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You are here: Home / Online Application / Apply through Central Applications Office (CAO)

Apply through Central Applications Office (CAO)

The Central Applications Office (CAO) is an organisation that helps with applications for admissions to institutions of higher learning such as most private colleges, universities and universities of technology in KwaZulu-Natal. It is a convenient and easy way to apply for higher learning because there is only one application involved and with that one application, you can apply for up to six programmes at any of the institutions of higher learning affiliated with the CAO. You only pay one application fee for all institutions.

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The universities under the CAO are Durban University of Technology (DUT), Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT), University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) and University of Zululand (UNIZULU).

The private colleges that are partnered with the CAO are AAA School of Advertising, Berea College of Technology, Berea Technical College, CTU Training Solutions, Central Technical College, Embury Institute of Higher Education, ICESA Education, iStudent, MANCOSA, Management and Leadership Academy, Pearson Institute of Higher Education, PAX College, Regent Business School, Richfield Graduate Institute of Technology, Rosebank College, Springfield FET College, and Varsity College Business School (Part-Time Division).

Four weeks after sending your application to the Central Application Office, you will receive an email acknowledging the receipt of the application and notifying you that they have processed it. It is important that you thoroughly read this email because it consists of all the details you specified in your application. Ensure that all the details are correct and up to date.

Although when you do not directly apply to the institutions of higher learning, the institutions will be the ones to contact you directly with the outcome of your application. The CAO may contact you with some information about your application but the only official communication regarding your application will come directly from the institution.  

When you apply to the CAO you will have to pay an application fee. The application fee is payable through EasyPay or online at www.cao.ac.za. The one-time fee is R250.00 and the late administration fee is R470.00. The CAO applications for 2022 are not yet open but keep your eye on www.cao.ac.za for the dates.

The CAO website has a list of all the programmes you can apply to so before applying, make sure that you know which programmes to apply to and what their entry requirements are. The programmes may be full time, part-time or distance learning.  If you find that you do not meet the entry requirements for the programmes of your choice, the CAO has Alternative Access, or Access Routes, which is another route to get into your preferred programmes. The Access Route Programmes take longer to complete. Not all programmes offer Alternative Access but have options for three or four-year programmes, dependent on the applicant’s final grade 12 results.

 Should you find that your application has been successful, do not fret because the Central Applications Office offers you a chance to submit your application for reconsideration. The Second Chance Application, or Change of Mind Application, requires you to submit a Change of Mind (COM) form which is available on the CAO website and it can also be requested from the CAO office. If you complete the Change of Mind form online, it will be processed immediately if it is sent through with the administration fee. If the Change of Mind form is completed online and the payment is sent through on EasyPay, it is processed the day after the administration fee has been received. Change of Mind forms are emailed, posted or hand-delivered to the CAO, they will be processed upon the receipt of the administration fee but may take as long as a few weeks before they are processed.

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How to Apply to the CAO

You can apply online by following the steps below:

  • Visit the CAO website by going to www.cao.ac.za.
  • Once the page has loaded, click on “Apply.”
  • Click on “Continue with Application” after reading the information carefully and ensuring that you understand it.
  • Type in your ID number and then click “Submit.”
  • At the bottom of the page, click on “Continue with Application.”
  • Enter your details as required. Double-check your details to make sure that you entered them accurately.
  • Go to “Continue with Application” and click on it.
  • A pop-up with your CAO number, password and EasyPay number will appear. An email with the same information will be sent and it is important that you read this information and do not delete it.
  • After you have read and understood the information, click on “Continue with Online Application.”
  • Read the instructions and complete all of the required details. Click on “Next.”
  •   Complete the “Next of Kin details” and click on “Next.”
  • Type in the name of the school and then search. After the name of the school has appeared, enter the year you started studying at the school and the year you left school.
  • Click on “Next.”
  • You will find a button with “Process My Application.” Click on it.
  • A message written, “Your Application Has Been Successful” will appear on your screen.
  • Submit your supporting documents and you may pay online.

