1. How do I check the progress of my application?

Check the status of your application on our website www.cao.ac.za by clicking on the 'Check My Application' icon on the homepage or contact our Call Centre on 031-268 4444 during office hours Monday-Thursday from 08h00-16h30 and Friday from 08h00 – 14h00.

1. When do I submit a Change of Mind (COM)?

A Change of Mind (COM) is submitted when you want to change your study choices.

1.1. This normally happens when:

• You no longer want to do a particular programme or programmes
• One or more of your programme choices has been unsuccessful
• An institution discontinues one of your programme choices (This change is free)
• You want to change the ranking of your programme choices
• You want to extend/carry forward your application into the next entry year/term

💡 COMs can only be submitted if you have applied and fully paid for your application in the applicable entry year/ term

NOTE: Make sure that you enter all your programme choices in the ranking order that you wish them to appear. Ensure that you also include the programme choices that you wish to keep from your existing programme choices, before committing your changes to avoid unnecessary costs.

🚨 IMPORTANT: If you do not carry forward the programmes choices you wish to keep on your application, those programmes choices will be withdrawn once your COM is submitted

2. How do I change my programme choices?

• All changes to programme choices must be completed online via our website www.cao.ac.za
• Click on the 'Change of Mind' icon on the homepage or select the available option from the '2025 Digital Walk-Ins' tab
• Follow the prompts to Login
• Once you have logged into your profile, select 'Change of Mind' from the left navigation bar
• You will be presented with a list of your current programme choices.
• Select the new programme choices as you would now like them to appear.

Take special note of the guidelines to assist you enter your programme information correctly before submitting AND Make sure that you enter all your programme choices in the ranking order that you wish before submitting your changes to avoid unnecessary costs

2.6.1 If you have and know your programme code:

• Enter the six-character code as per the example on screen. Click on 'Add' and repeat until you have added all your programme choices up to a maximum of 6

2.6.2 If you know your programme name only:

• a. Enter the 'Programme Name' in field provided on screen
• b. Select a specific institution if you have a preference or leave 'All Institutions' to see which institutions offer the programme
• c. Click on 'Search'
• d. Click on 'Add' next to the programme you wish to add
• e. Repeat steps indicated in points a-d above until you have captured all your programmes
• f. Click on 'Search'
• g. Click on 'Add' next to the programme you wish to add
• h. Repeat steps (a-g) until you have added all your programme choices (maximum of 6 choices)

2.6.3 If you don't know the programme code or name and want to see the programmes that are available:

• Click on 'Available Programmes' on our website and select 'Programme List' from the left navigation bar to view the programmes available by using the drop-down menu options for institution/faculty/campus or career direction
• Click on 'Next'

🔔 Check that the programme choices you have added are in the correct order you wish for it to be processed on your application

2.7 Once you have checked click on 'Process my Change of Mind'

YOUR CHANGE OF MIND HAS NOW BEEN SUBMITTED✅

2.8 Click on Pay now by Credit card to immediately pay the change of mind fee online.

If you choose to pay online at a later stage, click on 'Payments' on the top navigation bar, select your payment option 'Mygate' to pay by Visa or Mastercard or 'EasyPay' to pay by debit or credit card. You can also pay at any EasyPay outlet e.g. Shoprite, Checkers or Pick n Pay. Your EasyPay Number will be provided on screen, use this as a reference when making payment.

2.9. Once payment reflects on our system the next business day your change of mind will be processed and made available to the institution(s).

🚨 For your Change of Mind to be made available to the institutions to which you have applied we must have received your COM Administration fee of R140.

