CAO Change of Mind Fee

CAO Change of Mind Fee 2027. Choosing the right university course is an important decision for every student. However, sometimes students change their minds after submitting their applications. They may want to study a different subject, apply for another programme, or change the order of their course choices. In South Africa, students who apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) can use the Change of Mind (COM) option to update their existing applications. One of the most common questions students ask is: How much is the CAO Change of Mind fee?

The CAO Change of Mind fee is R140 per submission. This fee allows students to add, change, or rearrange their programme choices on an existing application. However, students must meet the CAO requirements before submitting a Change of Mind request. They must also pay the required fee so their updated choices can be processed.

In this guide, we will explain the CAO Change of Mind fee, who can apply, how to submit a request online, which payment methods are available, and how to avoid common mistakes. The information is explained in simple English to help students and parents understand the process.

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What Is the CAO Change of Mind Fee?

The Central Applications Office, also known as CAO, helps students apply to participating higher education institutions in South Africa. After submitting an application, students may sometimes need to update their selected programmes. The CAO Change of Mind fee is the administration fee charged when students submit a request to change their existing programme choices. According to the official CAO information, the fee is R140 for each Change of Mind submission.

For example, if you applied for three programmes but later decided to choose different courses, you can use the Change of Mind option to update your selections. You can also change the order in which your courses appear on your application.

The important point is that the R140 fee applies to the submission, not to each individual programme you change. If you make several changes in one request, they can be included in that submission, subject to the CAO’s programme limits and rules.

CAO Change of Mind Fee: Quick Details

The following table provides the main information students should know before making changes to their applications.

Detail	Information
Organisation	Central Applications Office (CAO)
Country	South Africa
Change of Mind fee	R140 per submission
Purpose	To add, change, or rearrange programme choices
Application method	Online through the CAO website
Payment methods	Online card payments and EasyPay
Who can apply?	Students with an existing application that has been fully paid for the applicable entry year or term
Maximum programme choices	Up to six choices, subject to the applicable CAO rules
Discontinued programme	Replacement can be made free of charge when the institution discontinues the programme
Official website	https://www.cao.ac.za/

Students should always check the latest CAO notices before submitting their requests because programme availability and application deadlines can vary by institution and entry period.

Why Do Students Pay the CAO Change of Mind Fee?

Students may need to change their programme choices for several reasons. Selecting a course before receiving final school results can be difficult, and personal goals may also change over time. Here are some common reasons why students submit a Change of Mind request.

1. They Want to Study a Different Course

A student may initially choose business management but later decide to study accounting, information technology, education, or another subject. The Change of Mind option allows the student to update their programme choices on the existing CAO application.

2. Their First Programme Choice Was Unsuccessful

Sometimes, an institution does not offer a student a place in their preferred programme. The student may then wish to select another available course for which they can meet the entry requirements. A Change of Mind request can help them update their choices, but it does not guarantee admission to another programme.

3. They Want to Change the Order of Their Choices

Students may decide that a different course should be their first preference. The CAO allows students to rearrange the order of their programme choices through the Change of Mind process. Students should carefully check the order before submitting their request.

4. They Want to Add Another Programme

A student may discover another course that better matches their interests or career plans. They can use the Change of Mind option to add a programme, provided it is available and the relevant application rules allow it.

5. They Want to Carry Their Application Forward

In some situations, students may need to extend or carry their application forward to another entry year or term. The CAO provides a Change of Mind process for eligible changes of this kind. Students should check which programmes are available for the new entry period before making a decision.

Who Can Apply for a CAO Change of Mind?

Not every person can immediately submit a Change of Mind request. Students must first meet the CAO’s requirements. The main requirement is that you must already have an application on the CAO system for the relevant entry year or term, and the full initial administration fee must have been paid.

Before starting, check the following points:

You have submitted a valid CAO application.
Your initial application administration fee has been paid in full.
Your application relates to the correct entry year or term.
The programme you want to select is available for applications or changes.
You have checked the admission requirements for your selected course.
You have access to your CAO login details.

If you have not submitted your original application or have not paid the required initial administration fee in full, you should resolve that issue before attempting to submit a Change of Mind request. Remember that paying the R140 Change of Mind fee does not replace the original application fee. These are separate administration charges.

How to Submit a CAO Change of Mind Online

Students can submit their Change of Mind requests online through the official CAO website. It is important to review all your programme choices before confirming the request. Follow these steps to complete the process.

Step 1: Visit the Official CAO Website

Open your browser and visit www.cao.ac.za. Make sure you are using the official website before entering your personal information or making a payment.

Step 2: Select the Change of Mind Option

Look for the Change of Mind option on the CAO homepage. Select it to begin the process of updating your existing application.

Step 3: Log In to Your Account

Follow the instructions to log in using your CAO details. Keep your application number and password ready. If you cannot access your account, follow the official account recovery instructions.

Step 4: Review Your Current Programme Choices

After logging in, you should be able to view the programme choices currently recorded on your application. Read the list carefully and decide which choices you want to keep, remove, add, or rearrange. Do not rush through this step because the choices you submit will replace the programme choices already recorded on your application.

