Is the Central Applications Office still taking 2027 applications? Yes. At the time of writing in mid-October 2026, the CAO portal is still accepting 2027 applications, and the on-time fee applies until 31 October.
There is a catch. Some programmes have already closed, and the fee jumps after 31 October. This guide explains what is still open, what it costs, how to apply step by step, and what to do if your first-choice course has closed.
Central Applications Office 2027 applications: what is still open
Key takeaway: The CAO portal is still open for 2027 first-semester entry, but each programme has its own closing date, and the late fee starts on 1 November 2026.
Think of a CAO application as running on two clocks. The first is the fee clock. Applications and fees received from 1 November are marked “Late Payment” and attract the late fee.
The second is the programme clock. Every programme has its own closing date, and some high-demand courses close months before the fee date. Both institutions and the CAO publish these dates in the 2027 handbook.
| Date | What it means for you |
| 1 March 2026 | CAO portal opened for 2027 applications |
| 30 June 2026 | Reported closing date for UKZN Medicine, described as strict [verify in CAO handbook] |
| 31 August / 30 September 2026 | Example closing dates for some health sciences programmes, such as Diagnostic Radiography (31 Aug) and Medical Laboratory Science (30 Sept) |
| 31 October 2026 | Last day for the on-time fee |
| From 1 November 2026 | Late fee applies to all applications and payments |
A closed programme does not always mean a dead end. Unless a programme is marked “No Late Applications will be considered,” you can still apply, but your application is considered only after all on-time applications.
Check this first: Different websites quote different “general” closing dates. The CAO handbook and the programme listing on www.cao.ac.za are the only dates that count. [verify: one third-party site lists 30 Sept as a general closing date; the CAO site describes 1 Nov as the single late-payment date]
Which universities and colleges use the CAO?
Key takeaway: The CAO is a one-stop application service for KwaZulu-Natal institutions and some private colleges. It does not cover every South African university.
Through the CAO you can apply to these institutions with a single application:
- University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
- Durban University of Technology (DUT)
- Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT)
- University of Zululand (UNIZULU)
- Selected private colleges listed in the CAO handbook [verify current list]
Universities such as Wits, the University of Pretoria and Stellenbosch run their own application systems. If you want those as well, you must apply to them directly. [verify: confirm each institution’s current application route]
One fee, up to six programme choices
One CAO fee covers up to six programme choices. That makes the CAO one of the cheapest ways to keep several options open, which matters when places are scarce.
CAO 2027 application fees: R250 on time, R470 late
Key takeaway: Applying by 31 October saves a South African applicant R220.
| Applicant | On time (to 31 Oct) | Late (from 1 Nov) | You save |
| South African citizen | R250 | R470 | R220 |
| International applicant | R300 | R580 | R280 |
| Change of Mind (new choices) | n/a | R140 | n/a |
The fee is non-refundable, so decide on your programme choices before you pay. If you want to swap a programme later, a Change of Mind fee applies. [verify fees on www.cao.ac.za; add the official source link]
Some third-party sites mention an NSFAS-related fee waiver. Treat that as unconfirmed until the CAO states it. [verify before publishing]
How to apply to the CAO for 2027 in six steps
Key takeaway: The whole process is online and can be finished in one sitting if your documents are ready.
- Download the handbook. Get the CAO 2027 handbook from www.cao.ac.za and note the closing date and entry requirements for each programme you want.
- Start your application. Go to the official site, click Apply, and enter your South African ID number to create your profile and CAO number.
- Choose your programmes. Select up to six. Mix an ambitious choice with realistic ones, and check your Admission Point Score (APS) against each requirement. [verify whether choice order affects consideration]
- Upload your documents. Add your certified ID copy and your latest results.
- Pay the administration fee. Pay online to avoid delays, and keep the proof of payment.
- Track your status. Log in regularly with your CAO number. Your application is only considered once the fee is received.
Safety tip: Only use www.cao.ac.za. Never pay a person or website that promises a guaranteed place. Only the CAO and the institutions can make admission decisions.
Documents to have ready before you apply
Key takeaway: Missing or uncertified documents are the most common reason an application stalls.
