CAO 2026 Online Applications Now Open

The Central Applications Office (CAO) serves as the primary application processing center for numerous higher education institutions in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It streamlines the application process for prospective students aiming to enroll in undergraduate coures. As of 1 March 2025, the CAO has officially opened its online application portal for the 2026 academic year. 

This marks the commencement of the application cycle for students aspiring to begin their tertiary education in January 2026.

CAO 2026 Online Applications Now Open

CAO 2026 Application Opening and Closing dates

To ensure your application is processed smoothly, it's essential to be aware of the key dates and deadlines:

• Opening Date: The CAO online application opened on 1 March, 2025, for the 2026 intake.
• Closing Date: The general closing date for applications is 31 October 2025 (for MUT courses) and 30 September 2025 (for UKZN, DUT and UNIZULU courses). Applications received after this date will be considered late and incur additional fees.
• Late Applications: Late applications are accepted from 1 November 2025, onwards. However, it's important to note that certain courses, especially those with early assessment procedures like Medicine at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), have earlier closing dates. Always check course-specific closing dates on the CAO 2026 Handbook to ensure timely application.

Adhering to these timelines is crucial for securing a place in your desired course and institution. For a comprehensive overview of all important dates, including those for restricted-application courses and the Change of Mind facility, refer to the CAO's official timetable of events.

Universities You Can Apply For Through CAO for the 2026 Academic year

The Central Applications Office (CAO) facilitates applications to several universities in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). These institutions offer a diverse range of undergraduate courses:

• University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN): A leading institution offering comprehensive courses across various disciplines.
• Durban University of Technology (DUT): Renowned for its focus on technology and innovation, providing a wide array of courses.
• University of Zululand (UNIZULU): Offers diverse courses with a strong emphasis on research and community engagement.
• Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT): Specializes in technology-based courses, aiming to equip students with practical skills.

When applying through CAO, you can select up to six choices, allowing you to apply to multiple institutions simultaneously. It's advisable to consult the CAO 2026 Handbook for detailed information on available courses, entry requirements, and application procedures.

By utilizing the CAO system, you streamline your application process, increasing your chances of securing a place in your desired course within KZN's esteemed universities.

CAO 2026 Application Fees and How to Pay

To apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) for the 2026 academic year, applicants are required to pay an administration fee. The fee structure is as follows:

Early Application Fee:

• South African Applicants: R250
• International Applicants: R300

Late Application Fee (from November 1, 2025):

• South African Applicants: R470
• International Applicants: R580

Payment Methods

Applicants can choose from several payment options:

1. Online Payment via CAO Website:

• Visit the CAO website.
• Navigate to the 'Payments' section.
• Enter your unique CAO number.
• Select your payment method:
  • MyGate: Pay using a credit card.
  • EasyPay: Pay using a debit or credit card.
• Follow the prompts to complete your payment.

2. EasyPay Outlets:

• Visit any EasyPay outlet, such as Pick n Pay, Shoprite, Checkers, Boxer Supermarkets, or Woolworths.
• Provide the cashier with your unique EasyPay number.
• Pay the administration fee using cash, debit, or credit card.
• Retain the payment receipt for your records.

3. Credit or Debit Card Payment at CAO Office:

• Visit the CAO office in Durban.
• Present your unique CAO number.
• Pay the administration fee using a credit or debit card.
• Note: Cash payments are not accepted at the CAO office.

Important Notes:

• Ensure that payments are made using your correct and unique CAO number to avoid processing delays.
• The CAO does not accept cash payments at its office; only card payments are accepted.
• Once a payment is made for an application, funds cannot be transferred between applications.

For more detailed information, refer to the CAO's official payment guidelines.

CAO 2026 Application Required Documentation

When applying through the Central Applications Office (CAO) for the 2026 academic year, it's essential to submit all necessary documents to ensure your application is processed efficiently. All supporting documents must be uploaded via the CAO website; hard copies or emailed documents are not accepted.

