The Central Applications Office (CAO) is mandated to process student admissions for highereducationprogrammes.
There are specific requirements that must be met for successful admissions.
Read on to learn more about how to complete the CAO online system process.
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CAO levels of study options
The available levels of study are listed below.
You must also identify and choose the relevantcoursesbased on your educational background before starting the process.
The steps below guide you on how to do this.
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However, you should know that this is the least effective method.
Then, send them back to Private Bag X06, Dalbridge, 4014.
Alternatively, hand-deliver them to the CAO offices inDurban.
High school students in uniform (L) and post-high school students (R) at the CAO stand during an exhibition. Photo: @Central Applications Office (CAO) (modified by author)Source: UGC
The office hours are between 08:00 am and 16:30 on Monday to Friday.
Is CAO open for applications?
CAO applications for the 2025-2026 academic year are open, but only late applications are being considered.
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The initial closing date for CAO applications in 2025 was 1 February 2025.
Late applications are scheduled to close on 1 May 2025.
The CAO program fee is R250 per applicant for every South African citizen.
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International citizens are required to pay R300.
This administration fee is non-refundable.
Youcan remitthe non-refundable administration fee online using your credit card.
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To do this, follow the steps below.
EasyPay is the preferred payment method.
The information you need will be contained therein.
Smiling CAO staff (L) and operations at the CAO office (R). Photo: @Central Applications Office (CAO) (modified by author)Source: UGC
You will be required to start the process all over again.
How do you upload documents to CAO online?
Once you are logged in, check the top navigation bar for the option to upload your documents.
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Then, attach the documents you wish.
CAO software rules for international students
International students can make CAO applications.
Thefollowing rulesapply to these students.
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They must also have passed maths.
What does the CAO do?
Can you apply to DUT without using CAO?
All undergraduate applications to the Durban University of Technology (DUT) must go through CAO.
However, post-graduate applicants do not have to go through the CAO.
Is MUT open for 2026 applications?
Applications for the 2026 academic year at Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) are not yet open.
Prospective students should check the MUT website for official announcements.
How do you edit your CAO system online?
If you change your mind about your system, visit the CAO website and log into your account.
Look for theChange of Mindicon and follow the instructions given.
A non-refundable Change of Mind (COM) fee may be required.
The CAO online tool process is pretty simple for South African citizens, residents, and international students.
Briefly.co.za recently published a list of thebest universities in Africathat offer quality education.
Having an education is vital for anyone looking to achieve success in their life.
With so many universities, not all can be said to be offering quality and fulfilling education.
This is why one should choose wisely to ensure their time and resources are well spent.
He graduated from the University of Nairobi (2017) with a Bachelor’s in Information Technology.
In 2023, Bennett finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques.
He has worked for Briefly.co.za for six years now.
He specializes in topics like technology, entertainment, travel, lifestyle and sports.
it’s possible for you to reach him via email at bennetyates@gmail.com.
She holds a Diploma in Mass Communication and a Bachelors degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Kenyatta University.
Cyprine joined Briefly.co.za in mid-2021, covering multiple topics, including finance, entertainment, sports, and lifestyle.
In 2023, she finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques.
She received the Writer of the Year awards in 2023 and 2024.
In 2024, she completed the Google News Initiative course.
Email: cyprineapindi@gmail.com