- A certified copy of your South African ID (or passport)
- Your latest results: a final Grade 11 report if you are in Grade 12 now, or your National Senior Certificate (NSC) if you have already matriculated
- Proof of payment of the CAO fee
- Any programme-specific documents listed in the handbook, for example portfolios or extra forms [verify, including the Power of Attorney form mentioned on the CAO site]
- A USAf evaluation of your results if you studied outside South Africa
If you are still in Grade 12, you can apply with your Grade 11 results and receive a conditional outcome based on your final marks. [verify wording with the CAO handbook]
What happens if your CAO application is late or a programme has closed
Key takeaway: A late application is not automatically rejected, but it is considered after on-time applicants, and some programmes accept none.
| Status you may see | What it means |
| Waiting for a decision | Application and full fee received on or before the closing date. Priority consideration. |
| Late Application | Received after the programme’s closing date. Considered only after all on-time applications. |
| Programme Close | The programme is marked “No Late Applications will be considered.” Nothing received after its closing date is considered. |
| Late Payment | Fee received from 1 November, so the late fee applies. |
If your first choice has closed
Apply anyway if the programme is not marked “no late applications,” and use your other choices for courses that remain open. Add at least two realistic backups so one decision does not decide your whole year.
Also look at the second-semester intake. Reports say the CAO window for the July 2027 intake opened on 1 August 2026, with the on-time fee valid until 31 May 2027. [verify dates and which programmes offer a July intake]
See Also : Lovedale TVET College Applications Open for 2027: Apply – PDF Download
A simple plan for the days left before 31 October
- Today: download the handbook and list every programme you want with its closing date.
- Within 3 days: get your ID certified and gather your results.
- Within 7 days: submit the application and pay the fee.
- After paying: log in to confirm your status shows an on-time outcome.
Five mistakes that cost CAO applicants a place
Key takeaway: Most lost places come from timing and paperwork, not marks.
- Assuming 31 October covers every course. Check each programme’s own closing date.
- Using an unofficial site. Apply only through www.cao.ac.za.
- Choosing six ambitious programmes. Include realistic options as well.
- Uploading unclear or uncertified documents. This delays processing.
- Applying and then never checking your status. Missing requests for more information can cost you your place.
Central Applications Office 2027 questions answered
Are CAO 2027 applications still open?
Yes. The CAO is still accepting 2027 applications at the time of writing, with the on-time fee valid until 31 October 2026. Some individual programmes have already closed, so check each programme’s closing date.
What is the last date to apply to the CAO for 2027?
31 October 2026 is the last day for the on-time fee. From 1 November the late fee applies, and applications may still be accepted for programmes that are not marked “No Late Applications will be considered.”
How much is the CAO late fee for 2027?
The late fee is R470 for South African applicants and R580 for international applicants, compared with R250 and R300 on time.
Can I still apply if the programme closing date has passed?
Often yes, unless the programme is marked “No Late Applications will be considered.” Late applications are processed only after all on-time applications.
How many courses can I choose on one CAO application?
You can choose up to six programmes with one fee. Choose a mix of ambitious and realistic options.
Which universities use the CAO?
UKZN, DUT, MUT and UNIZULU, plus selected private colleges. Other universities have separate application systems.
Is the CAO open for the second semester of 2027?
Reports say the CAO opened its 2027 second-semester window on 1 August 2026, with the on-time fee valid until 31 May 2027. Confirm which programmes offer a mid-year intake on www.cao.ac.za.
Key takeaways
- The CAO is still open for 2027, but programmes have different closing dates.
- Apply by 31 October to pay R250 instead of R470 (South African applicants).
- One fee covers up to six programme choices at CAO institutions.
- Late applications can still be considered, but only after on-time ones, and not for programmes marked “No Late Applications.”
- Use only www.cao.ac.za, and keep your proof of payment.
Your next step before 31 October
The window is still open, which means the only thing left to decide is when you start. The difference between applying this week and applying in November is R220 and, for some courses, your chance of being considered at all.
Open www.cao.ac.za now, download the 2027 handbook, and write down the closing date for each course you want. Then finish your application and pay before 31 October.