1. How much does is the late administration fee cost?

Are you South African?	Late Administration fee
Yes	R470
No	R580

2. How much does the COM administration fee cost?

• R140 per submission

3. How do I pay my administration fee for my CAO Application and/or COMs?

You can pay both administration fees Online via credit or debit card OR at any EasyPay outlet

3.1 Online payment option

Option 1

• Click on 'Payments' on the top menu bar
• Enter your CAO number and Click 'Make Payment'
• Select the applicable payment option i.e. 'MyGate' to pay by credit card or 'EasyPay' to pay by debit / credit card

Option 2

• Click the 'Check My Application' icon on the Homepage
• Enter your CAO or ID number and click 'Submit'
• Click 'Make a payment' to pay by credit card or Click 'Here' to pay by debit /credit card using the Easypay website
• Follow the prompts on screen

3.2. At an EasyPay Outlet

You can pay for your application and/or change of mind administration fee at any EasyPay outlet, e.g. Shoprite, Checkers, Pick n Pay, Boxer, Woolworths, etc. using your unique EasyPay Number as the reference when making any payment. Please view your welcome email which contains your Unique EasyPay Number should you require further assistance, please contact our Call Centre on 031-268 4444 during Office Hours Monday-Thursday from 08h00-16h30 and Friday from 08h00 – 14h00

3.3. When can I pay online for my change of mind application?

You may pay the COM administration fee immediately after Submitting the COM. After you click 'Process my Change of Mind', a message will appear telling you how you may pay the administration fee. (Refer to 3.1 for Options on how to pay online)

4. Can I make payment at your office?

You can ONLY make payment online at www.cao.ac.za or at any EasyPay Outlet. Our offices are currently unavailable for face-to-face engagement with the public.

5. I have been receiving messages to pay but I have made payment. What must I do?

If you haven't paid the full CAO administration fee, you will keep getting reminder messages about the payment until the remaining amount is paid. You need to pay the outstanding balance so that your application can be sent to the institutions for selection.

6. I have paid my administration fee today, what happens next?

Your payment will only show on our system on the next business day. Once we receive it, your application will be sent to the institutions you applied to.

7. I have paid the full administration fee, but received another message to pay?

Please forward your proof of payment to paymentscao@cao.ac.za in order for us to assist you.

8. I overpaid in error, I would like to request for a refund.

You may email your request and banking details to paymentscao@cao.ac.za in order to process your request. Please be advised that a 10% handling fee will be deducted from your payment for administration and bank charges.

9. I paid on my old CAO application; can I use this payment for my new application?

Yes, you can email your request to paymentscao@cao.ac.za to transfer your payment from your old CAO number to the new one

10. I paid to the university in error; can I use this payment for my CAO application?

Please forward your proof of payment to paymentscao@cao.ac.za to verify and assign to your application. Kindly quote your CAO reference number and check that the payment made to the member university is sufficient to cover the CAO administration fee.

11. I have been having trouble paying online. Please assist?

We apologise for the inconvenience. To assist you identify why this error is occurring please check the following:

• Are you entering the correct credit / debit card number and expiry date?
• Did you enter the correct OTP number that was sent to you either by SMS or email to authenticate your transaction?
• Did you refresh the web page whilst the transaction was being processed?

We hope that some of the above reasons provided will assist you with a successful transaction. Alternatively, you can pay at any EasyPay outlet, e.g. Shoprite, Checkers, Pick n Pay, Boxer, Woolworths, etc. (Please use your same unique EasyPay Number as the reference when making payment)

12. Where can I get my EasyPay number from as I need to make a payment?

Your EasyPay number was sent to you via email when you applied, along with your CAO Number and password. You can also find your EasyPay number in some letters sent to you from CAO e.g. Payment Outstanding, Acknowledgement or Summary letter. If you can't find it, you are welcome to contact our Call Centre on 031-268 4444 during office hours from 08h00-16h30 (Monday to Friday) for assistance with your EasyPay number

13. Will I be accepted if I pay now?

Your application will be made available to the institutions to which you have applied once the FULL CAO administration fees are received. Although programmes have already closed and some are already full, institutions to which you have applied may still consider your application. The institutions have full and final responsibility for selection and admission decisions and NOT THE CAO. Once the institutions have made a decision you will be notified. You can also check the progress of your application on our website on www.cao.ac.za by clicking on the “Check My Application” icon on the homepage and entering either your CAO or ID number.

1. Which institutions are currently accepting applications?

You can still apply for 2026 Jan/Feb Entry to DUT, MUT, UKZN, UNIZULU and all private colleges.

Note: DUT, UKZN & UNIZULU are accepting new applications and COM's for selected programmes.

