How To Use Central Applications Office CAO Programme List

By | March 6, 2024

How To Use Central Applications Office CAO Programme List

In the pages that follow, there are over 730 programmes, grouped under 25 career directions. Pages 16 and 17 list career directions in terms of suitability for the four working personality types. If you do not know what you want to study, it might help you to work through the “Self-assessment quiz”

To find a programme Look up the field of study, for example, Sport, in the “Index” and then go directly to the page/s specified. Within each career direction, programmes are grouped according to the level of entry. The three main levels of entry are:

  • Diploma study
  • Degree study
  • Post-Diploma study (for people with an N Dip)

Within each category, the programmes are listed in alphabetical order by programme name.

What the programme list shows you

closing date (if early)

MOST programmes will consider all applications received before 31 October. If your application is received after that date, the programme will only be able to consider you if there are still places available. However, some programmes close much earlier than 31 October, because time is needed to carry out interviews and assessment tests. Most Medical programmes close early for this reason. If your application is late, it may not be possible to consider you. The selection status you are given will show if a programme was already closed when we received your application. The most popular programmes will not consider applications received after the closing date. Make sure that your application form AND fee reach the CAO before the closing date shown. The earlier we get it, the easier it will be for us to sort out any queries in time for your application to be considered.

min points

The numbers printed in red give you the minimum points required for that programme. The first set of points relate to the NSC and the second set are for the Senior Certificate. Meeting the minimum points requirement does not guarantee that you will be offered a place. You can calculate your total points from your latest examination results by adding up the points for each subject as follows:

NSC Points are calculated on six subjects, excluding Life Orientation.
90-100% 80-89% 70-79% 60-69% 50-59% 40-49% 30-39% 0-29%
Level 7 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Points 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Senior Certificate
Symbol A B C D E F
Points HG subjects 8 7 6 5 4 3
Points SG subjects 6 5 4 3 2 1
programme name

The full name of the programme, for example, B Human Movement Science.

programme code

The six-letter programme code, which must be entered on the application form under “What programmes are you applying for?” The first two letters show the name of the institution offering the programme. The third letter shows the campus of study. A summary and explanation of these codes is on page 36. The last three letters show the programme.

For example: ZU-M-BHM

ZU University of Zululand [institution]

M Main Campus [campus]

BHM Human Movement Science [programme]

minimum entry requirements

The examinations and subjects you need to pass to be considered for a particular programme. For a full list of the abbreviations used, refer to Acronyms and abbreviations. The icon means students must have access to a computer and appropriate software.

> IMPORTANT


Grade 12 learners write the new NSC in 2008. Entry requirements for all programmes are given for the new NSC as well as the old Senior Certificate.

NSC

Minimum entry requirements for applicants writing NSC are

shaded lilac.

 

Be careful: If a programme is not listed with a particular institution or campus code, then that programme is not offered at that institution or campus.

 

Degree study

Your results will indicate if you meet the minimum entry requirements for degree study, which are four subjects from the list below at level 4 (50-59%) and your Home Language at level 3 (40-49%).

 

Approved subjects for degree study

 

  • Up to 3 languages
  • Accounting
  • Agricultural Sciences
  • Business Studies
  • Consumer Studies
  • Dramatic Arts
  • Economics
  • Engineering Graphics and Design
  • Geography
  • History
  • Information Technology
  • Life Sciences
  • Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy
  • Music
  • Physical Sciences
  • Religion Studies
  • Visual Arts

 

NOTE
This list is referred to in the programme list as the designated list.

Where you see NSC Deg in the programme list, this means that you must meet the above requirements. If the institution wants you to offer more than this, it will be indicated:

Example: NSC Deg with Maths and Phys Sci 5 and Engl and LO 4 and three other subjects from designated list.

This means that in addition to an NSC pass meeting the minimum standard required for entry into a degree programme, you must have passes in Mathematics and Physical Science at level 5 and English Home Language or First Additional Language and Life Orientation at level 4. Your three other subjects must also be from the designated list.

Diploma study

 

Your results will indicate if you meet the minimum entry requirements for diploma study, which are four subjects including your Home Language at level 3 (40-49%).

 

Example: NSC with Engl HL 4/FAL 5 and Maths 4 and two 20 credit subjects (not more than one lang) 3.

 

This means that you must have an NSC pass with English Home Language at level 4 or English First Additional Language at level 5 and Mathematics at level 4. You must have two other subjects at level 3, which cannot include Life Orientation (which is a 10 credit subject) or more than one language.

 


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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.

 

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