In South Africa, if students want to go to college or university in the future, they are required to navigate to the CAO website and submit the application. The CAO application can facilitate your further education. If you do not know the details of the application, we will show you a complete guide.
How to apply for CAO 2025
Once you have made up your mind that you want to start the CAO application for your further study, you should learn these important details. The opening date for 2025 applications is March 1, 2024. However, you must prepare all the documents before the closing dates of the tertiary institution. The required documents should be prepared in advance:
- A copy of your ID.
- The highest qualification and recent academic report.
- The CAO application form
- Study/Residence Permit if you are a non-South African applicant.
Once you have prepared all the required documents, you can start the CAO application. The application process is simple by following these steps :
- Visit CAO website and click ‘Upload My Documents’.
- Log in and upload your documents and exam results.
- Double-check the loaded documents to make sure they are all correct.
- Once done, you can click on ‘Submit My Documents’
- Wait for the approval of your CAO application.
Application timelines & key dates
Before you start the application, it is important for you know these applications time and the key dates:
- Early applications: from May to September
- Late applications: from October to November
- Very late applications: until February (available for some institutions )
- Matric Results Release: in January
- First Round of Offers: in February
How to check CAO application status
It is crucial to do the CAO status check after you have submitted the application. There are different ways to track your CAO application throughout the admissions process. Here you can check the step-by-step guide to help you check CAO status.
Online check
You can visit the CAO Student Portal to check the status of your CAO application.
- Enter identification numbers, such as CAO Number, ID Number, Passport Number
- Click Submit when you are done.
- Once logged in, go to “application status” and checkthe detailed information.
SMS service
You can send a message to 31231 by typing your CAO number. After a few minutes, you will receive a reply with your current application status.
Self-help service
You can contact CAO via Facebook or phone to check the status of the CAO application. When you contact them on the official Facebook page, you can send them a direct message (DM) with your inquiry or request for assistance. They will usually respond during working hours. In addition, you can contact them on+0 31 268 4444 during office hours (usually 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday).
📢Also Read: How to Check Matric Result with ID Number
CAO login with ID number
When you want to do the CAO status check using id number, you should log in to the Central Application Office (CAO) website using your ID number. Here you can follow these steps:
- Visit the CAO website and click on “Login”.
- Select the “ID Number” option and enter your CAO ID number.
- Then you will receive a code via SMS or email, if you have provided a valid phone number or email address to the CAO.
- Once logged in, you can check the status of your application.
However, if you do not have a valid phone number or email address on record with the CAO, you need to update your contact information.
Understanding CAO application status
Once you have checked the CAO application status online, you will find that there are different statuses. If you don’t know what they mean, you can look at this chart below and know the various meanings.
| application status | meaning |
| Waiting for a decision | The institution/school has not yet considered your application |
| Late application | Applications received after the closing date. |
| Awaiting results | The institution is waiting for further results (e.g., June, Trial, or final NSC results) before making a decision. |
| Conditional offer | An offer is made if you meet specific requirements. |
| Firm offer | You are offered a place by the institution/university. |
| Has not met programme ranking criteria | You do not meet the specific criteria for the programme. |
| Interview/Audition/Portfolio | The programme requires special selection procedures. |
| Please supply academic record | You need to offer a copy of your academic record from your current or previous study at the tertiary level. |
| Please supply USAf/SAQA Evaluation | The institution requires a Universities South Africa (USAf)/SAQA evaluation of the foreign exam results |
| Programme closed | No further applications will be considered. |
| Refer to decision | The application has to be assessed before the ‘status can be changed. |
| Regret programme discontinued | The institution will not offer a programme listed in the Handbook. |
| Regret Unsuccessful | The institution has decided not to offer you a place |
| Short-listed, Standby and Wait-listed | The institution is considering your application but has not decided. |
| Unsuccessful Following Placement Test/Interview | The institution has decided not to offer you a place. |
CAO application fee in South Africa
You must submit the application fee to the CAO. However, CAO application fees vary by applicant. If you are a South African citizen, it will cost you about R250. If you are an international applicant, it will cost you about R300. However, SA citizens and international students must pay the late fee of R470 if the documents and forms reach the CAO after the deadline.
How to know if CAO received my documents
If you want to know if CAO has received your documents and application form, you can send them with a stamped postcard or envelope. You will then receive an acknowledgement of receipt from the CAO.
Tips to improve your CAO application
If you want to increase the success of the CAO application, you should read the manual carefully and prepare all the necessary documents. Don’t forget to do CAO application status check and keep it updated.
FAQ
How do I edit my CAO application?
If you want to edit your CAO application, you can check “Change of Mind” on the CAO website. Then you can change your program selection or rearrange the order of your choices after applying.
Can I apply for CAO twice?
No, you cannot apply to the Central Application Office (CAO) twice for the same entry year and term. Otherwise, you will face a fine of €10 if you file more than one application.
How long does it take for CAO to respond to your application?
The CAO will send an acknowledgement letter by e-mail within four weeks of receiving a valid application.
Conclusion
To conclude, you should check the CAO application status from time to time so that you can keep your application up to date. Don’t forget to submit your application before the closing date. To avoid rejection of the application, you must submit true and accurate information.