Know Which Programmes
You Qualify For — Before You Apply.
Calculate your APS instantly. Match with every CAO programme you qualify for across UKZN, DUT, MUT, and UNIZULU — with career paths and salary ranges attached to every result.
Not affiliated with CAO, NSFAS, UKZN, DUT, MUT, or UNIZULU · Data from official 2026/27 CAO Handbook · Independent platform
972+
CAO Programmes
4
KZN Universities
60s
Check Time
R149
Full Report
Step 1
Calculate Your APS Score
Enter your Grade 12 subjects and marks. Your best 6 subjects (excluding Life Orientation) count towards your APS.
YOUR DETAILS
Your details stay on your device unless you choose to unlock the full report.
SubjectMark %
* Life Orientation does not count towards your APS for most institutions. Include all subjects for the most accurate programme matching.
Your APS Score
—
Step 2
Your Qualifying Programmes
Based on your APS score
Built for KZN. Accurate. Independent.
StudentPath gives every Grade 12 learner in KwaZulu-Natal the same intelligence that top students use to make better university decisions. Free to check. R149 for the full picture.
CAO Application Guide
How to Apply Through CAO
Step-by-step for applying to DUT, MUT, and UNIZULU. Note: UKZN does NOT use CAO.
1
Know Which Institutions Use CAO
DUT, MUT, and UNIZULU use CAO. UKZN does NOT — apply at ukzn.ac.za directly. This is the single most common and costly mistake KZN students make.
2
Apply Early — March to September
CAO opens around March each year. Apply in Grade 12 before exams. Applications close around September–October. Do not wait for your matric results.
3
Official CAO Website Only
Visit cao.ac.za only. Scam sites charge R500+ to “help.” The official fee is approximately R200. Never pay a third party to apply.
4
Choose 6 Programmes Carefully
You may list up to 6 programme choices. CAO offers you the highest-ranked qualifying programme. Put your most wanted programme as Choice 1.
5
Upload Documents and Pay
Your application is not processed until payment is confirmed. Check your portal every week for document status.
6
Accept Your Offer Immediately
Offers come from October via SMS and email. Accept within the deadline given (2–4 weeks). A missed acceptance means your spot goes to the next applicant.
Prepare all documents before starting your application.
SA ID / Smart Card
Clear scan, both sides. Expired ID = automatic rejection.
Grade 11 / Grade 12 June Results
Official school report, signed and stamped by principal.
Proof of Residence
Not older than 3 months. Utility bill or municipal account.
Proof of Application Fee Payment
Bank receipt or EFT confirmation. Keep permanently.
All copies must be clear and legible. Blurry or expired documents will be rejected — often without notification.
Each mistake below costs students an entire academic year.
✗ Applying for UKZN through CAO
UKZN is not a CAO institution. Apply at ukzn.ac.za directly.
✗ Applying after the deadline
Late applications cost more and have far lower success rates. Apply in Term 1.
✗ Ranking programmes incorrectly
CAO offers you the highest-ranked qualifying programme. Rank in true preference order.
✗ Ignoring specific subject requirements
Meeting minimum APS is not enough. Many programmes require specific subjects at specific levels.
✗ Missing the offer acceptance deadline
You have 2–4 weeks to accept. Missing this means your spot is given to the next student.
Complete every item before submitting your CAO application.
NSFAS Guide
How to Apply for NSFAS
Free university funding for qualifying South African students at accredited public institutions.
NSFAS Eligibility 2026
✦Household income R350,000/year or less
✦South African citizen or permanent resident
✦First-time entry to higher education
✦SASSA grant recipients automatically qualify
Apply in Grade 12 — do not wait for results.
Your ID Document
Clear scan, both sides. Expired ID = instant rejection.
Parent/Guardian ID
Both parents if applicable. Deceased: death certificate.
Proof of Household Income
3 months' payslips | Affidavit (unemployed) | SASSA letter
School Results
Official report signed and stamped by principal.
1
Go to mynsfas.org.za Only
This is the ONLY official portal. Never pay someone to apply on your behalf.
2
Create Your myNSFAS Account
Register with your SA ID and an email you check daily. All NSFAS communications come by email.
3
Complete the Application Form
Fill in details exactly as on your ID. Use Save as Draft — the portal times out after 20 minutes.
4
Upload All Documents
PDF or JPG, max 2MB per file. Confirm each shows as “Successfully Uploaded” before proceeding.
5
Save Your Reference Number
Screenshot your confirmation immediately. You need this for all future enquiries.
6
Monitor Weekly
If NSFAS requests documents, respond within 5 business days or your application may be declined.
! Income exceeds R350,000/year
Verified against SARS records. The threshold is strictly enforced.
! Incorrect personal information
Name and ID must match DHA records exactly. Any discrepancy causes automatic rejection.
! Missing or unreadable documents
NSFAS often does not notify you when documents are rejected. Check your portal weekly.
! Applying for a private institution
NSFAS funds only public universities and registered public TVET colleges.
Appeal: Rejected applicants can appeal within 30 days on the myNSFAS portal.
Complete every item before submitting your NSFAS application.
Your full report. R149. Once-off.
Every programme you qualify for, with career ROI and application guidance attached.
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Contact StudentPath
Questions about your APS, programme choices, or application? We are here to help.
