CAO Change of Mind: Complete Guide to Changing Course Choices, Fees, Deadlines and Online Application
CAO Change of Mind. Choosing the right college course is an important step in every student’s life. It can affect future education, career plans, job opportunities, and personal goals. However, students sometimes change their minds after submitting their college applications. They may discover a better course, become interested in a different subject, or decide to apply to another institution.
This is where the CAO Change of Mind facility becomes useful. It allows applicants to update their course or programme choices after submitting an initial application, subject to the rules of the relevant Central Applications Office.
There is one important point to understand before starting. The name CAO is used by two different organisations: the Central Applications Office in Ireland and the Central Applications Office in South Africa. Their application systems, deadlines, and charges are different.
What Is CAO Change of Mind?
CAO Change of Mind is a facility that allows students to make changes to course choices they have already submitted through a CAO application system. Depending on the country and the rules of the application, a student may be able to:
- Add a new course or study programme.
- Remove a course they no longer want to study.
- Change the order of their preferred courses.
- Replace some existing choices with new ones.
- Keep certain choices while changing others, provided they are entered correctly.
For example, a student may initially choose business management as their first preference and accounting as their second preference. Later, the student may decide that accounting is the better option for their future career. The Change of Mind facility may allow the student to change the order of these choices.
Why Is the CAO Change of Mind Facility Important?
Students do not always have complete information when they first submit an application. Their interests may change, examination results may affect their plans, or they may find a course that better matches their career goals. The Change of Mind facility gives eligible applicants an opportunity to review their choices and make suitable changes. Here are some common reasons for using it.
1. You Have Changed Your Career Plans
A student who first chooses engineering may later become more interested in computer science, business, finance, healthcare, or another field. Changing course preferences can help the student make an application that better matches their current interests.
2. You Have Found a Better Course
While researching colleges, students may discover a programme that offers subjects, practical training, or career opportunities that suit them better. They may want to add this programme or place it higher on their preference list.
3. You Want to Change Your Course Ranking
Sometimes students are happy with their selected courses but want to change their order. For example, a student may decide that their third choice is now their favourite. The Change of Mind facility may allow them to place it above the other choices, depending on the applicable rules.
4. You Want to Remove an Unwanted Programme
If a student no longer wants to study a particular subject, they may be able to remove it from their list and replace it with another suitable programme. Students should check the relevant rules before removing a choice because the change may replace the previous list.
5. You Want to Review Your Options Before the Deadline
The facility gives applicants a chance to check whether their choices still match their plans before the closing date. It is better to review an application early rather than wait until the last few hours.
CAO Change of Mind in Ireland and South Africa: What Is the Difference?
The first step is to identify which CAO system you are using. The two organisations have different procedures.
| Detail | Ireland CAO | South Africa CAO |
|---|---|---|
| Main purpose | Manage applications for higher education courses | Manage applications to participating higher education institutions |
| Official website | https://www.cao.ie/ | https://www.cao.ac.za/ |
| Type of changes | Add, remove, or reorder course choices, subject to restrictions | Add, change, or reorder programme choices, subject to the applicable rules |
| Change of Mind fee | Free during the designated Change of Mind period | R140 per submission, according to the published fee information |
| Deadline | Set by the relevant application year | Depends on the applicable entry year, term, and programme rules |
| Main online process | Log in through My Application | Log in and select Change of Mind |
| Confirmation | Check the acknowledgement email and online account | Check the submitted choices and ensure the fee is paid |
Important: The dates and fees shown above relate to different application systems. Do not use the Irish deadline for a South African application or the South African fee for an Irish application.
CAO Change of Mind in Ireland
The Irish Central Applications Office provides a Change of Mind facility for applicants who want to update their course choices. According to the official CAO information for the 2026 application cycle, the main Change of Mind period opened on 5 May 2026 at 12:00 noon and closed on 1 July 2026 at 17:00.
