The Central Applications Clearing House (referred to as CACH) is a mechanism created by the Department of Higher Education and Training to assist prospective students who want to enter the post-school education and training system (PSET) but might be facing barriers.
CACH was launched in 2013.
Colleges and universities are now considering students who are registered on CACH for both Trimester 2 and Semester 2 admissions to study during the 2023 academic year.
Institutions of higher learning began considering CACH applications from 30 January 2023, and will end on 31 March 2023. The process of considering applications began shortly after the system was launched for the 2023 academic year.
Essentially, the CACH system allows for students who have applied to places of tertiary education to be within an institution's radar, so that if there is still space available and a student meets the eligibility criteria, they can potentially be offered a place at a university or college.
The CACH system has been pushed by universities and the DHET as the route prospective students should follow if they’re struggling to find a place at universities.
The system enables prospective students to register and receive information about the institution that can accommodate them for a particular academic programme in the current academic year.
Public Universities, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges and Sector Education Training Authorities (SETAs) all use the CACH system to search for individuals.
It's important to note that applicants who may attend TVET colleges will not be considered for placement during the first semester of 2023. “TVET Colleges will consider prospective students who signed on CACH 2023 for Trimester 2 and Semester 2,” states CACH.
For those who have not applied yet on CACH, can do so online. Individuals can check their CACH status by logging onto the web portal using their credentials, which can be done at any time.
