CAO Application Deadlines 2026 – Key Dates You Must Know
CAO Application Deadlines 2026 – Every Important Date
Missing a CAO deadline can cost you money, reduce your chances of admission, or even disqualify your application entirely. This comprehensive guide covers every important date in the CAO 2026 application cycle, from when applications open to the final registration dates. Bookmark this page and set reminders for each key date.
Complete CAO 2026 Timeline
| Date | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 April 2025 | Applications open | Start applying at www.cao.ac.za. Fee: R250 (SA) / R300 (Intl) |
| 30 June 2025 | Grade 11 results deadline | Upload your latest academic results |
| 31 October 2025 | On-time closing date | Last day for on-time applications at R250 |
| 1 November 2025 | Late applications open | Higher fee applies: R470 (SA) / R580 (Intl) |
| December 2025 | Preliminary offers | Some universities make provisional offers |
| January 2026 | Matric results released | IEB and NSC results sent to CAO automatically |
| January-February 2026 | Firm offers issued | Universities make final offers based on matric results |
| Late January 2026 | Last day to change choices | Final opportunity to amend programme selections |
| February 2026 | Offer acceptance deadline | Accept your offer before it expires |
| February-March 2026 | University registration | Register and begin orientation at your university |
Why the 31 October Deadline Matters
The 31 October 2025 deadline is the single most important date in the CAO calendar. Here is why you must apply before this date:
- Save money: On-time fee is R250 vs R470 for late applications – that is a R220 saving.
- Higher priority: Universities process on-time applications first. Late applications are considered only after on-time applicants.
- More programme choices: Popular programmes fill up quickly. Late applicants may find that their preferred programmes are already full.
- Earlier offers: On-time applicants receive offers first, giving them more time to plan accommodation and finances.
When Do CAO Applications Open?
CAO applications for 2026 entry open on 1 April 2025. From this date, you can create your account, select programmes, upload documents, and pay the application fee. We recommend starting your application as early as possible, even if you do not submit immediately. This gives you time to research programmes, calculate your APS, and ensure all your documents are in order.
Late Applications – Is It Worth It?
If you miss the 31 October deadline, you can still apply from 1 November 2025 onwards. However, late applications come with significant disadvantages. You pay a higher fee (R470 for SA citizens), your application receives lower priority, and many popular programmes may already be full. That said, it is always better to apply late than not at all – some programmes still have spaces, and universities do accept late applicants.
When Are Matric Results Released?
NSC matric results are typically released in early January 2026. The Department of Basic Education sends results directly to CAO, so you do not need to upload them yourself. However, if you wrote IEB exams or have supplementary results, you may need to ensure these are forwarded. After results are released, universities reassess applications and convert provisional offers to firm offers or withdraw them based on actual performance.
How to Change Your Choices After Applying
You can change your programme choices after submitting your application, usually until late January 2026. Read our detailed guide on how to change CAO choices for the process and any associated fees.
Setting Reminders
We strongly recommend setting phone reminders for each key date. At minimum, set reminders for:
- Two weeks before 31 October: Final check that your application is complete.
- 31 October 2025: Absolute deadline for on-time submission.
- January 2026: Check your CAO status after matric results.
- Offer acceptance deadline: Accept your offer before it expires.
Ready to Start Your Application?
Begin by using our free tools: calculate your APS, check NSFAS eligibility, and compare universities. Then follow our step-by-step application guide to submit a strong, complete application before the deadline.