Waiting for a Decision
The institution has not yet considered this programme choice.
Next: Keep checking. A later decision may differ for each choice.
2027 entry • verified 20 August 2026
CAO status check
Track each programme choice using one identifier: your CAO number, South African ID number or passport number.
Open official CAO status check ↗What the official form asks for
Choose one of these three
Option 1
CAO number
Option 2
ID number
Option 3
Passport number
You do not need a PIN or password for this checker. A CAO password is used on the separate applicant login.
How to check your CAO application
- 1
Open Check My Application
Use the direct official CAO page, or choose the same icon on the CAO home page.
- 2
Select the identifier you have
Choose CAO Number, ID Number or Passport Number. Enter that one number exactly.
- 3
Submit and review every choice
A status can differ between programmes because each institution makes its own selection decisions.
- 4
Follow the action shown
Upload requested documents, wait for results or respond to an offer using the institution’s instructions.
What CAO statuses mean
These labels follow CAO’s current 2027-entry FAQ. Read the full message shown against your programme.
Late Application
CAO received the programme application after its closing date.
Next: Read the institution’s rules. Each institution handles late applications differently.
Awaiting Results
The institution needs later results, such as June or trial results, before deciding.
Next: Upload requested results with the correct document type as soon as they are available.
Conditional Offer
The institution will accept you if you meet the stated conditions.
Next: Read the institution’s message and respond by its deadline. Final results still matter.
Firm Offer
The institution is offering you a place.
Next: Accept or decline directly with the institution and follow its deadline and payment instructions.
Short-listed, Standby or Wait-listed
The institution is still considering you but has not confirmed a place.
Next: Monitor messages and keep alternative choices active.
Has Not Met Programme Ranking Criteria
You do not meet criteria set by that institution for the programme.
Next: Check the prospectus. CAO says you may use Change of Mind to change programme ranking.
Regret Unsuccessful
The institution has decided not to offer a place for that programme choice.
Next: Ask the institution about its decision or consider a Change of Mind for another programme.
An offer comes from the institution
CAO passes application information and decisions between applicants and participating institutions, but the institution makes the selection decision.
- Accept or decline directly with the institution.
- Meet the deadline in the institution’s message.
- Do not pay an acceptance-of-offer fee to CAO.
Status checker vs applicant login
Check My Application uses one identifying number and shows progress.
Applicant Login uses a CAO number and password to complete an application, upload documents or update details.
Open CAO applicant login ↗Reset a CAO password
Use the new-password link under the login box. Enter your CAO number, ID or passport number, surname and the on-screen validation code.
Choose SMS or email. The temporary password CAO sends is valid for 24 hours; change it after signing in.
CAO contact details
2026 call-centre hours
Monday–Thursday, 08:00–16:30
Friday, 08:00–14:00
Closed on public holidays; self-help is available on the same number after hours.
Physical address
Gate 11, Central Services Complex – UKZN, Mary Thiphe Street (Cato Manor Road), Cato Manor, Durban
CAO status questions
Can I check my CAO status with an ID number?
Yes. On the official Check My Application page, select one identifier and enter your CAO number, South African ID number or passport number. The status checker does not ask for all three or for a CAO password.
What is the direct CAO status-check link?
The official page is www.cao.ac.za/MyApplicationLogin.aspx. You can also start on the CAO home page and select Check My Application.
Is the CAO status checker the same as the applicant login?
No. Check My Application uses a CAO number, ID number or passport number. The separate applicant login uses your CAO number and password to complete an application, upload documents or update details.
Who decides whether I am accepted?
The institution makes the selection and admission decision, not CAO. CAO processes application information and communicates decisions it receives from institutions.
How do I accept a CAO offer?
Respond directly to the institution using the instructions and deadline in its offer. Do not pay an acceptance-of-offer fee to CAO; the institution will tell you how and where to pay.
How do I reset my CAO password?
Open the CAO Login page and choose the new-password option. Enter the CAO number, ID or passport number, surname and on-screen validation code. CAO sends a temporary password by SMS or email; it is valid for 24 hours.
Need funding too?
CAO does not approve NSFAS funding. Track the separate national funding cycle and apply directly through NSFAS when it opens.
Track the NSFAS 2027 opening dateFunding your studies?
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