CAO Application 2027 Online: Dates, Fees & Step-by-Step Guide

Key Takeaways

• One Application, Six Choices: The CAO allows you to apply for up to six different study programmes across multiple institutions in KwaZulu-Natal using just one online form.
• Opening Date: The online portal for the 2027 academic year officially opens on 1 March 2026.
• Application Fee: South African citizens pay a single, non-refundable administration fee of R250 if they apply on time (before 31 October 2026).
• Late Applications Cost More: If you apply after the 31 October deadline, the application fee nearly doubles to R470.
• Strict Early Deadlines: Highly competitive courses, such as Medicine (MBChB) at UKZN, close very early on 30 June 2026. No late applications are accepted for these courses.

If you are planning to study in the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province of South Africa next year, you must understand how the Central Applications Office (CAO) works. Applying to university can be a stressful and expensive process, especially if you have to pay separate application fees and fill out different forms for every single institution.

The CAO solves this problem. It is a centralized system that allows you to apply to multiple public universities and private colleges in KZN at the exact same time. Whether you want to study at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), the Durban University of Technology (DUT), or Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT), you will do it all through the CAO application 2027 online portal.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explain exactly when the portal opens, how much the application costs, which institutions are part of the system, and provide a clear, step-by-step walkthrough to ensure your digital application is successful.

What is the Central Applications Office (CAO)?

The Central Applications Office (CAO) is the only organization authorized to recruit and process undergraduate applications for public universities and most private colleges in KwaZulu-Natal.

Instead of going to the UKZN website, then going to the DUT website, and applying twice, you simply go to the CAO website. You fill out one digital form, pay one administration fee, and you can choose up to six different study programmes. The CAO then electronically forwards your application and your high school marks to the specific universities you chose. The universities will review your academic record and make the final decision on whether to accept you.

It is important to note that the CAO does not decide if you get accepted. They only process the paperwork and ensure the universities receive your files.

Which Institutions Use the CAO?

Not every university in South Africa uses the CAO. If you want to apply to the University of Johannesburg (UJ) or the University of Pretoria (UP), you must apply on their direct websites. The CAO is strictly for institutions based in KwaZulu-Natal.

Below is a table outlining the major public universities and popular private colleges that you can apply to using the CAO application 2027 online system.

Participating Institutions for 2027

Institution Type	Name of University or College
Public Universities	University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
	Durban University of Technology (DUT)
	Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT)
	University of Zululand (UNIZULU)
Private Colleges	Eduvos (KZN Campuses)
	MANCOSA
	Regent Business School
	STADIO (KZN Campuses)
	Berea Technical College
	Richfield Graduate Institute of Technology

Important Dates for the CAO Application 2027

Timing is everything when applying to university. The CAO system operates on a very strict academic calendar. If you apply late, not only will you pay a higher penalty fee, but many of the popular courses will already be completely full.

• Applications Open: 1 March 2026.
• Early Closing Date (UKZN Medicine): 30 June 2026.
• On-Time Closing Date: 31 October 2026.
• Late Applications Begin: 1 November 2026.

You must always check the specific closing dates for the exact degree you want to study. For example, while the CAO on-time deadline is the end of October, many universities close their Health Sciences, Nursing, and Education faculties in September.

The Costs: CAO Application Fees for 2027

One of the best features of the CAO is that it saves you money. Paying one single fee covers your application to six different courses. However, the CAO has a strict “On-Time” and “Late” fee structure.

You must pay this fee before your application will be processed and sent to the universities.

CAO Application Fee Structure for 2027

Application Category	Fee Amount (ZAR)	Important Notes
South African Citizens (On-Time)	R250	Paid before 31 October 2026.
International Applicants (On-Time)	R300	Paid before 31 October 2026.
Late Application Fee (SA Citizens)	R470	If you apply on or after 1 November 2026.
Late Application Fee (International)	R580	If you apply on or after 1 November 2026.
Change of Mind Fee	R140	If you want to change or swap your six choices after submitting your application.

How to Pay: You can pay securely online using a credit or debit card on the CAO website. Alternatively, you can use EasyPay at retail stores like Pick n Pay, Shoprite, or Checkers. You must always use your unique CAO Number as the payment reference. Do not use your ID number.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Complete the CAO Application 2027 Online

Applying online is the fastest, safest, and most reliable way to secure your university spot. Ensure you have clear PDF scans of your ID document and your latest academic results (Grade 11 final report or your Matric certificate) saved on your device before you begin.

