CAO My Application

CAO stands for Central Applications Office. It is a South African organization responsible for the processing of all applications for undergraduate admission to public universities. You can apply to CAO through their online application portal.

Click here to Access CAO My Application. Click here for ‘Study Options for Me’ – Enter your CAO number, ID number or Results to see what programmes you may qualify for at our member institutions.

How to apply to CAO in South Africa:

  1. Create an account on the CAO website.
  2. Enter your personal information, including your name, surname, contact information, and academic qualifications.
  3. Choose the universities that you want to apply to.
  4. Submit your application and pay the application fee.

Once you have submitted your application, CAO will send it to the universities that you have chosen. The universities will then review your application and make a decision on whether or not to admit you.

INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS

How to apply as an international applicant?

An international applicant is a person who is not a citizen or permanent resident of South Africa, or a refugee/asylum seeker with a permit allowing study. The higher education institutions of KwaZulu-Natal welcome applications from international applicants for their formal degree, diploma and certificate programmes. Some institutions also offer the opportunity to study in South Africa for one semester or one year. DUT and UKZN do not accept international applicants into their access programmes. Applications to study Medicine at UKZN are consider ONLY from citizens of Lesotho and Mauritius and applicants must apply via their governments. You will require a study permit if you wish to come to South Africa to study. This does not apply to distance learning students who study in their home countries.

Where do I send my application as an international applicant?

If you are applying for short-term study, apply directly to the institution.

If you are applying to UKZN only, apply directly to the institution.

For other institutions and choices at more than one institution, apply through the CAO. Email to formsreceivedcao@cao.ac.za or fax to +27 31 268 4422.

Study Permits

Once you have a letter offering you a place from the further or higher education institution, you can apply to the South African embassy, high commission, consulate or trade office for your study permit. The permit application will take up to eight weeks to be processed. Acceptance by an institution does not place any obligation on the South African government to issue or renew study permits. DO NOT leave home before your study permit is granted – you will not be allowed to study on a visitor’s permit. You cannot apply for your first permit after you arrive in South Africa. People who are in South Africa for study purposes are not eligible to apply for South African citizenship. Refugee and asylum seeker applicants require documentation from the Department of Home Affairs granting permission to study in South Africa.

Foreign qualifications

The following are considered to be equivalent to the South African degree entry requirements:

GCE:

Five passes in GCE including two at `A` level:

  • “A” level passes must be A, B, C, D or E
  • “O” level passes must be A, B or C

Five passes in GCE as well as four at AS levell:

  • “A” level passes must be A, B, C, D or E;
  • “O” level passes must be A, B or C; and
  • “AS” level passes must be A, B, C or D.
  • HIGCSE passes must be 1, 2 or 3
  • IGCSE passes must be A, B or C

Tips for applying to CAO in South Africa:

  • Start your application early. The application deadline is usually in November, but it is best to start early so that you have plenty of time to complete your application and gather all of the required documentation.
  • Make sure that you meet the eligibility requirements for the universities that you are applying to. The eligibility requirements for each university vary, so it is important to check with the universities directly.
  • Submit a well-written personal statement. Your personal statement is an opportunity for you to tell the universities about yourself and why you are interested in attending their university. Make sure that your personal statement is well-written and free of errors.
  • Get letters of recommendation from your teachers or other professionals who know you well. Letters of recommendation can help to give the universities a better understanding of your qualifications and potential.
  • Pay the application fee on time. The application fee is usually around R200. You can pay the application fee online or by mail.

Once you have submitted your application, you will need to monitor your application status through the CAO website. You will be notified of the decision of each university by email.

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Sponsored Guide

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.

 

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