Step 5: Select Your New Programme Choices

Add the programmes you want to select and arrange them in your preferred order. You can search for programmes by name or institution, depending on the options available on the CAO website. The CAO’s published guidance allows up to six programme choices, subject to the applicable rules. Make sure every selected programme is available and that you meet its entry requirements.

Important: Include all the programme choices you want to keep, as well as the new choices you want to add. Do not assume that your previous choices will automatically remain on your application.

Step 6: Check the Order of Your Choices

Before submitting, review your complete list. Ask yourself these questions:

Is my preferred programme listed first?
Have I included every programme I want to keep?
Have I removed the choices I no longer want?
Are the programme names and institutions correct?
Have I checked the entry requirements?

Correct any mistakes before moving to the next step.

Step 7: Submit Your Change of Mind Request

When you are satisfied with your selections, follow the on-screen instructions and click the option to process your Change of Mind request. The CAO will display a message confirming that the request has been submitted. Be careful when confirming your choices. The CAO’s published guidance warns that you may not be able to correct your selections after processing the request.

Step 8: Pay the R140 Fee

After submitting the request, follow the payment instructions shown on the website. You can pay online using an available card payment option or through EasyPay. You can also make an EasyPay payment at a participating outlet using your unique reference number. Your Change of Mind request must be accompanied by the required R140 administration fee before it can be made available to the institutions.

Step 9: Keep Your Payment Confirmation

Save your payment receipt or confirmation for your records. You should also check your CAO application status to make sure your payment has been received and your request has been processed.

How to Pay the CAO Change of Mind Fee

The CAO provides different ways for students to pay the Change of Mind administration fee. You can choose the method that is most convenient for you.

Method 1: Pay Online Through the CAO Website

Online payment is a convenient option if you have a supported credit or debit card. Follow these general steps:

Visit the official CAO website.
Open the payment section or follow the payment instructions displayed after submitting your Change of Mind request.
Enter your CAO number if requested.
Select the appropriate online payment option.
Follow the instructions to complete the payment.
Save your payment confirmation.

The payment options displayed on the website may vary according to the payment route you choose.

Method 2: Pay Through EasyPay Online

EasyPay is another payment option available to CAO applicants. To use this method, follow the instructions provided by the CAO:

Open the CAO payment section or follow the payment link shown after submitting your request.
Select the EasyPay payment option.
Enter the information requested by the payment system.
Follow the instructions to complete your payment.
Keep the payment confirmation for your records.

Always make sure you are paying through the correct payment channel and using the correct CAO reference details.

Method 3: Pay at an EasyPay Outlet

Students who prefer to pay in person can use a participating EasyPay outlet. The CAO lists outlets such as Shoprite, Checkers, Pick n Pay, Boxer, and Woolworths among the examples of places where payments may be made. To pay at an outlet:

Complete and submit your Change of Mind request online.
Obtain your unique EasyPay reference number.
Visit a participating EasyPay outlet.
Provide the correct reference number and pay the required amount.
Keep your receipt until the payment appears on your CAO record.

Important: Use your own unique reference number. A payment made with incorrect details could cause delays in matching the payment to your application.

Is the CAO Change of Mind Fee Refundable?

Students should not assume that the Change of Mind administration fee will be refunded if they later change their minds again. The fee covers the administration of a Change of Mind submission. Before making payment, check the CAO’s current terms and conditions if you are concerned about refunds or payment disputes.

You should also check your selections carefully before submitting the request. Correcting a mistake may require another Change of Mind submission, which could mean paying another administration fee. If you believe that you have paid incorrectly or your payment has not appeared on your account, contact the CAO through its official support channels.

Is the CAO Change of Mind Fee Charged Per Course?

No. The R140 fee is charged per Change of Mind submission, rather than per individual programme change. For example, suppose you want to add two courses, remove one course, and change the order of your other choices. If you include all these changes in one valid submission, the Change of Mind administration fee is R140.

You do not need to pay R140 separately for each programme changed within that same request. However, if you submit another Change of Mind request later, it is treated as a separate submission and another administration fee applies. The following examples explain the difference.

Situation	Change of Mind fee
Add one programme in one submission	R140
Change several programmes in one submission	R140
Rearrange your choices in one submission	R140
Submit a second, separate Change of Mind request	R140 for that submission
Replace a programme discontinued by the institution	Free for the qualifying replacement

These examples assume the request qualifies under the CAO’s current rules.

Can You Change a Discontinued Programme for Free?

Yes. The CAO states that when an institution discontinues a programme that was previously listed, students can replace that programme through a Change of Mind request without paying the normal fee for that qualifying replacement. This is an important exception to the standard R140 charge.

For example, if a university or college decides that it will no longer offer a programme you selected, you may be able to choose an alternative programme without paying the Change of Mind administration fee for that replacement.

However, this free option applies to the qualifying change caused by the institution discontinuing the programme. If you make other unrelated changes in the same request, those changes may still attract the normal fee. If you are unsure whether your situation qualifies, check the official CAO notice or contact the CAO before submitting your request.

