Are you still searching for a place to study at a higher education institution in 2025? The Central Applications Clearing House (CACH) service is here to help. Since its inception in 2013, CACH has provided thousands of learners with a second chance to gain entry into universities, TVET colleges, and other post-school institutions. The CACH service for 2025 is officially open from 8 AM on 20 January 2025 and will close on 31 March 2025.
CACH is a free service offered by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) to assist learners who have not secured a spot at a Tertiary institution. By matching your National Senior Certificate (NSC) or Senior Certificate (SC) results with available study opportunities, CACH connects you with institutions with available spaces.
CACH receives your final Grade 12 results directly from the Department of Basic Education (DBE). The service then matches your results and study preferences with those of participating institutions. If there are available spots that match your profile, the institution will contact you directly after you accept the offer through the CACH system.
Institutions such as public universities, TVET colleges, private colleges, and SETAs access the CACH database to fill their remaining spaces. Additionally, if you’re uncertain about your career path, CACH provides referrals to DHET’s Khetha Career Development Service for expert advice.
Sign-ups for the 2025 academic year are accepted from 20 January 2025 until 31 March 2025 only from applicants whose National Senior Certificate (NSC) or Senior Certificate (SC) exam results can be successfully downloaded from the Department of Basic Education (DBE).
Applicants must ensure that the ID/Passport or Examination number, name, surname, and date of birth they enter during the sign-up is the same as the one they used when they registered for the final NSC examination and the same as on their NSC Statement of Results/NSC Certificate or SC Certificate. If it differs, the sign-up cannot be completed as CACH cannot download their NSC/SC examination results from the Department of Basic Education (DBE) database and match them to the sign-up information for institutions.
A sign-up is valid only once all the mandatory information has been provided and the applicant's NSC or SC results have been downloaded from the DBE. Only then will the sign-up details be made available electronically to participating institutions.
Applicants must provide the correct email address and cellphone number, as these details will be used when CACH and institutions send communications. Applicants are fully responsible for the information provided during their sign-up and for checking the status of their sign-up.
Step 1: Required Documents and Information
Step 2: Access the Website
Step 3: Navigate to Sign-Up
Step 4: Enter Identification Details
Step 5: Personal Information
Step 6: Contact Information
Step 7: Account Creation
Step 8: Additional Information
Step 9: Study Preferences
Step 10: Finalize Application
Remember: All fields marked with an asterisk (*) are compulsory and must be completed accurately.
CACH takes the protection of your personal information seriously. All data is handled in compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) of 2013, ensuring your information is kept confidential and secure.
Don’t miss this opportunity to pursue your academic dreams. Sign up for CACH today and take the next step toward your future. Applications close on 31 March 2025—act now!