Documents for South African Applicants:

1. Identity Verification:

• Certified copy of your South African ID or birth certificate.

2. Academic Records:

• Final Grade 11 results (if currently in Grade 12).
• Grade 12 June examination results (upload as soon as available).
• Grade 12 September/Trial examination results (upload as soon as available).

3. Additional Qualifications:

• Certified copy of your highest qualification if you're not currently in school.

Documents for International Applicants:

1. Identity and Legal Status:

• Certified copy of your passport.
• Study or residence permit.

2. Qualification Evaluation:

• South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) evaluation certificate, if applicable.

How to Apply for CAO 2026 Online Applications

Applying through the Central Applications Office (CAO) for the 2026 academic year is a streamlined process designed to help you secure a place at your chosen higher education institution. Follow these steps to complete your application:

1. Create an Account:

• Visit the CAO website.
• Click on the "Apply" button to register.
• Have your personal details, including your South African ID number or passport number, ready.
• Note: The CAO accepts only one application form per applicant for a specific entry year and term.

2. Select Your Courses:

• Choose up to 12 courses from the list of available courses.
• Research each course's requirements and deadlines on the CAO 2026 Handbook to ensure you meet all criteria.
• Remember, some courses, such as Medicine at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), have earlier closing dates (e.g., June 30, 2025).

3. Upload Supporting Documents:

• Log in to your CAO account.
• Ensure all documents are clear and legible; illegible documents could delay or jeopardize the selection process.

4. Pay the Application Fee

5. Monitor Your Application Status:

• Log in to your CAO account regularly to check for updates or additional requirements.
• Ensure you respond promptly to any communications from the CAO or your chosen institutions.

how to make a CAO 2026 Change of Mind request

The Change of Mind (COM) facility allows applicants to modify their course choices after the initial submission. This is particularly useful if:

1. You no longer wish to pursue a particular course.
2. One or more of your choices were unsuccessful.
3. An institution discontinues one of your course choices (this change is free).
4. You want to change the ranking order of your choices.
5. You wish to extend your application to the following entry year/term.

Procedure:

1. Access the COM Facility:

• Visit the CAO website.
• Click on the 'Change of Mind' icon on the homepage.

2. Log In:

• Read the on-screen instructions.
• Log in using your CAO application number and password.

3. Modify Course Choices:

• After logging in, select 'Change of Mind' from the left navigation bar.
• You'll see a list of your current course choices.
• Enter your new set of choices, ensuring you include any courses you wish to keep.
• Important: If you don't indicate which course choices to retain, those not specified will be withdrawn upon submission.

4. Review and Submit:

• Double-check that all choices are correct and in your desired ranking order.
• Once satisfied, click 'Process My Change of Mind' to submit your updates.

Important Considerations

When applying through the Central Applications Office (CAO) for the 2026 academic year, keep the following factors in mind:

• Course-Specific Deadlines: Some courses, especially those in high demand, may have earlier closing dates. For instance, Medicine at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) has a closing date of June 30, 2025.
• Application Fees: Be mindful of application fees and deadlines to avoid late fees.
• Document Preparation: Ensure all required documents are prepared and uploaded as per CAO guidelines.
• Institution-Specific Requirements: Each institution may have unique requirements or additional assessments. It's crucial to review the specific criteria of each course you're interested in.

Contact Information

• CAO Contact Details:
  • Phone: 031 268 4444
  • Email: [email protected]
• Member Institutions: For course-specific inquiries, contact the admissions office of the respective institution.
• NOTE: The CAO Contact Centre will be open from 3 March to 28 November 2025

Conclusion

Applying through the CAO simplifies the process of applying to multiple universities in KwaZulu-Natal. By adhering to deadlines, preparing necessary documents, and understanding each course's requirements, you can enhance your chances of securing a spot in your desired course. For comprehensive information, refer to the CAO 2026 Handbook.

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