How to pay your Central Applications Office, CAO Application, Change of Mind, and Administration fees online or through Easy Pay. Check out our Comprehensive step-by-step guide and learn more about CAO Online Application, how to apply, check your status, change of mind, and pay your administration fee.
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Easy Ways to Pay CAO Application Administration Fees Online
There are two ways to pay both administration fees: Online or EasyPay:
- Applicants may pay the administration fee online at www.cao.ac.za by credit card:
- You may pay the application administration fee online at the same time as when you apply.
After you click ‘Process my Application’ a message will appear telling you how you may pay the applicable administration fee.
If you applied online and wish to pay at a later date:
- Go to www.cao.ac.za
- Tap on ‘Payments’ on the top menu bar
- Enter your CAO or ID Number
- Tap on the ‘Submit’ button
- Tap on “Pay Now by Credit Card”
If you have submitted a hard copy form, here’s what to do:
- Go to www.cao.ac.za
- Tap on ‘Payments’ on the top menu bar
- Enter the CAO number that is on the application form you have and/or will submit
- Tap on the ‘Submit’ button
- Tap on “Make a Payment”
Where to Pay your CAO Application Fees
Applicants may pay their Central Applications Office administration fee at any EasyPay outlet below:
Shoprite, Checkers, Pick ‘n Pay, Boxer Superstores, Woolworths, etc. (use your unique EasyPay number as the reference when making payment).
Change of Mind Payment Procedures
After you have done your CAO Change of Mind, COMs submission, follow this step to make payment via EasyPay. You may pay the COM administration fee online at the same time as when you submit the COM.
- After completing the “Change of Mind” Submission
- A message will appear telling you how you may pay the administration fee.
- Tap on ‘Process my Change of Mind’
If you pay the CAO Change of Mind, COM Administration fee after you have submitted it online, or pay at any EasyPay center. For CAO Application Fee, Download 2026 CAO Handbook PDF or refer to the important notice to see prospectus.
NSFAS Application
If you require financial aid from NSFAS, you must tick the Financial Aid field when you complete your CAO application. In addition, you must apply for NSFAS directly at:
NSFAS Address: Private Bag X1, Plumstead, 7801 OR 2nd Floor, House Vincent, 10 Brodoe Road, Wynberg, Cape Town, 7700.
Telephone: 021 763 3200/0860 006 7327
Both the Application Administration Fee and the COM Administration Fee can be paid at
CAO Office
Gate 11, Mary Thiphe Street, Cato Manor.
You can pay by credit or debit card.
Note: CAO DO NOT take cash at the CAO office.