Follow these exact steps:

Step 1: Visit the Official CAO Website

Open your web browser and go directly to www.cao.ac.za. Click on the “Apply” button prominently displayed on the homepage. Read through the introductory information and click “Continue with Application”.

Step 2: Start a New Application

The system will ask for your South African ID number (or passport number if you are an international applicant). Enter it and click submit. The system will recognize that you are a new applicant and will prompt you to enter your details.

Step 3: Enter Your Biographical Information

Fill in your names, surname, contact details, and physical address. Ensure your email address and cellphone number are correct. The CAO and the universities will use this exact email to send you your admission offers.

Step 4: Select Your Six Programme Choices

This is the most important step. You are allowed to select up to six different courses. You will need to use the specific CAO program codes (which you can find in the CAO handbook or by using the search function on their website).

• Put your absolute dream degree as Choice 1.
• Put a safer diploma or higher certificate as your backup options for Choices 5 and 6.If you get rejected for your first choice, the system automatically evaluates you for your second choice, and so on.

Step 5: Review and Submit

Click “Next” to review your application summary. Ensure all your details and course choices are correct. Finally, click “Process My Application”.

Step 6: Save Your CAO Number and Password

A pop-up window will appear displaying your unique CAO Number, your password, and your EasyPay number. Take a screenshot of this page immediately. You will use this CAO number to log in and track your application status for the rest of the year.

Step 7: Pay the Fee and Upload Documents

After submitting, the system will allow you to proceed to the payment gateway. Once paid, you must navigate to the “Upload My Documents” section and upload your certified ID and your academic results. The CAO does not accept emailed or physical hardcopy documents.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During Your Application

Every year, thousands of students have their applications delayed or rejected because of simple errors. Avoid these pitfalls:

• Paying with the Wrong Reference: If you use your ID number instead of your CAO Number at the bank, the money will get lost in the system, and your application will sit as “Incomplete.”
• Uploading Blurry Documents: If the CAO administrators cannot clearly read your Grade 11 marks on the PDF scan you uploaded, they will discard the document and request a new one, delaying your application by weeks.
• Missing the Early Deadlines: Do not assume all CAO courses close in October. If you apply for Nursing or Education in October, you will receive an automatic rejection because those specific faculties usually close in September.

What Happens After You Apply?

Once you have submitted your online application, paid the fee, and uploaded your documents, the CAO will verify everything. Once verified, your academic profile is made electronically available to the universities you selected.

The universities will then download your Grade 11 marks and evaluate them against their specific Admission Point Score (APS) requirements. If your marks are high enough, the university will send an official message to the CAO system stating that you have a “Conditional Offer.” You can see this by logging into your CAO profile. A conditional offer means you have a space, provided you maintain those good marks in your final Matric exams.

Summary

The CAO application 2027 online process is a brilliant, streamlined system designed to make applying to multiple institutions in KwaZulu-Natal easy and affordable. By remembering that the portal opens on 1 March 2026, paying your R250 on-time fee, and carefully selecting your six program choices, you can secure your future without stress. Always ensure your PDF documents are clear and that you apply well before the October deadlines to avoid heavy late penalties. If you are specifically interested in how UKZN handles these CAO applications and what their unique APS requirements are, be sure to read our detailed guide on the UKZN online application to maximize your chances of admission.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When does the CAO application for 2027 open?

The Central Applications Office (CAO) portal for the 2027 academic year officially opens on 1 March 2026. You can begin submitting your applications from this date onwards.

How much is the CAO application fee for 2027?

If you apply on time (before 31 October 2026), the application fee is R250 for South African citizens and R300 for international applicants. If you apply late (from 1 November onwards), the fee increases to R470 for SA citizens.

Can I apply to UJ or UNISA using the CAO?

No. The CAO is strictly designed for universities and colleges located within the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province, such as UKZN, DUT, and MUT. If you want to study at universities in other provinces like UJ, UNISA, or UP, you must apply directly on their specific university websites.

What happens if I want to change my course choices after applying?

If you submit your application and later decide you want to study something else, you can submit a “Change of Mind” request through the CAO online portal. This process currently costs an additional administrative fee of R140.

Do I need my final Matric results to apply through the CAO?

No. If you are currently in Grade 12, you must apply using your final, school-stamped Grade 11 report. Do not wait for your final Matric results, as the CAO on-time application window will have completely closed by the time your final results are released in January 2027.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational planning and guidance purposes only. The Central Applications Office (CAO) and its participating universities review and adjust their application dates, administrative fee structures, and course offerings annually. Always consult the official CAO handbook and verify live application requirements directly on the official CAO website (www.cao.ac.za) before making any financial payments.