Department of Higher Education and Training calls on successful Matriculants without a University or College study-space, to register with CACH

By | January 24, 2022

The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) is calling on Grade 12 learners who passed matric in 2017, but who have not yet secured a place at a university or college. These Grade 12 learners should immediately apply by using the Department’s Central Applications Clearing House (CACH) system.



CACH, which began operating in 2013, is a government online application portal. It is designed for Grade 12 learners who are seeking admission to the post-school training and education (PSET) system. It assists prospective students by sharing their matric results with public and private further and higher education institutions across the country.

This includes Technical and Vocational Training (TVET) colleges, universities, Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), and registered private higher institutions. Institutions with available study-places, technical training opportunities, or apprenticeship slots, then make them available to the most suitable applicants on the CACH database.

Students who have been declined at universities should come to CACH. CACH is an ideal route to find a study space that is still available at another institution. CACH also provides a portal for school leavers and other prospective students who may not have completed their schooling.



Through CACH these school leavers are able to obtain career information, advice, and development services. The CACH system has in recent years, assisted thousands of young people across the country to find the right PSET opportunities. It enables access to college or university as an essential step towards empowering themselves.

DHET calls on all young people with the required matric qualifications and who are still seeking study opportunities for 2018, to access CACH’s easy to use the website at: cach.dhet.gov.za or call our toll-free number on 0800 356 635.

It is also possible to send an SMS with a name and ID number to 49200 or to find CACH on Facebook:www.facebook.com/CACH_S.A.

For learners who remain unclear about which career they might wish to follow, CACH provides advice and information through DHET’s Khetha Career Development Service website which can be visited at:www.careerhelp.org.za

CACH opens on 5 January 2018 following the release of the 2017 matric results. The service will close on 28 February 2018.