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Finding Available Programmes
A list of all programmes on offer is available on our website at www.cao.ac.za, and in this Handbook starting on page 38.
Application material is available from all high, secondary and combined schools as well as from our member institutions listed in this Handbook. *Application material can also be collected at the offices of the CAO at Gate 11, UKZN, Mary Thiphe Street, Cato Manor and from all Education District Offices or by contacting the CAO on 031 268 4444. Please apply online. See page 6 clause 2 and pages 18-19 for the reasons.
Kinds of Programmes related to Careers
All programmes available for July 2024 and January 2025 entry are available on our website www.cao.ac.za. The list of all programmes available for 2024 (Second Semester starting in July 2024) and for 2025 (First Semester starting in January 2025 and Second Semester starting in July 2025) are also listed in this Handbook from page 38 to 233. The programmes listed are for access to mainstream study as well as to access programmes for alternative admission.
Alternative Access (also called Access Routes)
An access route is an alternative study route that may lead to your original mainstream programme of study. Access Route Programmes (see page 236) are spread over a longer period than normal and are provided to help applicants who may not meet the entry requirements for specific degrees and diplomas. Some programmes don’t have access routes but offer three and four year options based on the applicant's results in the
2.1. YOUR STUDY OPTIONS
NSC and in selection tests. These programmes are indicated by ‘3/4 yrs’ in the Programme Choice List under ‘course duration’.
Second Chance Application (Change of Mind Application)
If after applying you are unsuccessful with any of your programme choices, you may complete and submit a ‘Change of Mind’ (COM). This must be done online. These COMs are immediately available to the institution/s to which you have applied when received with the COM administration fee. COMs completed online and paid via EasyPay are processed the day after receipt of the COM administration fee.
In the post-school sector, the study intake is divided into study blocks that are indicated in the programme list under 'Entry Term'. Universities and universities of technology generally have study intakes in the First Semester (Jan/Feb) and some universities may have a Second Semester (July) intake for some programmes. TVET colleges also have trimester intakes for Nated (‘N’) programmes and skills programmes.
Extending your Application to the Following Year
If you have applied to study in 2024 but have not been successful or, for some reason have not registered, you may extend your 2024 application for admission into 2025, provided you complete a COM Request online. To be valid, this extension, which is completed as a COM, must reach us by 31 March 2024 together with the relevant COM administration fee. If you miss this date, you will have to make a new application and pay the full administration fee.
* NOTE:The CAO Contact Centre will be open from 1 March to 30 November 2024
CAO HANDBOOK ENTRY 2025 17 CAO HANDBOOK ENTRY 2024