If you want to apply using the app, follow the steps below:

  • Download the “Central Applications Office” app on Play Store or the App Store.
  • Follow the instructions and after you have submitted the application, go to the CAO website, www.cao.ac.za.
  • The supporting details must be uploaded and submitted on the CAO website.

To apply physically, follow the steps below:

  • Request an application form from your school or contacting the CAO on 086 086 0226 or send an email to formrequestcao@cao.ac.za or download them on the CAO website. You may also visit the CAO office at Gate 11, Mary Thiphe Street, Cato Manor.
  • Click on “Apply” after following the instructions.
  • Complete the required information and click on “Download an Application Form.”

Send the completed application form to the CAO by emailing it to formsreceivedcao@cao.ac.za.

Alternatively, you can post it to Private Bag X06, Dalbridge, 4014. You may also hand-deliver it to CAO, Gate 11, Mary Thiphe Street, Durban.

A hard copy application will be processed two weeks after the form and administration fee has been received.

Uploading Your Documents

The documents required are a copy of your identity document, a final grade 11 report if you are in grade 12 or your highest achieved qualification. You may also need to upload your grade 12 results and your academic record.

To upload your documents, you must:

  • Visit the Central Applications Office on www.cao.ac.za.
  • Click on “Upload My Documents.”
  • Carefully read the instructions and follow the steps.
  • Once you are certain you have attached all the necessary documents, click on “Submit My Documents.”

Source: www.cao.ac.za

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lungile says

    April 25, 2020 at 8:19 am

    When I can apply for 2021 , when did you publish application forms for 2021

  2. Nosipho says

    April 26, 2020 at 8:07 pm

    I want to apply using CAO for and I 24 points

  3. Nosipho says

    April 26, 2020 at 8:11 pm

    I want to apply using CAO for and I 24 points. When can I apply for 2021. And when would you publish application for 2021

  4. Nelisiwe says

    April 27, 2020 at 11:28 am

    mbathacn@gmail.com

  5. Busisiwe says

    May 2, 2020 at 5:29 am

    I would like to apply using Cao.
    My fear is that I don’t know if I can qualify for BEd. I have completed my N6 certificate and would like to study teaching.

  6. Philani says

    May 2, 2020 at 6:06 pm

    Iwanna study BEd_teaching at Unizulu but I don’t have cao form..so how should I apply?

  7. Sabelo masondo says

    May 3, 2020 at 1:57 am

    I want to apply for the Office administration,I have 25 points

  8. Siphesihle says

    May 5, 2020 at 8:28 am

    Is possible to apply 2021

  9. Langelihle Siyanda Mgenge says

    May 5, 2020 at 6:07 pm

    Is online application for 2021 already open,if not, when will it be open?

  10. Kwazi says

    May 5, 2020 at 8:25 pm

    Online applications

  11. Kwazi says

    May 5, 2020 at 8:27 pm

    I want to make online application for 2021

  12. Ncaza Kwanga says

    May 7, 2020 at 1:20 am

    I’m in need of school. I want to apply using CAO

  13. Andile Buthelezi says

    May 7, 2020 at 5:35 am

    Help guys m also desperately in need of going to school next year wanna do teaching

  14. Siya says

    May 10, 2020 at 8:22 pm

    When will the CAO applications be open for 2021?

  15. Gugu says

    May 23, 2020 at 5:05 am

    I need to apply for next I don’t know which course will suit my points I have24 points

  16. Namhla says

    May 25, 2020 at 2:33 am

    I want to do Bachelor in Education but have level 4 in maths literacy and 33 points..will I qualify for B ed..in ukzn

  17. Anonymous says

    May 26, 2020 at 3:21 pm

    Which documents are needed for international applicants if they want to apply using CAO

  18. Xolani mfekayi says

    May 26, 2020 at 8:59 pm

    I want to apply at mut i have 22 points,i dont knw weather i qualify for HR

  19. Lynn says

    May 27, 2020 at 7:23 am

    I want to apply using CAO but I don’t know what is needed for me to apply bcoz I’m not a South African . I want to study bachelor degree in social work or development studies .

