How to Check Your University Application Status Online (KZN Guide)

A step‑by‑step guide for students on checking their
university application status online via the CAO or individual university
portals. Covers status meanings and next steps.

Introduction

Waiting for an admission decision can be nerve‑racking. Fortunately, KZN
applicants don’t have to remain in the dark. The Central Applications Office
(CAO) and university portals allow you to track your application status at any
time. Understanding what the different statuses mean helps you plan your next
move and ensures you don’t miss important deadlines or requests for
information.

Table of Contents

1. Understanding Application Status Codes
2. Checking Your Status via the CAO
3. Checking Your Status via University Portals
4. Next Steps After Checking
5. FAQs
6. Conclusion

Understanding Application Status Codes

When you log into the CAO or university portal you will see one of several
status messages. Although wording varies, common codes include:

• Received/Application Submitted: Your application has been loaded onto the
  system and will be assessed.
• Filtering/Verification: The university or NSFAS is verifying your
  information and financial eligibility.
• Provisionally Accepted: You meet the minimum requirements; final
  acceptance is pending final results and document verification.
• Waiting List: The programme is full; you may receive a place if other
  applicants decline.
• Rejected: You do not meet the minimum entry requirements.

Understanding these statuses helps you decide whether to wait, supply more
documents or seek alternative options.

What Does “Provisionally Accepted” Mean? University Admission Explained

Checking Your Status via the CAO

The CAO portal consolidates applications for UKZN, DUT, MUT and UniZulu. To
track your application:

1. Go to the CAO website and click “My Application”.
2. Enter your CAO number, ID/passport and password. If you forget your
   password, use the reset link.
3. View your status. The portal will display whether your application is
   received, provisionally accepted, waitlisted or declined. You can also see
   if institutions require additional documents or tests.
4. Check regularly. Institutions update statuses after receiving new
   results or documents. Don’t rely solely on SMS notifications.

Checking Your Status via University Portals

Some universities provide their own portals or email updates in addition to
CAO tracking:

• UKZN & UWC: After completing the online form, current Grade 12 applicants
  will receive an acknowledgement email. Final selections are
  made in January once matric results are released.
• DUT & MUT: Use your student number to log into the institution’s
  admissions portal. If no portal exists, contact the admissions office via
  email or phone.
• Private colleges or distance‑learning providers: Follow the link
  provided in your confirmation email. Some institutions use third‑party
  portals for status checks.

How to Apply to University with Grade 11 Results

Next Steps After Checking

• Provisionally accepted: Congratulations! Follow the instructions in
  Article 2 to meet your conditions.
• Awaiting documents: Upload the requested documents via CAO or the
  university portal.
• Waiting list: Stay patient and consider applying for alternative
  programmes as a backup.
• Rejected: Review the minimum requirements and consider bridging
  programmes, TVET colleges or the CACH service for unplaced students.

FAQs

How often should I check my application status? Check at least once a
week during the application cycle. Updates are typically posted after
institutions receive exam results or documents.

Do I need a CAO number to check my status? Yes. Your CAO number or
student number and ID/passport are required to log in.

What if my status doesn’t change? Don’t panic. Universities may take
several weeks to update statuses, especially after final results are released.

Who can I contact for help? Use the CAO call centre (031 268 4444) or
contact the university admissions office via email or phone.

Conclusion

Tracking your application status puts you in control of your university journey.
Use the CAO and institutional portals to check whether your application has been
received, provisionally accepted or rejected. Understanding the
meaning of each status helps you decide whether to submit more documents,
improve your grades or explore other options. Regular checks ensure you don’t
miss important updates and allow you to respond quickly to requests from
universities.