CAO Status Check

To check your CAO status in South Africa, you can:

You will be able to see the status of your application, including whether it has been received, processed, or sent to institutions. You can also see which institutions have received your application and their response status.

How to view my CAO Status Check Online?

You can check your CAO application status online via the CAO student Portal.

  1. First, access the CAO Portal at the following link: https://cao.ac.za/MyApplicationLogin.aspx?
  2. Select and enter one of the following identification numbers:
    – CAO Number
    – ID Number
    – Passport Number
  3. Then click the Submit button

You will now be presented with your CAO application status.

CAO Status Status

What do the different statuses mean?

The CAO uses specific terms to indicate what progress the institution has made in considering your application process. Please see the below list of admission application status updates:

Waiting for a Decision: The institution / school has not yet considered your application (This is the default status for on time applications).

Late Application: This is a default status as your application was received after the closing date for the programme. Each institution deals with late applications in different ways. Refer to the institutions’ prospectus for further information.

Awaiting Results: The institution is waiting for further results (e.g. June, Trial or Final NSC results) before making a decision on your application.

Conditional Offer: The institution will accept you provided that you meet the requirements. Where space is limited, these may be higher than the minimum requirements for the programme published in this Handbook. Some programmes may conduct assessment tests at registration. This may be withdrawn if you do not indicate that you want to accept the place or if your final results are not as good as your earlier results.

Firm Offer: You are offered a place by the institution / university. This may be withdrawn if you do not indicate that you want to accept the place or if your final results are not as good as your earlier results.

Has Not Met Programme Ranking Criteria: You do not meet the institution’s specific criteria. Refer to the institutions’ prospectus for further information. You may complete a Change of Mind Request Form on which you can change the programme ranking.

Interview/Audition/Portfolio: The programme has _ special selection procedures. Institutions should contact you with details of the date, time and venue. You may need to follow up with the institution directly.

Please Supply Academic Record: The institution requires a copy of your academic record from your current or previous study at tertiary level.

Please Supply USAf/SAQA Evaluation: The institution requires a Universities South Africa (USAf)/SAQA evaluation of the foreign exam results you may have written.

Programme Closed: No further applications will be considered.

Refer for Decision: The application has to be assessed before the ‘status can be changed.

Regret Programme Discontinued: The institution has decided that they will no longer be offering a programme that was initially listed in this Handbook. In some cases, institutions may advise on an alternative programme that you can apply for. Complete a Change of Mind Request Form at no cost to yourself.

Regret Unsuccessful: The institution has decided not to offer you a place for whatever reason according to their selection processes.

Short-listed, Standby and Wait-listed: The institution is considering your application but has not yet decided whether they will be able to offer you a place.

Unsuccessful Following Placement Test/Interview: The institution has decided not to offer you a place following the entrance test you wrote or the interview you attended. There are also a number of messages the institution can use to tell you that they are unable to offer you a place.

Need Information or Confused about Something ?

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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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