Download CAO Change of Mind Request Form PDF 2027: Complete Guide
Download CAO Change of Mind Request Form PDF 2027. If you have already submitted your CAO application for 2027 entry but now want to change your course choices, the CAO Change of Mind Request Form 2027 can help you update your programme choices. The Central Applications Office (CAO) allows applicants to change, add, or rearrange their programme choices after submitting an application.
The CAO Change of Mind Request Form PDF 2027 is useful for students who have changed their study plans, want to apply for a different programme, or want to change the order of their existing choices.
For the 2027 entry year, CAO provides an online Change of Mind service through its official website. The current CAO information states that applicants with an active application can make changes to their programme choices for a R140 Change of Mind fee.
In this guide, you will learn how to submit a CAO Change of Mind 2027, how to use the PDF form, what information you need, how payment works, and what you should check before submitting your changes.
What Is the CAO Change of Mind Form 2027?
The CAO Change of Mind Form 2027 is used when an applicant wants to change the programme choices already submitted to the Central Applications Office. A Change of Mind may be needed when:
- You no longer want to study your selected programme.
- You want to add a different programme.
- You want to remove a programme.
- You want to change the order of your programme choices.
- You want to carry your application forward to another entry year or term.
- A programme you selected has been discontinued.
- You have changed your career or study plans.
According to the CAO 2027 handbook, the programmes selected in your Change of Mind request replace the programme choices currently on your application. If you want to keep any of your existing choices, you must add those programmes again when submitting your Change of Mind. CAO also warns that mistakes cannot be reversed after submission.
CAO Change of Mind Request Form PDF 2027 Download
Students searching for CAO Change of Mind Request Form PDF 2027 Download should first check the official CAO website for the latest version and instructions. CAO currently provides an online Change of Mind facility, and its official website has a dedicated Change of Mind option.
The official CAO website is: CAO Official Website
The older official PDF form available on the CAO website shows the type of information required for a Change of Mind request, including the applicant’s CAO number, ID/passport number, name and new programme choices. However, applicants should always follow the current 2027 instructions rather than relying on an older PDF for fees or deadlines.
When Should You Submit a CAO Change of Mind?
You should submit a CAO Change of Mind when your programme choices need to be changed after your original application has been submitted. For example, suppose you selected:
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Diploma in Information Technology
- Bachelor of Education
Later, you decide that Information Technology is your preferred option. You can use Change of Mind to rearrange your choices. You can also use the service if one of your selected programmes is no longer available or if you decide to apply for another programme. The CAO 2027 handbook explains that Change of Mind is specifically used when an applicant wants to change programme choices or rearrange their order.
Who Can Submit a Change of Mind?
A Change of Mind is available to applicants who already have an active CAO application for the relevant entry year and term.
CAO states that if you already have an active application, you can make changes to your programme choices for a fee of R140. This also includes extending an application from one entry year or term to another. Your original application must therefore exist before you try to make a Change of Mind.
Information Needed for CAO Change of Mind Login
To log in and complete a Change of Mind, you need:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| CAO/ID Number | Your CAO number or ID number |
| Cellphone | The cellphone number used on your application |
| Access to the email address used on your application | |
| Programme choices | Your new preferred programme list |
| Payment | Required COM administration fee |
The official CAO login instructions confirm that applicants need their CAO/ID Number and either the cellphone number or email address used on the application.
How to Submit CAO Change of Mind Online 2027
The online process is generally easier than completing a paper form. Follow these steps carefully.
Step 1: Visit the CAO Website
Go to the official CAO website. Visit CAO Official Website
Always make sure you are using the official CAO website before entering your personal information.
Step 2: Select Change of Mind
On the CAO homepage, select the Change of Mind option.
The CAO homepage currently provides a dedicated Change of Mind option together with other services such as checking an application and uploading documents.
Step 3: Log In
Enter the information required by CAO. You may need your:
- CAO number
- ID number
- Cellphone number
- Email access
Make sure your contact details are correct because CAO uses the contact information connected to your application for communication.
Step 4: Review Your Current Choices
After logging in, you will see the programme choices currently connected to your application. Read them carefully before making changes.
Step 5: Select Your New Programmes
Choose the programmes you want to have on your application. You can search for programmes by programme name or institution. Before submitting, make sure you include both:
- Programmes you want to keep
- New programmes you want to add
This point is very important because the programmes selected in the Change of Mind request replace the choices currently on your application.
Step 6: Arrange Your Programme Choices
Put your programmes in the order you prefer. For example:
- First choice
- Second choice
- Third choice
- Fourth choice
- Fifth choice
- Sixth choice
The CAO 2027 handbook states that up to six programmes can be included in one Change of Mind request.
Step 7: Check Everything
Before clicking the final submission button, carefully check:
- Programme names
- Programme codes
- Institution names
- Entry year
- Order of choices
- Programmes you want to keep
- New programmes you have added
Do not rush this step.
CAO specifically states that it cannot reverse mistakes after a Change of Mind has been submitted.
Step 8: Submit Your Change of Mind
Once everything is correct, submit the Change of Mind request.
The CAO 2027 information states that an online Change of Mind is processed once it has been completed and the applicable COM administration fee has been received.
Step 9: Pay the COM Fee
The current CAO website lists the Change of Mind fee as R140.
Payment is important because your changes will not be fully processed until the required fee has been received.
Step 10: Save Your Confirmation
After submitting and paying, keep a copy of your confirmation or payment information.
It is also a good idea to check your CAO application afterwards to make sure your new programme choices appear correctly.
