CAO Closing Date

The CAO closing date in South Africa for first semester programmes is 31 October for the 2024 entry year. The CAO closing date in South Africa for second semester programmes is 31 May for the 2024 entry year. The CAO closing date are as follows:

• Medicine: 30 June: No late applications are accepted.
• All other programs: 30 September.

The 2024 CAO Application form is now closed.The late closing date was 17:00 on the 1st May.The normal closing date was 17:00 on the 1st February.

An Exceptional Late Application facility opens on 5th July at 12:00 noon. This facility applies only to applicants who are registered as an undergraduate student on 1st May in any year in any one of the participating Higher Education Institutions. The closing date for Exceptional Late Applications is 22nd July at 17:00.

5th November 2021 (12:00)CAO online application facility opens.
CAO Change of Course choices facility opens
20th January 2024 (17:00)Apply online by this date to avail of the discounted application fee of €30.
1st February (17:00)Normal closing date for applications.
4th February (12:00)Online facility to amend course choices becomes available (€10 Fee)
Before 15th FebruaryPaper Applicants will be sent a Statement of Course Choices
(Contact CAO if you do not receive it)
Test Window:
18th-21st February
HPAT Test – Undergraduate Entry to Medicine
1st March (17:00)Closing date for amending course choices
Closing date for completion of mature section of application form
Closing date for final completion of online HEAR/DARE forms
Test Window:
5th-9th March
MSAP online exam – For mature applicants to certain courses in UCD, UCC, UL and NUI Galway
4th March (12:00)Late application facility opens.
15th March (17:00)Latest date for HEAR/DARE supporting documentation to arrive in CAO
Test window:
18th-23rd March
GAMSAT Test – Graduate Entry to Medicine
Registration window:
11th-26th April (13:00)
Mature Nursing Test – register for the tests at www.nmbi.ie from 13:00 on Monday, 11th April until 13:00 on Tuesday, 26th April 2024
Test window:
5th-12th May (13:00)
Mature Nursing Test – you must complete the assessment tests between 13:00 on Thursday, 5th May and 13:00 on Thursday, 12th May 2024
1st May (17:00)Closing date for late applications
5th May (12:00)Online Change of Mind facility becomes available (Free)
Before 15th MayLate Paper Applicants will be sent a Statement of Course Choices
(Contact CAO if you do not receive it)
Before End of MayStatement of Application Record sent to all applicants
(Contact CAO if you do not receive it)
1st July (17:00)Change of Mind closes
TBC (10:00)Round A offers for certain Non-Standard categories of applicants – applicants receive an offer by e-mail and SMS text
TBC (15:00)Round A acceptances closing date.
22nd July (17:00)Exceptional closing date for late applications for those already attending a participating HEI
TBC (10:00)Round 0 offers for certain Non-Standard categories of applicant – applicants receive an offer by e-mail and SMS text
TBC (15:00)Round 0 acceptances closing date.
TBCCurrent year Leaving Certificate results issued
TBC (14:00)Round 1 offers available from 14:00 online – also issued by e-mail and SMS text.
Applicants who have not received an offer will receive a `Statement of Application` e-mail.
TBC (12:00)Available Place facility opens
TBC (15:00)Round 1 acceptances closing date.
TBC (10:00)Round 2 offers available online.
TBC (15:00)Round 2 acceptances closing date.
TBC (10:00)Round 3 offers available online – applicants will also receive an offer notification by e-mail and SMS text.
TBC (15:00)Round 3 acceptances closing date.
TBC (10:00)Round 4 offers available online – applicants will also receive an offer notification by e-mail and SMS text.
TBC (15:00)Round 4 acceptances closing date.
TBC (10:00)Round 5 offers available online – applicants will also receive an offer notification by e-mail and SMS text.
TBC (15:00)Round 5 acceptances closing date.
TBCHEIs begin registration
TBCResults of Leaving Certificate appeals released
TBCOffer Season Ends.
5th November 2024CAO application facility opens for 2026 applications

However, it is important to note that some programmes may have earlier closing dates, so it is always best to check with the CAO or the institution you are applying to.

Please note that the above dates are for applications and the fully paid administration fee. Late applications will be accepted, but a late administration fee will be charged.

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Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)

If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.


📌 What is NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.

NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:

  • Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
  • Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.

✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?

To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:

  • Be a South African citizen.
  • Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
  • Have a valid South African ID.
  • Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
  • Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).

📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS

NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.

If you’re studying:

  • Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
  • Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.

📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application

When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:

  1. Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
  2. Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
  3. Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
  4. Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
  5. Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
  6. Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).

🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online

Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)

  1. Visit the NSFAS Website

    Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za

  2. Create an Account

    • Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
    • You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
    • Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.
  3. Login and Start the Application

    • After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
    • Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.
  4. Fill in Your Personal Details

    • Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
    • Provide household income information and living arrangements.
  5. Upload Required Documents

    • Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
    • Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.
  6. Submit Your Application

    • Review your application for accuracy.
    • Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.
  7. Track Your Application

    • Log in regularly to check your application status.
    • You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.

🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)

  • Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
  • Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
  • Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
  • Disbursement: After registration and approval

Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.


💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?

NSFAS funding typically includes:

  • Tuition fees
  • Registration fees
  • Accommodation (if living away from home)
  • Meals and transport
  • Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)

For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).


🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment

Repayments are:

  • Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
  • Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
  • Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.

You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.


🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application

If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:

  1. Log into your MyNSFAS account.
  2. Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
  3. If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
  4. Upload any missing or corrected documents.
  5. Provide a clear explanation or motivation.

📱 NSFAS Contact Information


📝 Final Tips Before Applying

  • Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
  • Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
  • Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
  • Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.

By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.