Pretoria: The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) has announced a significant change in the application process for the 2026 academic year, revealing that the Central Application Clearing House (CACH) will no longer be used for the Class of 2025 and beyond.
According to South African Government News Agency, this decision is part of a broader effort to reform the post-school application process, aiming to provide comprehensive support and streamline the transition for all applicants through the new Central Application Service (CAS). The Central Application Clearing House, established in 2013, has been instrumental in helping matriculants and prospective students who struggled to secure placements at Post-School Education and Training (PSET) institutions.
The CACH played a vital role by collecting information on applicants who did not receive placement offers, wanted to change their initial qualification choices, or became eligible for study opportunities after the release of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) results, matching them with available spaces.
The department emphasized that the shift to the Central Application Service represents a move towards a more integrated and comprehensive application system. “The Central Application Service is designed as a more comprehensive, integrated and long-term solution addressing access, improved visibility of opportunities across the entire Post-School Education and Training system, and the elimination of bogus institutions at this time of the year,” the department stated.
Furthermore, the Central Application Service will gradually highlight various alternative pathways in addition to the traditional university and college routes. This approach acknowledges the current capacity limitations within universities and colleges, which are insufficient to meet the growing demand for post-school education and training.
The department reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that all young people have access to information, guidance, and support as they navigate post-school opportunities.