Important Things to Remember Before Submitting a Change of Mind

Submitting a Change of Mind request is a straightforward process, but small mistakes can create problems. It is worth taking a few minutes to check your application before confirming it.

1. Check Your Programme Requirements

Different courses have different entry requirements. Some programmes may require specific school subjects, minimum marks, entrance tests, or interviews. Before adding a programme, read the information provided by the institution.

2. Check Whether Applications Are Still Open

Paying the R140 fee does not mean that every institution must accept your updated choices. Some programmes may have closed their applications, while others may have limited spaces. Always check the latest programme availability and closing dates.

3. Put Your Choices in the Correct Order

Your programme choices should appear in the order you want them to be considered. Think carefully about which programme is your first preference before submitting the request.

4. Include Every Programme You Want to Keep

Your new selection list replaces the existing programme choices. If you forget to include a programme you want to retain, it may be withdrawn when your Change of Mind request is processed.

5. Avoid Multiple Submissions

Try to make all the changes you need in one submission. If you submit several requests at different times, each one can attract its own R140 administration fee. Planning your choices before submitting can help you avoid unnecessary costs.

6. Keep Your Payment Receipt

A payment receipt can help you resolve problems if your payment is delayed or does not appear on your account.

Keep your CAO number and payment reference details safe as well.

How Long Does CAO Change of Mind Processing Take?

Processing depends on when the CAO receives your payment and whether your submission has been completed correctly. According to the CAO’s published guidance, Change of Mind requests paid through EasyPay are processed on the day after the administration fee is received. The updated choices can then be made available to the institutions.

However, this does not mean that a university or college will make an admission decision immediately. Institutions have their own selection processes, programme deadlines, and admission requirements. If your updated choices are not showing after payment, check your application status and contact the CAO if necessary. You should also remember that a Change of Mind request does not guarantee that you will receive an offer from your preferred institution.

Common Problems With the CAO Change of Mind Fee

Some students experience problems while submitting their requests or making payments. Understanding the possible causes can help you resolve them more easily.

Problem 1: You Cannot Access the Change of Mind Option

This may happen if your initial application has not been fully paid for, your application details are incorrect, or you are using the wrong entry year or term.

What to do: Check your application status and confirm that the initial administration fee has been paid in full.

Problem 2: Your Payment Has Not Appeared

Payments may take time to reflect on the CAO system.

What to do: Keep your receipt, check the payment reference number, and contact the CAO payment support team if the payment does not appear after the expected processing period.

Problem 3: You Selected the Wrong Programme

Selecting an incorrect programme can be a serious problem if you have already processed your request.

What to do: Check the CAO’s current instructions before attempting another submission. A new request may attract another R140 fee.

Problem 4: Your Preferred Course Is No Longer Available

Institutions can stop offering certain programmes or close applications when their deadlines pass.

What to do: Check the latest available programme list and consider other suitable options. If the institution has discontinued your selected programme, ask whether you qualify for the free replacement option.

Problem 5: You Have Paid but Your Choices Have Not Been Updated

A payment may need to be received and matched to your application before the Change of Mind request is processed.

What to do: Verify that you used the correct reference details and check your application status. Contact the CAO if you need help.

FAQs About CAO Change of Mind Fee

How much is the CAO Change of Mind fee in South Africa?

The CAO Change of Mind administration fee is R140 per submission.

Can I change more than one programme for R140?

Yes. You can include several programme changes in one submission, subject to the CAO’s rules and the maximum number of programme choices allowed.

Can I submit a Change of Mind request without paying the initial application fee?

No. You must have a valid existing application and have paid the full initial administration fee for the relevant entry year or term.

Can I pay the CAO Change of Mind fee online?

Yes. The CAO provides online payment options, including card payments and EasyPay.

Can I pay the fee at Shoprite or Checkers?

The CAO lists participating EasyPay outlets, including Shoprite and Checkers, as payment options. You must use your unique EasyPay reference number.

Do I need to pay R140 for every course I change?

No. The fee is charged per submission, not per individual programme change.

Is it free to replace a discontinued programme?

Yes. The CAO allows a qualifying replacement to be made free of charge when an institution discontinues a programme. Other unrelated changes may still attract the standard fee.

Can I submit another Change of Mind request later?

Yes, if the CAO’s rules and application period allow it. However, each separate submission may require another R140 administration fee.

Does paying the Change of Mind fee guarantee admission?

No. The fee covers the administration of the request. Admission decisions are made by the institutions according to their requirements and selection processes.

Where can I check the latest CAO information?

Visit the official website at https://www.cao.ac.za/ for current fees, application instructions, programme availability, and important notices.

Conclusion

The CAO Change of Mind fee is an important cost to understand if you want to update your university or college programme choices in South Africa. The standard fee is R140 per submission, and students must have a valid existing application with the full initial administration fee paid for the relevant entry year or term. The request must be submitted online, and the administration fee must be received before the updated choices can be made available to the institutions. Students can pay online using the available card payment options or through EasyPay, including at participating outlets. A qualifying replacement may be free when an institution discontinues a programme, but other changes can still attract the normal charge.