2. Is UKZN & DUT still accepting applications and change of minds?

UKZN will ONLY accept new applications or change of minds up to 10 December 2025. DUT will ONLY accept new applications or change of minds up to 31 December 2025. You may still apply to other institutions such as MUT, UNIZULU and private colleges.

3. What programmes aretill accepting applications?

You can still apply for selected programmes at DUT and UNIZULU. For a list of available programmes click on 'Available Programmes' on the homepage OR '2026 Digital Walk-Ins' on the top navigation bar. Thereafter click on available programmes for more info.

4. How can I apply?

All applications must be completed and submitted online at www.cao.ac.za

• Go to our website, click '2025 Digital Walk-Ins' and then the available options to Apply
• Follow prompts to complete your application and click on 'Process My Application' to submit your application
• For a detailed guide on how to submit your application online, please refer to the 2026 Digital Walk-ins Guide

By applying and paying online:

• Your application is immediately available to the institution/s to which you have applied
• You will receive your Acknowledgement Letter within 24 hours

By applying online and paying at an EasyPay Outlet:

• Your application is available to the institution/s to which you have applied as soon as confirmation of your payment is received, which is the day after you have paid the administration fee at the EasyPay outlet, e.g. Shoprite, Pick N Pay, Checkers, Boxer, Woolworths, etc.
• You will receive your Acknowledgement Letter within 24 hours after confirmation of payment is received.

The late administration fee applies. South African citizens must pay R470 and International applicants must pay R580.

5. How long will it take to process my application?

On receipt of your complete application and full administration fee, your application is made available immediately to institutions for selection decisions.

6. I cannot log back into my profile, I lost my password. What do I do?

a) To reset your password, click 'Login'.
The system will request that you enter your CAO Number, ID Number and Surname provided on your online application. You will also be required to enter a verfication code that will be sent to you by email or SMS
b) Once the system verifies your details, you will receive your password via email or SMS based on the option you selected,
c) Please note that this is a temporary password and is only valid for 24 Hours. You are required to use the 'Change Password' functionality to set a permanent password once you have logged in

7. When will institutions respond to my application?

Institutions are currently making selection decisions. To keep up to date with any changes on your application you can check the status of your application by clicking on the 'Check My Application' link on the homepage or please contact our Call Centre on 031-268 4444 during Office Hours 08h00-16h30 (Monday to Friday) Alternatively, you may contact the institution directly to follow up. If you wish to check the status of your UKZN choices then you must visit their website UKZN for more details.

8. Who makes selection decisions?

The institutions have full and final responsibility for selection and admission decisions, not the CAO.

9. How will I know if I have been selected?

If you have given us your preferred email address or cell phone number, we will send you a message when a decision is made on any of your programme choices. As soon as you are made an offer, we will write to you. Some institutions may also directly send you letters or messages informing you of your offer. Make sure that CAO has your correct contact information so that you do not miss any important information from institutions you have applied to. If your contact details have changed, update your details online at www.cao.ac.za. Click on 'Update My Details' and follow prompts to login to update your details. You can also check the status of your application on our website by clicking the 'Check My Application' icon on the homepage or please contact our Call Centre on 031-268 4444 during Office Hours Monday-Thursday from 08h00-16h30 and Friday from 08h00 – 14h00.

10. How do I accept an offer?

You will receive documentation from the institution giving you the offer and the steps you need to follow. You may contact them directly after you have received the documentation. It is important to accept or decline an offer directly to the institution as soon as possible within the deadlines provided. If you do not accept the offer by the deadline, your offer may be withdrawn.

11. How do I pay my acceptance deposit?

If you are asked to pay an acceptance deposit to secure the place you have been offered, you must pay the acceptance deposit directly to the institution. Please DO NOT pay the acceptance deposit to the CAO.

12. What happens after I have accepted an offer?

Once you have accepted a place and paid the deposit requested, the institution should send you details of registration. You can also check institution websites and watch the press for registration dates.

13. I have been regretted and want to know why?

To be considered you must first meet the minimum entry requirements as stipulated by the institution. E.g. Check if your points, subjects, levels and pass type achieved meets the minimum requirements. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee you placement at an institution. Final decisions are made by Institutions. Should you require further clarity, please contact the institution directly regarding the regret you have received. You may change your programme choices by completing a Change of Mind online.

