If you’ve applied to study at one of the Central Applications Office (CAO) affiliated institutions for the 2026 academic year, keeping track of your application is essential. The CAO system allows you to apply to multiple universities and colleges in South Africa using one platform, making the admission process simpler and more efficient.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to check your CAO application status, what each status means, and what steps to take if your application is pending, waitlisted, or rejected.
What is CAO?
The Central Applications Office (CAO) is a centralized application system used by many South African universities, universities of technology, and other higher learning institutions. It allows students to submit one application that can be sent to multiple institutions, saving time and effort.
Institutions that use CAO include:
- Durban University of Technology (DUT)
- University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
- Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT)
- University of Zululand (UNIZULU)
- University of the Western Cape (UWC)
The CAO ensures that applications are processed efficiently and that students can easily monitor their admission progress.
How to Check Your CAO Application Status for 2026
Once you’ve submitted your CAO application and received a confirmation email, you can track your application online.
Follow these steps to check your CAO status:
Step 1: Visit the Official CAO Website
Go to the official CAO website: www.cao.ac.za.
On the homepage, select “Application Status” from the main menu to access the status-checking page.
Step 2: Log in to Your CAO Account
Enter your CAO application number, ID number, or passport number, along with your password. If you’ve forgotten your password, click on the “Forgot Password” option to reset it.
Step 3: View Your Application Status
After logging in, go to the “My Application” section to view your current status.
Here are the possible outcomes you may see:
- Accepted: You’ve been offered a place at one of your chosen institutions.
- Pending: Your application is still being reviewed by the institution.
- Rejected: You were not successful in your application.
- Waiting List: Your application is on hold, and you may still be considered depending on space availability.
- Conditional Offer: You meet some entry requirements but must still provide certain documents or results.
Step 4: Follow Any Additional Instructions
If your status changes to “Accepted” or “Conditional Offer,” check your email regularly for further instructions on registration, enrollment, or orientation.
What to Do if Your Application Is Pending
If your CAO application shows a Pending status, don’t panic—it means your chosen institution is still processing your application. Here’s what you can do:
- Be Patient: Review processes take time, especially when dealing with high volumes of applications.
- Confirm All Documents Are Uploaded: Missing results or identification documents can delay review.
- Check Your CAO Account Often: Updates can appear at any time.
- Contact the Institution: If your application stays pending for an extended period, reach out to the university directly or contact CAO for clarification.
What to Do if Your Application Is Rejected
If your application is rejected, it could be due to one or more of the following reasons:
- You did not meet the program’s minimum entry requirements.
- The course was oversubscribed (too many applicants).
- Your application was incomplete.
Here’s what you can do next:
- Contact CAO or the Institution
Ask for feedback or clarification on why your application was unsuccessful. - Submit an Appeal (If Allowed)
Some institutions permit appeals if you believe there was a mistake or if you now meet the requirements. - Apply for a Different Program
Consider programs with available spaces or slightly lower entry requirements. - Explore Other Institutions
You can still apply to other universities through CAO that may have open applications for 2026.
What to Do if You Are Waitlisted
If your application shows a Waiting List status, it means your application is being held in reserve. You could still be offered a spot if space becomes available.
Here’s what to do while waiting:
- Keep checking your CAO profile and email for updates.
- Prepare alternative study options in case a space doesn’t open up.
- If you receive an offer elsewhere, consider accepting it to secure your place for 2026.
How to Stay Updated on Your CAO Application
To stay informed about your CAO status check and application progress:
- Check your CAO account regularly.
- Keep your contact details up to date.
- Enable SMS and email alerts on your CAO profile.
- Download and use the CAO Mobile App (if available).
CAO Contact Details
If you have any questions or need help with your application, reach out to CAO directly using the following contact information:
Email: cao@cao.ac.za
Phone: +27 (0)31 268 4444
Postal Address:
Central Applications Office
Private Bag X06,
Dalbridge,
4014, South Africa
