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    The Central Applications Clearing House (CACH): Your Second Chance at Post-School Education

    Guides 5 Mins Read
    Central Applications Clearing House (CACH)

    For many South African learners, matriculating can feel like a stepping stone to bigger opportunities. But what happens if your initial application to a university, TVET college, or other higher education institution is unsuccessful? The Central Applications Clearing House (CACH) is here to help. Since its inception in 2013, this service has provided a second chance for thousands of matriculants, connecting them with post-school education opportunities in a fair and efficient way.

    Let’s delve deeper into what the CACH service is, how it works, and how it can be your gateway to higher education.

    What is CACH?

    The Central Applications Clearing House (CACH) is a free service offered by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). It helps match students’ National Senior Certificate (NSC) results with study opportunities available in public universities, TVET colleges, Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), and other private institutions.

    The service opens annually for a specific period—in 2025, CACH is open from 20 January to 31 March. During this time, learners who have not secured a place at a post-school institution can register their details and let institutions with available spaces contact them.

    Who Can Apply to CACH?

    Central Applications Clearing House is open to:

    1. Learners who have completed Grade 12 from the year 2000 onwards.
    2. Individuals who did not secure a place at a higher education institution during their initial application.

    If you meet these criteria, you are eligible to sign up for Central Applications Clearing House , provided you are seeking placement in:

    • Universities
    • Universities of Technology
    • Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Colleges
    • Private colleges affiliated with the system

    How Does CACH Work?

    Central Applications Clearing House is designed to simplify the application process and give learners a second shot at post-school education. Here’s a breakdown of the process:

    1. Register on the Central Applications Clearing House System

    • The system opens from 20 January to 31 March.
    • You need to sign up online, providing details such as your NSC results, preferred field of study, and any previous applications.

    2. Matching with Institutions

    • Central Applications Clearing House collects your data and matches it with institutions that still have spaces available.
    • Participating institutions access the CACH database and identify applicants who meet their requirements.

    3. Offers from Institutions

    • If you match an institution’s criteria, you’ll receive an offer via SMS or email.
    • You can then accept or reject the offer through the Central Applications Clearing House platform.

    4. Placement and Enrollment

    • Once you accept an offer, the institution will contact you directly to complete the enrollment process.

    Benefits of Using CACH

    The Central Applications Clearing House service offers multiple benefits for learners and institutions:

    For Learners

    1. Second Chance: If your initial application was unsuccessful, CACH gives you another opportunity to find a place at a post-school institution.
    2. Free Career Advice: If you’re unsure about which path to pursue, CACH refers you to the Khetha Career Development Service, which provides guidance on career choices and study options.
    3. Convenience: The process is straightforward and requires minimal paperwork. Everything is managed through a central online platform.

    For Institutions

    1. Access to a Database of Candidates: Institutions can efficiently fill their remaining spaces by accessing a pool of pre-qualified candidates.
    2. Compliant with POPIA: The system ensures compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), safeguarding applicants’ personal data.

    Key Features of CACH

    • Free of Charge: There is no cost to use the service.
    • Confidentiality: All personal information is treated with strict confidentiality and shared only with participating institutions.
    • Comprehensive Matching: Institutions can access a wide range of data, including applicants’ NSC results and study preferences.
    • Nationwide Reach: CACH supports institutions across the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) system.

    What to Know About POPIA Compliance

    In line with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) of 2013, CACH ensures that:

    • Your personal data is used strictly for matching purposes.
    • Information is shared only with relevant institutions that adhere to confidentiality and data protection protocols.

    This means you can trust the system to safeguard your information while connecting you to potential opportunities.

    Khetha Career Development Service

    If you’re unsure about your career path or need additional guidance, CACH offers access to the Khetha Career Development Service. This service provides:

    • Career advice: Helping you choose a path that aligns with your interests and goals.
    • Study recommendations: Suggestions based on your NSC results and preferences.

    How to Get Started

    Here’s a step-by-step guide to registering for CACH in 2025:

    1. Visit the CACH Website: Open the self-service portal and follow the prompts to sign up.
    2. Provide Your Details: Enter your NSC results, contact information, and preferred field of study.
    3. Monitor Offers: Keep an eye on your SMS and email for offers from institutions.
    4. Accept or Reject Offers: Respond to offers promptly to secure your place.

    Important Dates

    • CACH Opens: 20 January 2025
    • CACH Closes: 31 March 2025

    Related: Second Chance Matric Support Programme – Register Now, 7 February 2025 Deadline

    Frequently Asked Questions

    1. Is CACH really free?

    Yes, the service is completely free for both learners and institutions.

    2. Can I choose which institution to apply to?

    CACH matches you with institutions based on your NSC results and preferences. However, you can choose to accept or reject any offers you receive.

    3. Does CACH guarantee placement?

    While CACH increases your chances of securing a spot, it does not guarantee placement as it depends on available spaces and your eligibility.

    The Central Applications Clearing House (CACH) is an invaluable service for learners who want to pursue higher education but missed out on their initial applications. It’s free, easy to use, and tailored to help you find a place in the PSET system. Whether you’re aiming for a university degree, a technical diploma, or a vocational qualification, CACH is your gateway to unlocking new opportunities.

    Don’t miss out—register on the CACH platform between 20 January and 31 March 2025, and take the next step towards your future.

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