CACH gives second chance at higher education

Each year, thousands of matriculants enter the new academic season uncertain about where they will study – often because their initial applications were unsuccessful or their final results improved only after application deadlines had passed.

To support these learners, the Department of Higher Education and Training’s Central Applications Clearing House (CACH) continues to serve as an essential safety net. The service helps applicants find available study spaces at universities, universities of technology, Technical and Vocational Education and Training colleges, and Sector Education and Training Authorities.

According to the department, “CACH services provide an opportunity to learners who have not yet received a place to study at a post-school higher education institution.” The platform offers a coordinated and reliable way to match applicants with institutions that still have open places at the start of the academic year.

Importantly, the service is free. As CACH explains, “The CACH service is free and aims to match applicants' National Senior Certificate exam results … and study preferences with places that need to be filled.” Because the system receives exam results directly from the Department of Basic Education, participating institutions work with verified information.

While applicant data is shared widely across the Post-School Education and Training system, CACH cautions that placement is not guaranteed. Since its launch in 2013, however, the service has assisted thousands of young people to access higher education, especially those whose improved results opened doors they initially missed.

At the beginning of each year, CACH gathers information from learners seeking placement. By signing up, applicants make themselves visible to institutions participating in the clearing process. Public universities, TVET colleges, SETAs and accredited private colleges then access the database through a secure online portal to identify qualifying candidates. When a suitable match is found, the system sends the learner an SMS or email prompting them to accept or decline the offer. Once accepted, the institution contacts the learner directly to finalise registration.

Second chance programme

While CACH helps place applicants into existing study programmes, the Department of Basic Education also supports those who need to improve their results before reapplying. 

The Second Chance Matric Programme offers learners an opportunity to rewrite selected subjects and meet the requirements of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) or Senior Certificate (SC). Support is offered through face-to-face classes, online learning, and television and radio broadcasts.

Registration for the 2026 Second Chance Matric Programme is open until 6 February 2026 for the May/June examinations. Learners can register online at www.eservices.gov.za, at an accredited examination centre, or at their nearest district office (only one registration method should be used). Further details and learning resources are available from the Department of Basic Education. 

For more information on the Second Chance Programme, call 0800 202 933 or email SecondChance@dbe.gov.za. 

For more information about CACH, visit cach.cas.ac.za