How To Use CAO To Apply

Many higher education institutions in South Africa, mainly Kwazulu-Natal, use CAO for their applications. As they say, “One Form! One Fee! One Office! … easy!”, students can still find assistance in using the programme here.

CAO is the Central Applications Office. They are a centralised applications service offering access to the fullest range of study opportunities in Higher and Further Education in Southern Africa.

The following institutions make use of CAO for applications:

• AAA School of Advertising
• Berea College of Technology
• Berea Technical College
• CTU Training Solutions
• Central Technical College
• Durban University of Technology
• Embury Institute for Higher Education
• Elangeni TVET College
• Majuba TVET College
• Umfolozi TVET College
• Thekwini TVET College
• Esayidi TVET College
• ICESA
• Institute for Quality Education, Training and Development
• iStudent
• University of Kwazulu-Natal
• Pax College
• Regent Business School
• Richfield Graduate Institute of Technology
• Rosebank College
• Southern Business School
• Springfield FET College
• Varsity College: Part-Time Division
• University of Zululand
• MANCOSA
• Management and Leadership Academy
• Mangosuthu University of Technology
• Oval International College
• PC Training and Business College
• Pearson Institute of Higher Education

How To Apply

Online

1.  Go to the CAO website
2. Read How to use the programme list
3. Refer to the summary of codes used
4. Use the ‘Index’ to find which page the programme is on
5. Click on ‘Apply’ on top
6. Go to Apply Now
7. Complete the application by filling all required details and following the prompts
8. Print out the declaration and deposit slip
9. Pay application fee
10. Attach required documents and proof of payment to the form of declaration
11. Post to CAO OR hand in at CAO offices
12. Keep receipt and make a note of CAO number and password in order to track your application status later

Physical

1. Go to the CAO website
2. Read How to use the programme list
3. Refer to the summary of codes used
4. Use the ‘Index’ to find which page the programme is on
5. Download the application form from the site
6. Fill in the application form with all relevant details
7. Pay application fee
8. Attach required documents and proof of payment to the form of declaration
9. Post to CAO OR hand in at CAO offices
10. Keep receipt and make a note of CAO number and password in order to track your application status later

How to Track Your Application

1. Go to the CAO Website
2. Click on My Application
3. Fill in details and follow the prompts
4. You should be able to view your status then