Your Central Applications Office (CAO) profile is crucial for securing admission to tertiary institutions in South Africa. It contains your personal information, matric results, and other essential details that universities and colleges use to assess your application. If your matric results are incorrect on your CAO profile, it can lead to delays or missed opportunities for admission.
What to Do If Your Matric Results Are Incorrect on Your CAO Profile
Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to address this issue:
Step 1: Verify Your Matric Results
Before taking action, confirm that your matric results are indeed incorrect on your CAO profile. You can do this by:
- Logging into your CAO profile on the official website (www.cao.ac.za).
- Comparing the results on your CAO profile with the official results issued by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) or your examination board (e.g., IEB).
If your results on the CAO profile differ from your official matric certificate or the results you received on results day, proceed to the next steps.
Step 2: Contact the CAO Immediately
The CAO is responsible for updating and maintaining your application profile. To rectify the issue, contact them directly:
- Phone: Call the CAO’s helpline at 031 268 4444 for guidance.
- Email: Send an email to enquiries@cao.ac.za explaining the issue and attaching proof of your correct results.
- Visit in Person: If you’re in Durban, you can visit their office at Gate 11, Mary Thiphe Street, Cato Manor.
When contacting the CAO, provide the following:
- Your CAO reference number.
- A copy of your official matric certificate or statement of results.
- A clear explanation of the discrepancy.
Step 3: Notify the Department of Basic Education (if necessary)
If the error originates from the DBE’s records, you may need to contact them directly to resolve the issue. This can happen if your results were incorrectly captured or released.
- DBE Contact Details:
- Phone: 0800 202 933 (Toll-Free)
- Email: info@dbe.gov.za
Request a reissue or verification of your results and ensure they are sent to the CAO promptly.
Recommended for you: How to Check Your CAO Application Status Online: 10 Easy Steps
Step 4: Provide Proof to Institutions
If the CAO cannot immediately update your results, notify the institutions you’ve applied to about the error. Send them:
- A copy of your official matric certificate.
- Proof of correspondence with the CAO about the correction process.
- Any other documentation they request.
This ensures that your application is still considered while the error is being corrected.
Step 5: Follow Up Regularly
Errors may take time to resolve, so consistent follow-up is essential:
- Check your CAO profile regularly to see if your results have been updated.
- Maintain communication with the CAO and institutions to stay informed about the status of your application.
Step 6: Keep Records of All Correspondence
Maintain a file of all emails, phone call logs, and other communications related to the error. This documentation may be necessary if you need to escalate the issue.
Step 7: Escalate If Necessary
If your issue is not resolved promptly, consider escalating it:
- Contact the CAO’s management directly.
- Seek assistance from an educational ombudsman or student advocacy organization.
- Consult with your school or district office for additional support.
Read more: How to Use the Central Applications Office to Apply for 2025 Academic Programs
Tips to Avoid Future Issues
- Verify Early: Always check your CAO profile for accuracy as soon as your matric results are released.
- Update Your Information: Ensure that all personal details on your CAO profile are accurate and up-to-date.
- Keep Copies: Maintain copies of all important documents, including your matric certificate and CAO application.
Ensuring the accuracy of your matric results on your CAO profile is vital for a smooth university or college application process. If you find discrepancies, taking immediate action—by verifying your results, contacting the CAO, and following up with necessary institutions—can help resolve the issue promptly. By staying proactive and keeping thorough records of all correspondence, you can avoid further delays and secure your place at the tertiary institution of your choice.
