CAO Application Guide

Your complete guide to applying for KZN universities — 2026 entry

Special Announcement

S.E.E is proud to offer sponsorship for CAO application fees to a selected number of deserving students each year. This initiative empowers students to manage their own applications while we provide financial support for the fee.

Start Your Application Guide

About This Initiative

Our Mission

At S.E.E, we believe in empowering students to take control of their educational journey. Our sponsorship program aims to remove financial barriers while teaching valuable life skills.

How We Support You

Instead of handling applications on your behalf, we provide:

  • Comprehensive application guides like this one
  • Financial sponsorship for application fees (for selected students)
  • Support and guidance throughout the process where possible

Why This Approach Works

By completing your own application:

  • You maintain control over your personal information
  • You receive communications directly from universities
  • You learn valuable skills for future applications
  • You take ownership of your educational journey

Complete CAO Application Guide

Disclaimer: Information and dates are for general guidance based on typical CAO cycles. Always refer to the official CAO website (www.cao.ac.za) for the most current and accurate information.

Important Update for 2026 Entry

Typically, you will use your Grade 12 March/June results from 2025 for your initial application. Applications for the 2026 academic year generally open around May 2025. General closing dates vary by course and institution.

Step 1: Visit the CAO Website

Start by visiting the official Central Applications Office website:

  • Open your web browser (e.g., Google Chrome, Safari, Firefox)
  • Type www.cao.ac.za into the address bar and press Enter
  • Ensure you have a stable internet connection

Official Link: https://www.cao.ac.za

Step 2: Start Your Application

On the CAO homepage:

  • Look for and click on the "Apply" or "Applications" button
  • You'll be directed to the application portal
  • If you are a new applicant, select "New Application"
  • If you have applied before, look for a "Login" option

Step 3: Preparing Your Personal Information

Before you begin filling out the online form, gather the following:

Required Information Checklist

Personal Details

  • Full Name (as per your ID/Passport)
  • South African ID Number
  • Gender & Date of Birth
  • Home Language & Other Languages
  • A reliable Email Address
  • Your active Phone Number
  • Physical & Postal Address
  • Citizenship / Country of Origin

Next of Kin / Guardian Details

  • Full Name of parent or guardian
  • Relationship to you
  • Their ID Number (if applicable)
  • Their Contact Phone Number
  • Their Email Address (if available)

Academic Details

  • Name of your current/last high school
  • Examination Authority (e.g., DBE, IEB)
  • List of subjects
  • Your latest academic results
  • NSC examination number (if applicable)

Privacy Notice for S.E.E. Sponsorship

If applying for S.E.E. sponsorship, only send us your EasyPay number and full name. Never share your full ID number, CAO login details, or other sensitive information via unsecured channels.

Step 4: Selecting Your Courses & Institutions

The CAO system allows you to select up to 6 program choices across KZN institutions:

  • Research Thoroughly: Check specific admission requirements for each program
  • Diversify Choices: Include reach, match, and safety programs
  • Consider Multiple Institutions: This increases your chances of acceptance

KZN Institutions Available Through CAO

Public Universities

  • University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
  • Durban University of Technology (DUT)
  • Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT)
  • University of Zululand (UNIZULU)

Public TVET Colleges

  • Elangeni TVET College
  • Esayidi TVET College
  • Majuba TVET College
  • Mnambithi TVET College
  • Mthashana TVET College
  • Thekwini TVET College
  • Umfolozi TVET College
  • Umgungundlovu TVET College

Application Strategy Tip

  • 1-2 Reach Programs: Ambitious choices where admission is highly competitive
  • 2-3 Match Programs: Programs where your profile aligns well
  • 1-2 Safety Programs: Programs where your marks exceed requirements

Step 5: Uploading Your Documents

Ensure scans or photos are clear, legible, and complete.

Commonly Required Documents

  • Certified copy of your ID document (certification within last 3-6 months)
  • Grade 11 final report/results
  • Latest Grade 12 results (March, June, or Trial exams)
  • NSC certificate (if you've completed Matric)
  • Power of Attorney form (downloadable from CAO website)

Document Photo/Scan Tips

  • Use good, even lighting — natural daylight is best
  • Place documents on a flat, contrasting surface
  • Hold your phone directly above to avoid distortion
  • Ensure the entire document is in the frame
  • Check for sharpness and readability before uploading

Step 6: Application Fee Payment & EasyPay

After submitting your application, the CAO system will provide payment instructions.

