Here’s a myth that needs to die: “I’ll go to the university gate with my results and they’ll let me in.” The truth? The CAO change of mind 2026 process is digital—and you need to know exactly how it works.
Nope. You’ll be turned away by security. Period. It’s not happening.
But here’s what IS happening: Digital walk-ins via CAO. And it’s way more accessible than you think—IF you know how to use the CAO change of mind 2026 process correctly.
The CAO (Central Applications Office) website has a live “Available Programmes” list that updates DAILY. If a programme pops up that you qualify for, you’ve got minutes to apply via “Change of Mind” (COM). Five-minute process. Instant confirmation (usually).
This guide teaches you the daily strategy, the university-by-university reality, and exactly what to do.
How the System Actually Works
What is CAO?
CAO is the system that manages university applications for most South African universities.
What is Digital Walk-In?
Normally, applications close on September 30. But universities keep some programmes in reserve. When students drop out or don’t register, those programmes appear on the “Available Programmes” list.
Timeline:
Digital Walk-In: Jan 2 – Feb 28, 2026 (two months)
You check daily
When programme appears: You apply same day
Confirmation: Usually instant to 24 hours
Which universities?
UKZN, DUT, UniZulu, MUT (plus others, but these are KZN main ones)
Your Daily CAO Change of Mind 2026 Strategy
Here’s what actually works:
Step 1: Bookmark cao.ac.za TODAY
Don’t wait for January 20. Do it now. Save it to your home screen.
Step 2: Set Phone Alarms
8:00 AM (first update window)
6:00 PM (second update window)
These are the most common times the available list updates. You want to be checking within minutes of updates.
Step 3: When Alarm Goes Off, Do This:
Go to cao.ac.za immediately
Look for “Available Programmes” section
Scan for programmes in your interest area
Check the APS requirement (do you qualify?)
If yes: Click “Change of Mind” or “New Application” immediately
Complete form (5 minutes max)
Screenshot confirmation
Exhale
Step 4: Repeat at 6 PM
That’s it. Literally takes 10 minutes per day. But those 10 minutes could change your entire trajectory.
Understanding Your APS (Admission Points Score)
Your APS determines what you can apply for.
Find your APS:
Look at your matric statement. It shows your APS number.
What it means:
Bachelor’s pass = 26-50 APS
Diploma pass = 20-26 APS
Higher certificate = 12-20 APS
Most universities want: 26+ APS (Bachelor’s pass minimum)
Calculate your own:
Home language %: _ Subject 2 %:
Subject 3 %: Subject 4 %:
Subject 5 %: __
(Add them up, divide by 5, you roughly have your APS)
Programs will list their minimum APS. If you’re below it, don’t waste time applying.
The University Reality (Don’t Sugarcoat This)
Not all universities have equal spaces.
UKZN: The Closed Door
General applications: CLOSED (Sept 30 deadline passed)
Late list: EXTREMELY LIMITED
High-demand courses (Health, Law, Education): Not accepting walk-ins
Niche courses (some Humanities, Agriculture): Occasionally appears
Realistic expectation: Maybe 1-2 programmes appear all of Jan-Feb
Strategy: Check daily, but don’t count on it
If accepted: Register by 10 Feb
DUT: The Technical Loophole
General applications: CLOSED
Late list: Often released for shortfall spots
Faculty of Engineering (Diploma in Construction, etc.)
Built Environment (Architecture)
Some IT programmes
Extended Curriculum Programmes
Realistic expectation: 3-5 programmes appear
Strategy: Check daily, this is solid option
If accepted: Register quickly (spaces fill fast)
UniZulu: The Accessible Alternative
CAO Digital Walk-In: Heavily used for UniZulu
Most openings: Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Education
APS requirement: Usually 26-28 (achievable for many)
Realistic expectation: Programmes appear regularly
Strategy: Primary option, high success likelihood
If accepted: Registration usually quick
MUT: The Safety School
Most flexible of KZN universities
Keeps applications open via CAO often
Multiple faculties (Natural Sciences, Engineering, Management)
Realistic expectation: Spaces usually available
Strategy: Your backup if others fail
If accepted: Registration very quick
If You Get Accepted (Seriously, What Happens Next?)
Confirmation email from university (usually instant)
Screenshot or save the CAO confirmation
Registration deadline listed in email (usually 1-2 weeks)
Go to university website and register
Pay registration fees (varies by university, often R500-2,000 for late admin)
Get accommodation (if needed—some universities have on-campus housing)
Start semester (February usually for late entrants)
Move FAST. Late spots fill quickly. Don’t procrastinate.
The Backup Plan (Important)
“What if CAO closes Feb 28 and I’m still rejected?”
You have one more option: TVET colleges (see our guide on TVET Late Entry). Many are still accepting into late February and beyond.
TVET isn’t “Plan B” or “failure.” It’s a legitimate, job-ready pathway. But it’s different from university. Knowing about it keeps you moving forward.
Your Action Plan
Week of Jan 20:
☐ Bookmark cao.ac.za
☐ Calculate your APS
☐ Understand which universities are realistic for you
☐ Set daily alarms (8 AM + 6 PM)
Jan 20 – Feb 28:
☐ Check daily (literally 10 minutes)
☐ Apply immediately when programme appears
☐ Track applications + confirmations
If accepted:
☐ Register immediately (don’t delay)
☐ Pay fees (ask about payment plans if needed)
☐ Arrange accommodation
If rejected by Feb 28:
☐ Move to TVET college applications (still accepting)
The Real Talk
Applying to university feels random when you don’t have control. But here’s the truth: You have MORE control than you think.
By checking twice daily, you’re not passively hoping. You’re actively looking for your opportunity. And opportunities DO appear.
Some students get into their university on Day 1. Some on Day 35. Some through TVET instead. But everyone finds a path forward if they keep looking.
This is where consistency matters. Check daily. It takes 10 minutes. But those 10 minutes compound.
Book a free CAO check-in. We’ll verify your APS and walk you through the daily strategy.