Central Applications Office (CAO) Application 2026 - preeminent opportunities portal

Central Applications Office (CAO) Application Process |How to Apply

The Central Applications Office processes applications for undergraduate courses in Irish Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Decisions on admissions to undergraduate courses are made by the HEIs who instruct CAO to make offers to successful candidates.

How to Apply through Central Applications Office (CAO) 2026

To apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) for higher education in Ireland, you need to create an account on the CAO website and complete the online application form, ensuring you provide accurate personal details and select the relevant qualifications. You will also need to pay the application fee and choose a payment method. The CAO processes applications for undergraduate courses in participating Irish Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Visit the CAO website:

Navigate to the official CAO website and click on the “Apply” section.

2. Create an Account:

Register for a new account by providing your personal details, including your name (as it appears on your birth certificate or passport), a valid email address, and your date of birth.

3. Select Qualification:

Choose the qualification you are applying with (e.g., Leaving Certificate, Post-Leaving Certificate courses, etc.).

4. Enter Personal Details:

Provide all required personal information, including your address, contact details, and any other relevant information.

5. Choose Payment Method:

Select your preferred payment method (debit/credit card, or other options) and complete the payment process.

6. Complete the Application:

Ensure all sections of the application form are filled out accurately and completely before submitting.

7. Submit Application:

Once you are satisfied with your application, submit it through the CAO system.

8. Receive Acknowledgement:

After submitting, you should receive an acknowledgement confirming your application.

Central Applications Office (CAO) International Application 2026

How do I apply as an international applicant?

An international applicant is a person who is not a citizen or permanent resident of South Africa, or a refugee/asylum seeker with a permit allowing study. The higher education institutions of KwaZulu-Natal welcome applications from international applicants for their formal degree, diploma and certificate programmes. Some institutions also offer the opportunity to study in South Africa for one semester or one year. DUT and UKZN do not accept international applicants into their access programmes. Applications to study Medicine at UKZN are consider ONLY from citizens of Lesotho and Mauritius and applicants must apply via their governments. You will require a study permit if you wish to come to South Africa to study. This does not apply to distance learning students who study in their home countries.

Where do I send my application as an international applicant?

If you are applying for short-term study, apply directly to the institution.

If you are applying to UKZN only, apply directly to the institution.

Study Permits

Once you have a letter offering you a place from the further or higher education institution, you can apply to the South African embassy, high commission, consulate or trade office for your study permit. The permit application will take up to eight weeks to be processed. Acceptance by an institution does not place any obligation on the South African government to issue or renew study permits. DO NOT leave home before your study permit is granted – you will not be allowed to study on a visitor’s permit. You cannot apply for your first permit after you arrive in South Africa. People who are in South Africa for study purposes are not eligible to apply for South African citizenship. Refugee and asylum seeker applicants require documentation from the Department of Home Affairs granting permission to study in South Africa.

Foreign qualifications

The following are considered to be equivalent to the South African degree entry requirements:

GCE:

Five passes in GCE including two at `A` level:

“A” level passes must be A, B, C, D or E
“O” level passes must be A, B or C

Five passes in GCE as well as four at AS levell:

- “A” level passes must be A, B, C, D or E;
- “O” level passes must be A, B or C; and
- “AS” level passes must be A, B, C or D.

Applicants from SADC countries who have five passes at ‘O’ level, including English language, may be considered for diploma study.

HIGCSE/IGCSE:

Passes in five subjects, four of which must be at HIGCSE level:

- HIGCSE passes must be 1, 2 or 3
- IGCSE passes must be A, B or C

Applicants who wish to enter degree programmes are required to have passes in English language and one other language, and must usually have also passed Maths.

The Matriculation Board gives details of requirements for those with other qualifications. Applicants should apply for a ‘Foreign’ or ‘Foreign Conditional’ Matric Exemption from the Matriculation Board. Institutions will usually assist with this, or you can consult the Matriculation Board directly.

The Matriculation Board

P O Box 3854, Pretoria, 0001

1267 Pretorius Street, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0001

☎ 010 591 4401/2

Website: mb.usaf.ac.za • Email: [email protected]

Those wishing to enter diploma programmes may be required to have their qualifications assessed to confirm that they are equivalent to the South African Senior Certificate. This evaluation is carried out by SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority). If you need to contact SAQA, you must ask for the Quality Assurance Department. The cost of an assessment varies, depending on the level of priority. Conditions are on the SAQA website.

SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority)

☎ 012 431 5000

Website: www.saqa.org.za

Email:[email protected]