CAO Cancellation Form: How to Cancel or Delete Your CAO Application
CAO Cancellation Form. If you no longer want to continue with your Central Applications Office (CAO) application, you can request its cancellation by submitting the CAO Cancellation Form, also known as the Deletion of Current Year CAO Application Form.
The cancellation process is simple, but it must be completed correctly. Unlike many online services, the CAO cancellation request cannot be submitted online. You must download the official form, complete it, sign it, and send it by post to the Central Applications Office in Galway, Ireland.
In this guide, you will learn everything about the CAO Cancellation Form, including who can use it, how to complete it, where to send it, and what happens after your application is deleted.
What Is the CAO Cancellation Form?
The CAO Cancellation Form is an official document that allows a current year applicant to permanently delete their CAO application.
Once CAO receives and processes your signed request, your application will be removed from the current application cycle. After deletion, you will no longer be considered for any higher education offers made through CAO.
This form is only intended for applicants who want to completely withdraw their current year application.
Who Should Use the CAO Cancellation Form?
You should use this form if you:
- No longer wish to study through CAO this year.
- Want to withdraw your complete application.
- No longer want to receive college offers.
- Have decided to apply again in a future application cycle.
- No longer want your current year’s HEAR or DARE application to remain active.
If you only want to change your course choices, you do not need to cancel your application. Instead, use the Change of Mind process provided by CAO.
Can You Cancel a CAO Application Online?
No. The CAO does not currently allow applicants to cancel their application online.
Instead, you must:
- Download the official Deletion of Current Year CAO Application form.
- Complete all required details.
- Print the form.
- Sign and date it.
- Mail the original signed copy to the Central Applications Office.
Unsigned forms or email requests are generally not accepted.
Information Required on the CAO Cancellation Form
Before filling out the form, make sure you have the following information.
| Required Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Must match your CAO application |
| CAO Number | Your unique application number |
| Address | Same address used in your application |
| Date of Birth | Your date of birth |
| Email Address | Registered email address |
| Telephone Number | Your contact number |
| Signature | Handwritten signature is required |
| Date | Date you signed the form |
Always enter your information exactly as it appears on your original CAO application.
How to Fill Out the CAO Cancellation Form
Completing the form is straightforward.
Step 1: Enter Your Personal Details
Fill in:
- Full name
- CAO number
- Address
- Date of birth
- Email address
- Telephone number
Check every detail carefully before printing.
Step 2: Read the Acknowledgement
The form includes several important conditions that you must accept before submitting your cancellation request.
Read them carefully.
Step 3: Sign the Declaration
Sign your name and write the date.
Without your signature, CAO cannot process the request.
Step 4: Print Your Name
Print your full name clearly below your signature.
Where to Send the CAO Cancellation Form
Mail your completed form to:
Central Applications Office
Tower House
Eglinton Street
Galway
H91 X25V
Ireland
If you would like confirmation that your request has been received, include a stamped, self addressed envelope or postcard with your mailing.
What Happens After You Cancel Your CAO Application?
Once your request has been processed:
- Your current year application is deleted.
- You will no longer receive any CAO offers.
- Your application cannot be restored.
- Your application fee is not refunded.
- Your HEAR and DARE application information is also removed if you applied for those schemes.
Because the cancellation is permanent, make sure you are certain before sending the form.
Important Things to Know Before Cancelling
Before submitting the CAO Cancellation Form, keep these important points in mind.
Your Application Fee Is Not Refundable
The fee you paid when submitting your application will not be returned.
Even if your application is deleted, the payment remains non refundable.
Your Application Cannot Be Reinstated
Once CAO deletes your application, it cannot be brought back during the same application year.
If you decide to study later, you will normally need to submit a new application in the next application cycle.
HEAR and DARE Benefits Are Lost
If you applied through the HEAR or DARE access schemes, those applications are also deleted.
If you were already found eligible, that eligibility cannot be carried forward to the following year.
Personal Data Retention
Deleting your application does not automatically remove all your personal information from CAO records.
According to the CAO Data Retention Policy, application records may be kept for up to seven years.
Applicants who wish to request the deletion of all personal data should follow the separate data privacy procedure available on the official CAO website.
Common Reasons for Cancelling a CAO Application
Applicants choose to cancel their application for different reasons. Some of the most common include:
- Planning to apply next year.
- Studying outside Ireland.
- Taking a gap year.
- Accepting another education offer.
- Personal or family reasons.
- Financial circumstances.
- Change in career plans.
Mistakes to Avoid
Many applicants make simple mistakes that delay processing. Avoid these common errors:
- Forgetting to sign the form.
- Using incorrect personal details.
- Writing the wrong CAO number.
- Sending the form by email instead of post.
- Assuming the application can be restored later.
- Expecting a refund after cancellation.
Checking everything before posting the form can save time.
CAO Cancellation Form Checklist
Before mailing your form, make sure you have completed everything below.
✔ Full name entered correctly
✔ CAO number included
✔ Address completed
✔ Date of birth entered
✔ Email address added
✔ Telephone number included
✔ Form signed
✔ Date written
✔ Printed your name
✔ Posted to the correct CAO address
FAQs
Can I cancel my CAO application online?
No. The cancellation request must be printed, signed, and sent by post.
Is the CAO cancellation permanent?
Yes. Once your application is deleted, it cannot be reinstated during the current application year.
Will I receive a refund?
No. The CAO application fee is non refundable.
Can I apply again next year?
Yes. You may submit a new CAO application during the next application cycle if you meet the application requirements.
What happens to my HEAR or DARE application?
If your CAO application is deleted, your HEAR or DARE application is also removed for the current year.
Conclusion
The CAO Cancellation Form is the official way to permanently withdraw your current year CAO application. While the process is simple, it is important to understand that cancellation cannot be reversed, the application fee is not refunded, and any HEAR or DARE eligibility connected to your application will also be lost.