14. I've been unsuccessful with my application at UKZN, what can I do?

If you have received "Regret" messages from UKZN you can change your UKZN choices for an available programme at another institution. If you wish to change to another choice at UKZN then you may contact the institution directly.

15. How do I change/update my contact information?

All changes/updates to contact information must be processed online. To update your details:

• a. Go to our website www.cao.ac.za and click the 'Update My Details' icon
• b. Enter your CAO number and password to 'Login'
• c. Follow the onscreen prompts and once logged in you will be presented with menu options on the left navigation bar
• d. Select the information field/s that you would like to update
• e. Once you have captured your updated information, select 'Summary details' to review your changes. Your current and updated information will be displayed side by side for checking
• f. Once you are happy that the updates have been made correctly, click 'Process My Updates' to submit your changes
• g. A message will be displayed on screen to indicate that your updates have been processed
• h. Click 'Logout' once completed

16. I need funding, what can I do?

You may apply to the FUNZA LUSHAKA Bursary Scheme which opened on 7 October 2025 and closes on 24 January 2026.

NOTE: NSFAS funding opened on 17 September 2025 and closed on 15 November 2025.

17. I need residence, what must I do?

You can indicate your residence preference online until the 31st October by clicking 'Update My Details' and follow prompts on screen. After 31st October, contact institutions directly should you have any queries.

18. What do the different statuses mean?

• Waiting for a Decision: The institution has not yet considered your application.


• Awaiting Results: The institution is waiting for further results (e.g., June or Trial results) before making a decision on your application.


• Short-listed, Standby and Wait-listed: The institution is considering your application but has not yet decided whether they will be able to offer you a place.


• Entrance Test and Interview: The programme has special selection procedures. Institutions should contact you with details of the date, time and venue. You may need to follow up with the institution directly.


• Firm Offer: You are offered a place by the institution. This may be withdrawn if you do not indicate that you want to accept the place or if your final results are not as good as your earlier results.


• Conditional Offer: the institution will accept you provided that you meet the requirements. Where space is limited, these may be higher than the minimum requirements for the programme published in this Handbook. Some programmes may conduct assessment tests at registration. The conditional offer may be withdrawn if you do not indicate that you want to accept the place or if your final results are not as good as your earlier results.


• Please Supply HESA/SAQA Evaluation: The institution requires a HESA/SAQA evaluation of the foreign exam results you may have written.


• Please Supply Academic Record: The institution requires a copy of your academic record from your current or previous study at tertiary level.


• Late Application: Your application was received after the closing date for the programme. Each institution deals with late applications in different ways. Refer to the institution's prospectus for further info.


• Has not Met Programme Ranking Criteria: You do not meet the institution's specific criteria. Refer to the institution's prospectus for further information.


• Regret Unsuccessful: The institution has decided not to offer you a place for whatever reason according to their selection processes.


• Unsuccessful Following Placement Test/Interview: the institution has decided not to offer you a place following the entrance test you wrote or the interview you attended. There are also a number of messages the institution can use to tell you that they are unable to offer you a place.


• Programme Closed: No further applications will be considered.


• Refer for a decision: Applicant to contact the institution.


• Registered: Applicant has registered with DUT

19. When I checked the status of my application it says that I still have results outstanding, but I have submitted all my documents?

The institutions have yet to review your application since you submitted your documents. You may follow up with the institution directly.

20. When I checked the status of my application it still says 'has not met programme ranking criteria' for my first choice even though I did a Change of Mind and re-ranked my programme choices?

The institutions have yet to review your application since you submitted your change of mind. You may follow up with the institution directly.

21. Will NSFAS pay for my studies?

If you submitted an application to NSFAS you need to contact them directly regarding funding to find out whether your application was approved.

22. When I check with CAO, they say my application is waiting for a decision but UKZN says that I have an offer or have been regretted?

UKZN is currently making selections decisions and contacting applicants directly regarding their applications. Please liaise directly with UKZN regarding your UKZN programme choices. You may also visit the UKZN website and view the status of your UKZN programmes.

23. Institutions have already started registration, but my choices are still pending?

Institutions are currently still making selections decisions. Please liaise directly with the institution.

