How to Apply Through Central Applications Office South Africa for 2027

Applying to universities in South Africa for the 2027 academic year requires navigating the Central Applications Office (CAO). This guide provides a clear, step-by-step process to ensure your application is submitted correctly and on time. The CAO is crucial for securing your desired university placement, so understanding its procedures is key.

Important Note Before You Begin: The CAO only accepts one application per person for a specific entry year and term. If you have an active application, you can amend your programme choices for a fee of R140. This includes extending your application to a new entry year. Remember, fields marked with an asterisk (*) are compulsory for completing your application.

1. Preparation Before You Apply

Gathering all necessary documents and information beforehand will streamline your application process.

1.1 If You Are Currently in Grade 12:

• Your ID Number (found on your ID Document or Birth Certificate) or Passport Number.
• At least your Final Grade 11 results.
• Your Grade 12 June and/or Trials (September) results, if you have them, or as soon as you receive them.

1.2 If You Have Already Passed the Grade 12 Final Examinations:

• Your ID Number (found on your ID Document or Birth Certificate) or Passport Number.
• Your Final National Senior Certificate (NSC) results.

2. During Your Application: Completing Your Online Application

Follow these steps to complete your application online:

1. Go to the official CAO website: www.cao.ac.za
2. Click on the 'Apply' link located on the top navigation bar.
3. Read the initial information provided, then click 'Continue with Application'.
4. Enter your ID or Passport Number and click 'Submit'.
5. Review the next screen's information and click 'Continue with Application' again.
6. Enter ALL the requested personal details. Once done, click 'Next'.
7. Click on 'Continue with Online Application'.
8. A pop-up window will appear displaying your unique CAO number, password, and EasyPay number. Make sure to note these down. This essential information will also be sent to the email address you provided and is needed to track your application status later.

Please Note: You have not yet completed your application at this stage.

9. Click 'Continue with Online Application'.
10. Carefully follow all instructions, complete ALL remaining information on each page, and click 'Next' to move forward.
11. At the end, a summary of your application will be shown. Review it thoroughly. If any information is incorrect, click 'Edit' to make immediate corrections.
12. To officially submit your application, click on 'Process My Application' at the bottom of the page.

Your application has now been submitted.

13. You will receive a confirmation prompt stating, “Your Application has been successfully submitted to CAO,” indicating a successful submission.

3. Important Steps After Submitting Your Application

Even after submission, there are crucial steps to complete for your application to be processed fully.

3.1 Administration Fee and Supporting Documents:

• You can pay your administration fee online immediately after applying, or later. Alternatively, you can pay at any EasyPay Outlet. Refer to the 'Ways to Pay the Administration Fee' section on the CAO website for details.
• Submit or upload your supporting documents (e.g., ID, school results) at the same time you apply or afterwards. Use the 'Upload My Documents' icon on the Homepage.

3.2 If You Didn't Pay or Upload at Application Time:

If you did not pay the administration fee or upload your documents when you first applied, you must do so as soon as possible:

• Pay the administration fee online by clicking 'Payments' on the top menu bar, or via an EasyPay outlet.
• Upload your proof of payment AND all other supporting documents by clicking the 'Upload My Documents' icon on the CAO Homepage.

Note: The CAO Contact Centre will operate from 2 March to 30 November 2026. Applications for 2027 entry open on 1 March 2026. Apply as early as possible after this date to ensure prompt consideration.

4. How to Submit Your Supporting Documents

All supporting documents MUST BE UPLOADED on the CAO website (www.cao.ac.za).

4.1 Requirements to Login for Document Upload:

• Your CAO number or ID/Passport number.
• Access to the cell phone number entered on your application.
• Access to the email address entered on your application.
• Your documents saved individually as files on your computer or a memory stick.

4.2 Minimum Documents Required:

• Copy of your ID or Passport.
• Final Grade 11 Report (if you are currently in Grade 12), OR your highest qualification achieved.
• Copy of study/residence permit (for non-South African applicants).
• Proof of payment for the administration fee.
• Signed declaration and informed consent (especially if under 18).

4.3 Further Documents You May Need:

• June Grade 12 Report (as soon as received, if applicable).
• September/Trials Grade 12 Report (as soon as received, if applicable).
• Any other documents specifically requested by the institutions you are applying to (e.g., Academic Record).
• Power of Attorney document if you are over 18 and wish to allow another person to access your application information.

4.4 Uploading Documents on the CAO Website:

1. Go to www.cao.ac.za.
2. Click on the 'Upload My Documents' icon on the Home Page.
3. Read the instructions carefully for logging in.
4. Once logged in, follow the provided steps to upload each document. Enter related examination results where prompted.
5. Review to confirm you have uploaded the correct documents and entered correct results. If you are in Grade 12, entering your Life Orientation result is compulsory.
6. Once ready, click 'Submit My Documents'.

Important: Ensure you select the correct document type when uploading. Incorrect categorization may lead to your document being marked as 'not received/outstanding', potentially affecting your application's acceptance.