Key Takeaways: The KZN Gateway
- What is the CAO? The Central Applications Office (CAO) is the centralized portal for applying to universities and colleges in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). It is not a national system for all of SA (like UCAS in the UK).
- The “Dynamic” List: There is no single, permanent PDF list of “Available Programmes.” The list changes daily based on which courses are full. You must use the “Available Programmes” tool on the CAO website for live data.
- Member Institutions: The CAO covers 4 Public Universities (UKZN, DUT, MUT, UNIZULU) and roughly 20+ Private Colleges (like Berea Tech, Mancosa, Richfield).
- One Fee, All Choices: You pay one administration fee (e.g., R250-R470 depending on the time of year), which covers up to 6 course choices across different institutions.
- The “Change of Mind”: If your chosen programme is full, you can use the Change of Mind facility to select a new programme from the Available List for free (within specific dates).
If you are looking to study in Durban, Pietermaritzburg, or Richards Bay, you cannot avoid the CAO. It is the gatekeeper for almost all higher education in the province.
However, students often get frustrated searching for a “Master List” of courses. They download old PDFs only to find that the course they want is closed.
The CAO system is designed to be live. A course that is open today might close tomorrow if 500 people apply overnight.
Here is your guide to understanding the programmes list, the institutions you can apply to, and how to find a spot even if you are applying late.
1. Who Can You Apply To? (Member Institutions)
The CAO handles applications for a mix of public universities and private colleges. Knowing the difference is vital for your funding (NSFAS only funds the Public institutions).
A. Public Universities (NSFAS Funded)
These are the heavyweights. Degrees and Diplomas from here are universally recognized.
- University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN): A top-tier research university. Offers Medicine, Law, Engineering, and Humanities. (Campuses: Howard College, Westville, Edgewood, PMB, Medical School).
- Durban University of Technology (DUT): Focused on technology and practical diplomas. famous for Graphic Design, IT, and Health Sciences. (Campuses: Durban, PMB).
- Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT): Located in Umlazi. Strong focus on Engineering and Natural Sciences.
- University of Zululand (UNIZULU): Located in Empangeni/Richards Bay. Strong in Education and Arts.
B. Private Colleges (Self-Funded / Loans)
These offer specialized certificates and diplomas. They are often easier to get into but require private funding.
- Berea Technical College: Engineering and Management.
- CTI / Eduvos: IT and Commerce.
- Richfield Graduate Institute: IT and Business.
- MANCOSA: Business Administration.
- ICESA Education: diverse short courses and diplomas.
- Regent Business School.
- And many others…
2. Programme Categories: What Can You Study?
The CAO handbook lists over 1,000 courses. Instead of listing every single code, here are the main Career Directions available.
1. Engineering & Technology
- Offered at: MUT, DUT, UKZN, Berea Tech.
- Popular Courses: Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering (Heavy/Light), Mechanical Engineering, Surveying, Chemical Engineering.
- Qualification Types: NATED (N1-N6), Diploma, B.Sc Engineering.
2. Health Sciences (Very Competitive)
- Offered at: UKZN (Doctors/Pharmacy), DUT (Nursing/Radiography).
- Popular Courses: MBChB (Medicine), Nursing, Radiography, Emergency Medical Care, Dental Therapy, Optometry.
- Warning: These usually close very early (often 30 September of the previous year).
3. Business, Commerce & Management
- Offered at: All institutions.
- Popular Courses: BCom Accounting, Public Management, Human Resources, Marketing, Supply Chain Management, Office Management & Technology.
4. Education (Teaching)
- Offered at: UKZN (Edgewood), UNIZULU, Embury (STADIO).
- Popular Courses: Bachelor of Education (Foundation, Intermediate, Senior Phase).
5. Humanities & Social Sciences
- Offered at: UKZN, UNIZULU.
- Popular Courses: Social Work, Psychology, Criminology, Politics, Law (LLB).
6. IT & Computer Science
- Offered at: DUT, UKZN, MUT, Richfield.
- Popular Courses: Information Technology (Software Dev), Computer Science, Systems Engineering.
3. How to Use the “Available Programmes” Tool
This is the most important tool on the CAO website. It is the only way to see what is actually open right now.
Step 1: Go to the Website
Visit www.cao.ac.za.
Step 2: Click “Available Programmes”
Look for the tab on the homepage or the navigation bar. It is usually updated continuously during January/February (the “Walk-In” period).
Step 3: Filter Your Search
You don’t need to scroll through 1,000 rows. Use the filters:
- Institution: (e.g., select “Mangosuthu University of Technology”).
- Career Direction: (e.g., “Engineering”).
- Entry Term: (Usually “1” for January or “2” for July).
Step 4: Check the Status
- If a programme is listed, it means applications are open.
- If it is not listed, or says “Closed,” do not try to apply. The computer will reject you.
4. Understanding the Codes (The Secret Language)
When you look at the CAO Handbook, you will see codes like KN-H-BSS. You need to know how to read them to avoid applying to the wrong campus.
The Formula: [Institution] - [Campus] - [Programme]
Example: KN-H-BSS
- KN: University of KwaZulu-Natal (Institution).
- H: Howard College (Campus).
- BSS: Bachelor of Social Science (Programme).
Common Institution Codes:
- DU: Durban University of Technology
- MN: Mangosuthu University of Technology
- UZ: University of Zululand
- KN: UKZN
- BT: Berea Technical College
- RC: Regent College
Common Campus Codes:
- D: Durban (General)
- P: Pietermaritzburg
- B: Brickfield / Bellville (depending on context)
- M: Main Campus / Mt Edgecombe
5. Qualification Types: Don’t Apply Blindly
The CAO lists everything from 6-month certificates to 4-year degrees. Know what you are picking.
1. Higher Certificate (NQF 5)
- Duration: 1 Year.
- Purpose: A bridge. If you pass this, you can usually apply for a Degree or Diploma the next year.
- Entry: Minimal Matric requirements.
2. Diploma (NQF 6)
- Duration: 3 Years.
- Purpose: Practical training for a specific job (e.g., Accountant, Engineer).
- Entry: Diploma Pass in Matric (APS 18–24 typically).
3. Bachelor’s Degree (NQF 7/8)
- Duration: 3 or 4 Years.
- Purpose: Academic and theoretical knowledge.
- Entry: Bachelor’s Pass in Matric (APS 28+ typically).
6. How to Apply (Evergreen Process)
The process remains the same regardless of the year.
- Get your ID and Grade 11/12 Results ready.
- Go to
www.cao.ac.za. - Click “Apply”.
- Enter your details: Ensure your email and cell number are correct (this is how they send you offers).
- Choose your 6 Programmes: List them in order of preference (1 to 6).
- Tip: Put your dream degree first (e.g., Medicine). Put safe “backup” options (e.g., Higher Certificate) at number 5 and 6.
- Pay the Fee: Your application is not active until you pay. You can pay via EasyPay (at Checkers/Shoprite) or online with a card.
- Upload Documents: Upload certified copies of your ID and school results on the portal.
Summary: The CAO is Your Friend
The CAO system saves you from filling out 6 different forms for 6 different universities. It is efficient, but it is strict.
Action Plan:
- Download the Handbook: Go to the CAO website and download the current year’s PDF handbook to see the full list of codes and requirements.
- Calculate your APS: Know your score before you look at the list. There is no point looking at Engineering (APS 30) if you have an APS of 20.
- Check Available Programmes: If you are applying late (Jan/Feb), ignore the handbook and ONLY look at the “Available Programmes” live list on the website.
Disclaimer: Programme availability changes by the hour during peak registration times. Always verify on the official CAO portal.