24. Why was I regretted before my final results were released because I have now met the requirements for my programme choices?

The institutions have full and final responsibility for selection and admission decisions, not the CAO. To follow up on your application you may contact the institution directly regarding the selection decision.

25. Can the university relook at my application as I now meet the requirements?

Please liaise directly with the institution.

26. When are institutions having registration?

Check the institutions website and watch the press for details. If you are offered a place the institution will contact you directly.

27. Can we come through to your office, we want to make payment by card OR we want to submit a COM OR we want assistance with our online application OR we want to submit documents?

The CAO is open BUT our offices are closed for face-to-face engagement with the public until further notice. Our website (www.cao.ac.za) is optimised to cater for all your application needs. Click on the '2026 January Walk-Ins' tab on the top navigation bar to access the available features. Alternatively, we are also able to assist you with any of your queries telephonically. You may contact the CAO Call Centre on 031 268 4444 during office hours Monday-Thursday from 08h00-16h30 and Friday from 08h00 – 14h00

1. How do I apply online?

• Click on the '2026 Digital Walk-Ins Info' tab on the top navigation bar on the Home Page
• Enter your ID number and click 'Submit'
• Read the information and click 'continue with application'
• Enter All the information requested.
• Once you have entered all the information requested, click 'Next'
• Click 'Continue with online application'

A pop-up will appear with your CAO Number, Password and EasyPay Number. The same information will also be sent to the email address you provided. This information is important in case you want to access your information at a later date.

🚨 PLEASE NOTE: YOU HAVE NOT YET COMPLETED YOUR APPLICATION

• Click 'Continue with Online Application'
• Follow the instructions on screen to complete ALL information requested
• Click 'Next'
• Enter the requested information until you complete the application
• Check the information provided in the Summary of your application
• Click the 'Process My Application' button at the end of the page

YOUR APPLICATION HAS NOW BEEN SUBMITTED ✅

• A message will be displayed on screen informing you that your submission has been successful

2. You can now upload your supporting documents and pay online OR pay at an EasyPay Outlet

The Late administration fee for South African citizens is R470-00 and Internationals is R580-00. Once your Administration fee has been received, your application will be made available to the institutions to which you have applied to. I did not complete my application, my session timed out. What must I do OR the electricity cut when I was doing my application now I don't know what to do? To complete your online application you must:

• Go to our website: www.cao.ac.za
• Click on 'Login'
• Enter your CAO Number and Password and select 'Login'
• Select 'Continue with online application' on the left navigation bar
• Follow the instructions onscreen and complete ALL the information requested then click 'Next'
• When you reach 'Process My Application', click on the button once you have checked your information

YOUR APPLICATION HAS NOW BEEN SUBMITTED✅

• The message on your screen will display that your submission has been successful.
• You can now upload your supporting documents and pay online OR via EasyPay

3. How do I add / select programmes in the online application?

You can add/ select programmes in the online application by:

• a) Entering the six character course code if you know/have it and click 'Add' OR
• b) Use the 'Programme Search' to search for the programmes you are looking for

If you are using the 'Programme Search' option: You can type part of the programme name that you are looking for, eg. Civil for Civil Engineering and use the 'Institution' drop down menu listing to select all institutions or a specific institution and click 'Search' If you want to see all the available programmes at an institution:

• Select that institution name from the list and click 'Search'
• The 'Search Results' will then be presented in a table/grid at the bottom of the page.
• To select a programme from the list, click on the 'Add' option next to the course code.
• Once you have added all the programmes you want to apply for, click on 'Next' at the bottom right to continue with the application.
• Please remember to click on the 'Process my Application' button at the very end to submit your application.
• Thereafter, you can upload your supporting documents and pay the R470 administration fee online OR at any EasyPay outlet, eg. Shoprite, Checkers, Pick 'n Pay, etc.

1. How do I use the Programme List Section?

Click on the 'Available Programmes' Tab on our website and select 'Programme List' from TEST the left navigation bar to view the programmes available by using the drop-down menu options for institution/faculty/campus or career direction. Alternatively, you can enter a programme name/code if you are looking for a particular programme and click on 'Submit' Each programme has entry requirements for different examination types (i.e. Senior Certificate, NSC, N3, etc.). To view the minimum programme entry requirements for a programme, you have to enter your school leaving exam type. Once you have looked through the available programmes and have decided on the programmes you wish to apply for, please login here and complete your online application.

