CAO Login

To log in to CAO in South Africa, you can follow these steps:

  1. Go to the CAO website: Click here to access the CAO Login page.
  2. Click on the “Login” button in the top right corner of the page.
  3. Enter your username and password in the respective fields.
  4. Click on the “Login” button.

If you are a new user, you will need to create an account. You can do this by clicking on the “Create Account” button on the login page.

Once you are logged in, you will be able to access your CAO account, where you can view your application status, update your personal information, and submit applications to universities.

Applicants:

For a new password to log in and complete your application or Upload Documents, Click here.

To find your CAO Number or check the status of your application, Click here.

Institution Users:

If you are having trouble logging in, please contact CAO.

The Central Applications Office is the organisation responsible for overseeing undergraduate applications to colleges and universities in south Africa. The primary mission of the Central Applications Office is to centrally process applications in a fair and efficient manner.

VISION

The leading organisation that provides services in the facilitation of student access to post-schooling education.

MISSION

To direct the activities and processes of the CAO by the operationalisation of its service to ensure:

  • Appropriate resourcing to provide the structural stability of the required capacity to deal with growth requirements;
  • The provision of a policy framework to guide protocols, processes and consistent practices;
  • The development and maintenance of advanced human capacity for the knowledge sector to sustain and grow its customer base;
  • The building of an effective communication culture with current and prospective customers, while ensuring the same culture exists in the internal team; and
  • The leveraging of existing partnerships to build future relationships to support the growth of the business.

VALUES

  • Provide the highest ethical standards of service;
  • Be professional, empathetic and sensitive to customer needs and challenges
  • Promote a strong team synergy, mutual support and a friendly atmosphere to work in;
  • Be accessible and resource-driven to meet our customer needs;
  • Facilitate correct information dissemination to our customers, thereby assisting learners to make correct decisions about their careers;
  • Ensure good governance through management support and inclusive participation, accountability and responsiveness to our customers’ needs;
  • Acknowledge the input and relationship with key partnerships in driving the success of post-schooling education; and
  • Instil a climate of passionate employees and encourage internal growth and development among all employees

Phone Numbers

Call Centre: 031 268 4444 or 086 0860 226

Physical Address

Gate 11, Central Services Complex – UKZNMary Thiphe Street (Cato Manor Road)Cato ManorDurban

Postal Address

Private Bag X06Dalbridge4014

Email

enqgeneralcao@cao.ac.za

Tips for logging in to CAO in South Africa:

  • Make sure that your username and password are correct. CAO usernames and passwords are case-sensitive.
  • If you are having trouble logging in, you can try resetting your password. To do this, click on the “Forgot Your Password?” link on the login page.
  • If you are still having trouble logging in, you can contact CAO customer support for assistance.

Overview of Public Universities in South Africa

Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.

University of Pretoria

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
  • Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.

University of Cape Town

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
  • Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.

Stellenbosch University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.

University of the Witwatersrand

  • Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
  • Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.

University of Johannesburg

  • Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
  • Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.

University of the Free State

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.

University of Venda

  • Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
  • Application Period: Usually from May to September.

University of Fort Hare

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
  • Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.

University of the Western Cape

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Generally from May to September.

North-West University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.

Rhodes University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
  • Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.

Nelson Mandela University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
  • Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.

Cape Peninsula University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.

University of Limpopo

  • Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

University of Zululand

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
  • Application Period: Usually between April and November.

Central University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.

Vaal University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
  • Application Period: Typically from May to September.

Walter Sisulu University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

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