How Many Programmes Can I Add?
The CAO 2027 handbook states that you can make any number of programme changes or additions up to six programmes within the same Change of Mind request. These changes are treated as one request for payment purposes.
For example, you can change several choices in one COM request rather than paying separately for every individual programme change. However, if you submit separate Change of Mind requests at different times, each request is treated separately and requires its own administration fee.
What Happens If I Submit More Than One Change of Mind?
If you submit more than one Change of Mind request, each submission is treated as a separate request. For example:
- First COM request = one administration fee
- Second COM request = another administration fee
- Third COM request = another administration fee
The fee is not charged for every programme change inside one request. Instead, the charge applies to each separate Change of Mind submission.
CAO also states that payments for multiple COM submissions are processed in the order in which the requests were received.
Can I Cancel a Change of Mind Request?
You should be extremely careful before submitting your final Change of Mind. The CAO 2027 handbook states that the programmes selected in the Change of Mind request replace the existing choices, and CAO cannot reverse mistakes after submission.
For this reason, check your choices carefully before you submit. If you are unsure about a programme, check the programme information and entry requirements before making the change.
CAO Change of Mind Fee 2027
The current CAO information lists the Change of Mind fee as R140.
| Item | 2027 Information |
|---|---|
| Service | CAO Change of Mind |
| Entry year | 2027 |
| Maximum programmes | Up to 6 |
| COM fee | R140 |
| Online submission | Available |
| Existing application required | Yes |
| Programme order can be changed | Yes |
| Programme choices can be added | Yes |
Fees and procedures can change, so students should check the official CAO website before making payment.
CAO Change of Mind PDF Form vs Online Change of Mind
Many students search for the CAO Change of Mind Request Form PDF, but the online option is the main process highlighted by the current CAO information.
The official CAO PDF form explains that a Change of Mind can be used to change programme choices, change their ranking, add programmes up to six choices, or extend an application to another year. For 2027 applicants, however, it is better to check the latest online instructions before using an older downloadable form.
Online Method
The online method is useful because:
- It is available through the CAO website.
- Programme choices can be selected online.
- Changes can be processed electronically.
- Payment can be made using the available payment options.
- You can review your choices before submitting.
PDF Form
A PDF form may be useful when CAO specifically instructs an applicant to use a paper request. However, applicants should not assume that an older PDF contains the latest 2027 fee, deadline, or process.
Important Things to Check Before Submitting
Before you submit your CAO Change of Mind 2027, use this checklist:
1. Check Your Current Application
First check your CAO application status and current programme choices.
The CAO website provides a My Application facility where applicants can check their application.
2. Check Programme Requirements
Every institution sets its own minimum entry requirements. Meeting the minimum requirements does not automatically guarantee admission because institutions may have more applicants than available places.
3. Check Closing Dates
Different programmes can have different closing dates. Some programmes may not accept applications after their published deadline.
The CAO website currently warns that programme closing dates can vary and applicants should check the details for their chosen programmes.
4. Check Your Ranking
Your first choice should be the programme you prefer most.
Do not submit your choices without checking the order.
5. Add Back Programmes You Want to Keep
This is one of the most important points.
When you submit a Change of Mind, the new list replaces the existing programme choices. If you want to retain an old choice, you must include it again in your new list.
What If a Programme Is Discontinued?
Sometimes an institution may discontinue a programme during an application cycle. The CAO 2027 handbook states that if an institution discontinues a programme that was published in the handbook or website, the applicant may replace that programme at no cost. This is different from making a normal Change of Mind because you simply want to change your study preference.
CAO 2027 Application and Change of Mind
CAO is already providing information for the 2027 entry year. The official CAO 2027 application information states that applications for 2027 entry opened from 1 March 2026, with the 2027 Entry Handbook available from that date.
The CAO homepage also currently provides a 2027 Entry Handbook and 2027 Learner Guide for applicants. This means students planning to study in 2027 should use the current 2027 information rather than relying on old CAO guides.
CAO Change of Mind Contact Information
If you have a problem with your Change of Mind request, it is best to contact CAO directly.
The CAO website lists its call centre number as:
- 031 268 4444
Applicants can also use the contact options provided on the official CAO website for questions about changing programme choices or extending an application.
FAQs About CAO Change of Mind 2027
What is the CAO Change of Mind Form?
The CAO Change of Mind Form is used to change, add or rearrange programme choices on an existing CAO application.
Can I change my CAO choices after applying?
Yes. If you have an active application, CAO allows you to make changes to your programme choices through the Change of Mind service for the applicable fee.
How much is the CAO Change of Mind fee?
The current CAO website lists the COM fee as R140.
How many programmes can I select?
You can select up to six programmes in one Change of Mind request.
Can I change the order of my choices?
Yes. Change of Mind can be used to rearrange the order of your programme choices.
Do I need an existing CAO application?
Yes. Change of Mind is intended for applicants who already have an active CAO application for the relevant entry year and term.
Can I keep my existing programme choices?
Yes, but you must add those programmes again to your new list when completing the Change of Mind. CAO says that the submitted choices replace the existing choices.
Can CAO reverse a mistake after I submit?
CAO states that it cannot reverse mistakes after a Change of Mind has been submitted. Always check your choices carefully before final submission.
Where can I check my CAO application?
You can use the official My Application service on the CAO website.
Conclusion
The CAO Change of Mind Request Form PDF 2027 is an important option for students who want to update their study choices after submitting a CAO application. Instead of keeping an unwanted programme on your application, you can use the Change of Mind service to select programmes that better match your current study plans.
