How to Pay Your CAO Application Fee 2027 – A Detailed Guide

The Central Applications Office (CAO) is a vital part of the application process for students applying to universities and colleges in South Africa. If you are applying for a 2027 intake, paying your CAO application fee is a crucial step to ensure your application is processed. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of how to pay your CAO application fee for 2027, including methods of payment, amounts, and deadlines.

What is the CAO Application Fee?

The Central Applications Office (CAO) manages applications for various institutions in South Africa, including universities and TVET colleges. The application fee is a standard charge that applicants must pay when submitting their applications through the CAO.

For 2027, the CAO application fee is required to complete your application and initiate the evaluation process. The fee is typically non-refundable and must be paid before the deadline for your application to be processed.

Why Do You Need to Pay the CAO Application Fee?

Paying the CAO application fee is important because:

• It confirms your intention to apply to universities or colleges.
• It allows the CAO to process your application.
• Without the fee, your application will not be submitted for consideration by the institutions.

The application fee is standard for most public universities and colleges, and the amount can vary depending on whether you are a South African citizen or an international student.

CAO Application Fee Amount for 2027

For the 2027 academic year, the CAO application fee may differ for South African applicants and international applicants. As of the most recent updates, the application fees are:

• South African Applicants: R250
• International Applicants: R380

These fees may be subject to change, so it’s important to confirm the exact amount on the official CAO website before making your payment.

Methods of Paying the CAO Application Fee

There are several ways to pay your CAO application fee. You can choose whichever method is most convenient for you. Below are the available payment methods:

1. Pay via Bank Transfer (EFT)

One of the most common ways to pay the CAO application fee is through an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). Here’s how you can do it:

• Step 1: Log into your online banking account.
• Step 2: Select the EFT or Bank Transfer option.
• Step 3: Use the following bank details to complete your payment:
  Bank Name: Standard Bank
  Account Name: CAO Account
  Account Number: 058020258
  Branch Code: 051001
  Reference: Your CAO number or ID number (make sure to include this to ensure the payment is correctly matched to your application).
• Step 4: Once the transfer is complete, make sure to save the payment proof. You’ll need to upload or provide this when completing your application.

2. Pay via Credit or Debit Card

You can also pay the CAO application fee using a credit card or debit card through the CAO online payment portal. Here’s how:

• Step 1: Visit the official CAO website at www.cao.ac.za.
• Step 2: Log in to your CAO account or create a new one.
• Step 3: Select the Payment Options page and choose the credit or debit card payment option.
• Step 4: Enter your card details (Visa, MasterCard, or other accepted brands).
• Step 5: Complete the transaction and ensure you save the transaction reference number.

This method is quick and allows you to pay instantly.

3. Pay at the Post Office

If you prefer to pay in person, you can visit your nearest Post Office and make the payment over the counter. Here’s how:

• Step 1: Go to your local Post Office with the required amount (R250 for South African students, R380 for international students).
• Step 2: Inform the cashier that you want to pay for your CAO application fee.
• Step 3: Provide your CAO application number or ID number as a reference when making the payment.
• Step 4: Keep the receipt from the Post Office as proof of payment.

4. Pay via EFT or Bank Deposit at a Bank Branch

If you don’t have access to online banking, you can also make a bank deposit at a branch. Here’s how:

• Step 1: Visit any Standard Bank branch.
• Step 2: Ask the teller to help you make a bank deposit into the CAO account (use the same bank details mentioned for EFT).
• Step 3: Provide your CAO application number as the reference for the payment.
• Step 4: Get the deposit slip or receipt from the bank for your records.

5. Pay via Postal Order

In some cases, you may also have the option to pay via postal order at your nearest Post Office. Be sure to ask the Post Office staff for guidance on how to do this.

How to Confirm Your CAO Application Fee Payment

After paying the CAO application fee, you will need to confirm that your payment has been received and processed. Here’s how you can do that:

• Step 1: Log in to your CAO account.
• Step 2: Check your application status to verify that the payment has been received.
• Step 3: If your payment is not reflected, ensure that you have uploaded the proof of payment or contacted the CAO office for assistance.

Important Deadlines for CAO Application Fee Payment

It’s essential to pay the CAO application fee before the deadline to ensure your application is processed. The CAO application deadline for 2027 will likely be in September 2026, but be sure to check the CAO website for the official cutoff date.

• Application opening date: May 2026
• Application closing date: September 2026 (subject to change)

Failure to make the payment by the specified date could result in your application not being considered.

What Happens if You Don’t Pay the CAO Application Fee?

If you do not pay the CAO application fee or miss the deadline, your application will not be processed, and you will not be considered for admission to the institutions you are applying to.

Paying your CAO application fee is an essential step to ensure that your 2027 application to South African universities and colleges is considered. Whether you choose to pay via EFT, credit card, bank deposit, or post office, make sure you complete the payment as soon as possible and keep the proof of payment for your records. Always check the official CAO website for the latest updates on fees, payment methods, and deadlines.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you will be able to complete your application payment efficiently and move forward with your academic journey. Good luck with your CAO application for 2027!