CACH Is Closed: How to Use the Central Application Service (CAS) for 2027

Are you searching for a “CACH login” or trying to sign up for the Central Applications Clearing House? CACH no longer exists, and the Central Application Service (CAS) has replaced it.

If you are in the Class of 2026, or you finished school earlier and have no offer yet for 2027, you may have heard older advice to “register on CACH”.

The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) discontinued CACH from the 2026 academic year and replaced it with the Central Application Service (CAS), which also helps you see which post-school institutions are genuine.

Here is everything you need to know about the new system, how to get your name on the list using WhatsApp, and how to secure a space before universities close their doors for good.

CACH vs. CAS: What is the Difference?

For over a decade, CACH (Central Applications Clearing House) was the “safety net” for students who qualified for university but didn’t apply on time or were rejected.

However, the government is transitioning to CAS (Central Application Service).

• The Old Way (CACH): A temporary list created in January for late applications.
• The New Way (CAS): A permanent, centralized system that holds your data and shares it with all Universities, TVET Colleges, and SETAs simultaneously.

The good news? The service still exists and covers more options than CACH did. Just ignore old CACH links, which no longer work.

Who Should Register on CAS for 2027?

You should only register on this system if you meet all of the following criteria:

1. You have a Grade 12 National Senior Certificate (NSC) or Senior Certificate.
2. You have NOT received an offer from any university or college for 2027.
3. You are willing to study at a TVET College or participate in a Learnership if university space is full.

If you already have an offer from a university but you “don’t like it,” do not use CAS. This system is strictly for students who have nowhere else to go.

How to Register for Placement (Step-by-Step)

The Department has made it easier to sign up this year. You don’t even need a computer; you can do it entirely from your phone.

Method 1: The CAS WhatsApp Bot (Fastest)

This is the quickest way to register with CAS for 2027.

1. Save this number to your contacts: 081 308 4196. The government services portal (gov.za) lists it as the official CAS WhatsApp line.
2. Open WhatsApp and send the message: “Hi” or “Hello”.
3. The bot will respond with a menu. Select “Sign Up” or “Register”.
4. Enter your ID Number and your Exam Number (from your Matric certificate) when requested.
5. Confirm your details (Name, Surname, and Province).
6. Important: You will be asked to consent to share your details with institutions. You MUST say “Yes” or universities cannot see your profile.

Method 2: The USSD Code (No Data Needed)

If you don’t have data, you can use the USSD code. This works on any phone.

1. Check the USSD code published on cas.ac.za before you dial, because codes can change between cycles.
2. Follow the prompts on the screen.
3. Enter your ID number.
4. Confirm your marks and study preferences.

Method 3: The Online Portal

If you prefer using a browser, you can visit the official portal.

• Website: www.cas.ac.za
• Action: Go to “Learner Registration.”

What Happens After You Register?

This is where many students get confused. CAS is not a university. They do not accept you.

Think of CAS as a “dating app” for education:

1. You upload your profile (Results).
2. Universities and TVET colleges “swipe” through the database looking for students with your specific marks.
3. If a university likes your marks, THEY will contact YOU.

Note: You will not receive an immediate acceptance. You must keep your phone on and check your SMSs daily.

FAQ: Common Questions for 2027

Q: Is the CAS service free?

A: Yes, it is a 100% free government service. Do not pay anyone who claims they can “fast track” your application.

Q: Can I choose which university I want?

A: No. On CAS, you cannot pick a specific university (like UJ or Wits). You can only choose a study field (e.g., “Engineering” or “Teaching”). Any institution with space in that field can contact you.

Q: When does the system close?

A: DHET’s CAS guide gives 1 March 2026 to 30 September 2026 for the 2027 cycle. DHET prioritises applicants who register on time and processes late applicants after them, so register now instead of waiting for the January 2027 matric results.

Do not wait: universities and colleges fill their remaining spaces quickly once the results are out.

• If you fail matric: Register for the supplementary (second-chance) exams by the deadline the Department of Basic Education announces after the results.
• If you passed but have no space: Register on CAS immediately.