  20. Vumile Phumula Princess says

    June 2, 2020 at 8:26 pm

    please help I want to apply for human resource at any universities I have n6 in financial management and also have 22 points

  21. Nonhlanhla Charmaine Mnguni says

    June 7, 2020 at 10:51 pm

    Please help me I want to apply for Human Resource.I have 23 points.

  22. Nontethelelo hale ntuli says

    June 10, 2020 at 9:02 pm

    Plz I want to applay I hv n5 educare

  23. Mandisa Nomvelo says

    June 12, 2020 at 7:50 am

    when can i Apply for cao i have 24 points

  24. Peloletu says

    June 15, 2020 at 12:00 pm

    I want a school to study

  25. Peloletu says

    June 15, 2020 at 12:02 pm

    I want to apply for higher certificate in education I have 23 points

  26. nqobile says

    June 15, 2020 at 2:42 pm

    I want to apply for 2021 at any university for teaching
    Plz help

  27. Nomthandazo says

    June 15, 2020 at 3:04 pm

    I want to apply online at DUT and i want to study a teaching cause,I have 28 points so how can i apply?

  28. Hlengiwe says

    June 16, 2020 at 6:46 pm

    Hi please assist with a CAO Form I’d like to apply for next year studies.
    My email address is hlengiwekhuzwayo174@gmail.com

  29. Ntokozo MAPHUMULO says

    June 18, 2020 at 1:10 am

    Hey I want to apply to UJ with 32 points please assist me with CAO form

  30. Sbongakonke mbhele says

    June 20, 2020 at 12:29 am

    I want to apply with 43 point

  31. musa says

    June 20, 2020 at 10:31 am

    I Want a Application Form I Need To Request My Application

  32. sihle says

    June 20, 2020 at 11:03 pm

    i wanna apply

  33. Mbali says

    June 21, 2020 at 11:06 am

    I like to apply using cap so what must I do to choose career

  34. Mbali says

    June 21, 2020 at 11:08 am

    I like to apply using cao and choosing career

  35. Mayenziwe says

    June 23, 2020 at 3:44 am

    How to applay online using CAO please help

  36. musa says

    June 25, 2020 at 7:04 pm

    I Want To Do Marketing Management Next Year Where Is Cao Application Form

  37. Nomvula says

    June 27, 2020 at 7:23 am

    Hi please assist with online form i wanna apply to cao
    nomvulamanzini.p@gmail.com

  38. sindiswa says

    June 27, 2020 at 6:41 pm

    I want to make an application for 2021 how do i apply

  39. Phakama says

    June 28, 2020 at 7:26 am

    How can I apply online for 2021

  40. Ntandokazi says

    June 28, 2020 at 2:14 pm

    How can i get a number of cao to apply

  41. Lindelwa says

    July 4, 2020 at 8:11 pm

    Registration Form

  42. Than is ngcongo says

    July 12, 2020 at 6:25 pm

    How can I apply online for 2021

  43. Khanyisani Mbatha says

    July 16, 2020 at 10:15 pm

    How can I apply online?

  44. Yolanda says

    July 24, 2020 at 6:09 am

    Can you please help me for online application

  45. ayisha nyembezi says

    September 4, 2020 at 9:33 am

    hi can I hv application form in my email for CAO

  46. Zanele Mthembu says

    September 6, 2020 at 12:37 pm

    How to apply online using CAO

  47. Sthembile says

    September 30, 2020 at 6:21 pm

    I didn’t get any message that says that ipaid cao money

  48. Andisiwe Makhoba says

    November 19, 2020 at 12:14 pm

    Hi I want to do change of mind I already applied with cao,I want to make GIS my first choice can you please help.

  49. Busisiwe says

    February 9, 2021 at 4:02 pm

    Iwant to apply guyz plz help

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