Central Applications Clearing House (CACH) 2025: Everything You Need to Know
The Central Applications Clearing House (CACH) service for 2025 will be open from 8 AM on 20 January 2025 until 31 March 2025. If you have completed Grade 12 from the year 2000 onwards, you are eligible to apply.
How to Check Your CACH Status
Wondering if you have received any offers? You can check your CACH status online by visiting CACH Status Check. To access your application details, you will need to provide your CACH number, ID number, or passport number.
What is CACH?
The Central Applications Clearing House (CACH) is a South African system designed to assist students who have not yet secured a place at a university, college, or higher education institution. Managed by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), CACH connects applicants with available study opportunities based on their final National Senior Certificate (NSC) exam results.
CACH is beneficial for:
- Students who missed university application deadlines.
- Applicants rejected by their preferred institutions.
- Individuals seeking alternative study options.
CACH is a free service offered by the DHET to help students find placement at institutions, including universities, TVET colleges, and online learning programs.
How Does CACH Work?
- Registration: Learners who have completed Grade 12 sign up on the CACH website.
- Matching Process: Institutions use the CACH database to find suitable candidates.
- Offer Notifications: Selected candidates receive offers via SMS or email.
- Acceptance: If you accept an offer, the institution will contact you directly.
Student Loans & Financial Aid
If you require financial assistance, CACH can connect you with funding opportunities such as NSFAS student loans and bursaries.
Application Deadline
The CACH application closing date is 31 March 2025. Late applications will NOT be accepted.
Eligibility Criteria for CACH
To apply for CACH, you must:
- Have completed Matric in 2000 or later.
- Hold an NSC/SC certificate that can be verified by the Department of Basic Education (DBE).
- Be planning to study at a university, university of technology, or TVET college.
CACH Terms & Conditions
- Applications are only accepted via the CACH website.
- Institutions have already started making offers, so early sign-ups are encouraged.
- Your application is only valid once your NSC/SC certificate is obtained from DBE.
- Ensure your contact details are accurate, as institutions will use them for communication.
- Institutions have the final selection authority; CACH does not decide who gets admitted.
- Offer notifications will be sent via SMS or email, and you must respond promptly.
- You can decline up to 3 offers. After that, your application will be permanently removed.
- Institutions may withdraw offers if conditions are not met or if false information is provided.
How to Apply for CACH 2025
Follow these steps to apply online:
- Visit CACH Application
- Click on “LEARNER SIGN-UP” in the green bar.
- Select “Sign-Up Online NOW”.
- Enter your ID number (for South African citizens) or passport number (for foreign students).
- Fill in your personal and contact details.
- Agree to the Terms & Conditions and submit your application.
- Your application is now successfully submitted!
Need Help?
If you experience difficulties signing up, watch this CACH application video for step-by-step guidance.
Final Thoughts
CACH is a lifeline for students still searching for higher education opportunities. Don’t miss out—apply before 31 March 2025 and secure your future today!
