to the CAO process, you can visit their official CAO site: Central Applications Office Website.

Conclusion: 

Applying to college or university can be stressful. However, with sites like CAO around, they can make the whole process a breeze.

All the best with your future applications.