If you are selected for S.E.E. sponsorship:

Getting Your EasyPay Number

  • Complete all sections of your CAO online application
  • Submit your application as per the CAO instructions
  • The system will generate an EasyPay number — note it down carefully

Send only the following to S.E.E. via WhatsApp (064 878 4287):

Hi S.E.E., I have completed my CAO application for 2026 entry.
My EasyPay Number is: [Your CAO-generated EasyPay Number]
My full name is: [Your Full Name as per application]
Thank you.

Critical: For S.E.E. Sponsored Students

DO NOT send S.E.E. your:

  • Full ID number
  • CAO login username or password
  • Bank account details
  • Any other sensitive personal information

S.E.E. only requires your EasyPay number and full name for payment.

Step 7: Tracking Your Application

After submission and fee payment:

  • Regularly check your email — primary communication channel
  • Log in to your CAO account — monitor application status
  • Upload updated results — as you receive new academic results
  • Respond to offers — read all communications carefully

What to Expect After Applying

  • Status updates: "Awaiting Documents" → "Processing" → "Waiting for Decision"
  • Provisional offers may start from August/September onwards
  • Firm offers typically made after final Matric results in January
  • Be patient, but proactive in checking your status

Quick Application Checklist

Certified ID/Passport copy ready
Latest academic results ready
Accurate personal & contact information
Parent/guardian details (if applicable)
Researched & selected up to 6 course choices
All documents scanned/photographed clearly
EasyPay number noted (after submission)
Power of Attorney/Declaration form ready

Ready to Secure Your Future?

Don't delay! Start your CAO application as soon as applications open for 2026 entry.

Go to CAO Website Now

Application Timeline for 2026 Entry

Note: These are general timeframes. Always confirm specific dates on the official CAO website.

Around May 2025
Applications Open — CAO applications for the 2026 academic year typically open. Early application is encouraged.
Late August 2025
First Closing Dates — High-demand programs like Medicine close earlier. Check specific program deadlines.
Late September 2025
Major Closing Date — General deadline for most undergraduate programs at UKZN, DUT, MUT, UNIZULU.
Late October 2025
Final Closing Date — Last date for many programs before higher late application fees apply.
From November 2025
Late Applications — May still be accepted for some programs, usually with higher fees.
Oct — Dec 2025
Final Matric Exams — Grade 12s write final exams. Ensure results are submitted to CAO.
January 2026
Final Offers — NSC Matric results released. Institutions make final firm offers.
February 2026
Registration & Studies Begin — Successful applicants register and the academic year commences.

Frequently Asked Questions

With a single CAO application and fee, you can typically apply for up to 6 program choices across different KZN institutions. It's wise to use all or most of these choices strategically.

CAO usually offers a "Change of Mind" facility allowing you to amend choices online. There might be a small fee and specific periods when this is allowed. Always check the CAO website for current rules.

After sending your EasyPay number, we aim to process payment within 48-72 business hours. Verify by logging into your CAO account — the status should update to reflect payment received. S.E.E. may also send a confirmation message.

Commonly required: Certified ID copy, Grade 11 final results, latest Grade 12 results, Power of Attorney form (from CAO website), and NSC certificate if you've completed Matric. Check the current checklist on the CAO website.

Institutions communicate through the CAO system and your email. Check your email regularly (including spam) and log in to your CAO profile to view statuses. Provisional offers start from August/September, firm offers after January results.

Still apply on time! Universities understand these aren't final results. You can upload improved results later. Institutions will consider your best/latest results when making final decisions. Applying early secures your place in the system.

CAO may accept late applications with a higher fee. However, late applications are considered after on-time ones, and space is limited. Highly competitive programs may not accept late applications at all. Always apply before the initial deadlines.

By completing your own application: your data stays private, you receive communications directly, you gain valuable skills for future applications, and you take ownership of your educational journey. Our sponsorship removes financial barriers while you develop independence.

This guide is still a valuable resource for you! Follow all steps to complete your application independently. You'll need to pay the CAO application fee yourself (usually around R250-R300) using EasyPay, EFT, or online card payment.