2. How do I search for a Programme in a Specific Field?

To view the programmes available in e.g. 'Public Management' go to www.cao.ac.za

• Click on the 'Programmes' tab at the top of the page
• Select 'Programme List' on the left navigation bar
• Type PUBLIC in the 'Programme Name' field
• Click on 'Submit'

A grid will then be displayed at the bottom of the screen with the various programmes available. You can click on the numbers below the grid (i.e. 1,2, 3 etc) to view more programmes and if you want to view the programme entry requirements for a specific programme, click on the 'Select' option located on the left hand side of the programme row/line.

1. How do I upload my documents?

Go our website www.cao.ac.za and click on the '2026 Digital Walk-ins' tab on the top navigation bar. Select the option to upload your documents. To login to upload your documents, you must have the following:

• a) CAO/ID Number or Passport Number AND
• b) Cellphone (with cell number entered on your application) OR
• c) Access to your e-mail (which was entered on your application)

You must have your document/s saved in a file on your computer or on a memory stick/flash drive and each document must be saved individually to upload to the respective document type that you are submitting.

• a) Once you have logged in select the document type you want to upload
• b) Enter the information requested e.g. exam year, exam authority etc.
• c) Click on 'Choose file' and select the document that you saved
• d) Click on 'Next'
• e) If you have uploaded an exam result you will be prompted to enter your results. Once you have entered your results click on 'Next'
• f) You will be provided with a summary of the information you have provided to check
• g) Click on 'Submit my documents'
• h) You will then receive a confirmation on screen that your documents have been uploaded successfully

2. Do I have to upload my Final Grade 11 and Grade 12 results now that I have my NSC results?

No, you do not have to upload your Final grade 11 and grade 12 results. You must upload a certified copy of your ID and your NSC results, if we request you to do so.

1. I cannot log back into my profile, I lost my password. What do I do?

To reset your password, click on 'Login' The system will request for you enter your CAO Number, ID Number and Surname provided on your online application. You will also be required to enter a verification code that will be sent to you by email or SMS Once the system verifies your details, you will receive your password via email or SMS based on the option you selected, Please note that this is a temporary password and is only valid for 24 Hours. You are required to use the 'Change Password' functionality to set a permanent password once you have logged in

2. I did not complete my application, my session timed out. What must I do?

• Go to our website www.cao.ac.za
• Click on 'Login'
• Enter your CAO Number and Password and select 'Login' (this information would have been emailed to the email address you provided on your application)
• Select 'Continue with online application' on the left navigation bar.
• Follow the instructions onscreen and complete ALL the information requested then click 'Next'
• When you reach 'Process My Application', click on the button once you have checked your information

YOUR APPLICATION HAS NOW BEEN SUBMITTED ✅

• The message on your screen will display that your submission has been successful.
• You may now upload your supporting documents, and you may pay online OR via EasyPay

3. I keep getting an error message and cannot get past the biographical information page. Why?

Most fields in the online application are compulsory and must be completed. If the system alerts you of incomplete fields in the online application, please scroll to the top of the page to check if the system identified the field that is missing and enter the information required. Once you have completed all fields and sections, you will be presented with a 'summary' page showing you all the information you entered. At this point, you must click on the 'Process my Application' button at the bottom of the page.

4. I cannot select my subject when entering my results online

Please try a partial word search for the subject e.g., Math for Mathematics. A refined subject list will be displayed on screen for you to select your subject

5. I cannot enter my results online?

Please ensure that you uploaded your document for the relevant exam type. Only then will the system present the associated exam type for you to select

6. I get the error 'You have not entered enough subjects' when capturing my results

Please ensure that you have selected the correct document type for the results you are capturing and that you capture all your subjects and marks as they appear on the school report or statement of results. It is compulsory to capture your Life Orientation mark.

7. I cannot Update My Application. Why?

Ensure that all mandatory fields are completed. If the error persists, click on ‘report an error’ which is located at the bottom right hand corner of the webpage. Once the error has been logged, an agent will investigate and respond to your query.