The facility was free during this period and could be used more than once, subject to the applicable restrictions. Because these dates have passed, anyone preparing an application for a later year should check the official CAO website for the correct dates for that application cycle.
When Can You Change Your Course Choices in Ireland?
The Irish CAO has different application periods, and the rules depend on when an applicant applies and which courses they want to select. The official CAO information describes these main periods:
- 5 November to 1 February at 17:00: The main application period in which applicants can add or edit course choices.
- 5 February to 1 March at 17:00: A separate course-editing period that may involve a €10 fee and is subject to restrictions.
- 5 May at 12:00 noon to 1 July at 17:00: The main free Change of Mind period.
Applicants who submit a late application may have different options. They should check the official rules instead of assuming that every period applies to them.
Is the Irish CAO Change of Mind Free?
Yes. The main Irish Change of Mind facility is free during its designated period. Applicants can generally use it as often as they wish before the deadline, subject to the rules for restricted courses and certain applicant categories. However, this does not mean that every CAO application service is free. Other application periods and services may have different fees.
How to Change Your Course Choices in Ireland
Follow these steps to update your course preferences through the Irish CAO system.
Step 1: Visit the official CAO website
- Open https://www.cao.ie/ and access your application account.
Step 2: Log in to My Application
- Enter the required login details to access your application.
Step 3: Open the course-choice section
- Go to the option for adding or changing course choices.
Step 4: Prepare your new list
- Enter your courses in your genuine order of preference. Place the course you most want to study at the top, followed by your next preferred courses.
Step 5: Save the changes
- Follow the instructions on the screen and select the option to continue with the course changes.
Step 6: Check your acknowledgement email
- Look for the confirmation message sent to the email address used in your application.
Step 7: Review your account again
- Log in and check that your courses appear in the correct order and that the changes have been recorded correctly.
You can also watch the official CAO Change of Mind Video Guide for additional help.
Important Irish CAO Course Restrictions
Not every course can be added through the Change of Mind facility.
- Restricted courses: Applicants generally cannot add a restricted course through the main Change of Mind facility. A limited exception may apply if the course uses exactly the same assessment procedures as a restricted course already included in an application by 1 February at 17:00. Applicants should contact the relevant higher education institution before trying to add such a course.
- Mature applicants: Some higher education institutions impose special restrictions on changes made by mature applicants. These applicants should contact the relevant admissions office before adding new course choices after 1 February.
- Level 8 and Level 7/6 choices: These categories are treated separately. Changing choices in one category does not automatically change choices in the other. Applicants should not mix the two categories when entering their course choices.
- New course choices: Courses that were not included in the original application may generally be added during the Change of Mind period, except where specific restrictions apply.
What Happens After the Irish CAO Deadline?
The main Change of Mind deadline is important because applicants must finalise their course choices before the facility closes. For the 2026 cycle, the deadline was 1 July at 17:00. Applicants should not assume that they can make ordinary changes after this time.
If you discover an error after the deadline, contact the CAO through its official channels as soon as possible. Do not wait until August to report missing or incorrect information, because it may be too late to correct it.
CAO Change of Mind in South Africa
South Africa also has a Central Applications Office that manages applications to participating higher education institutions. Its Change of Mind facility is used when applicants want to change, add, or reorder their programme choices after submitting an application. The process is different from the Irish system, especially when it comes to fees.
What Is the South African CAO Change of Mind Fee?
According to the published South African CAO information, the Change of Mind administration fee is R140 per submission. This is separate from the original application fee. The applicant must have an active application and must have paid the required initial application fee for the relevant entry year and term before submitting a Change of Mind request.
The R140 charge applies to a Change of Mind submission, rather than to each individual programme listed within that submission, subject to the current CAO rules. Applicants should always confirm the latest fee information on the official website before making a payment.
When Should You Submit a South African CAO Change of Mind?
You may need to submit a Change of Mind request if:
- You no longer want to study one of your selected programmes.
- You want to add a different programme.
- You want to change the ranking of your preferences.
- One or more of your programme choices has been unsuccessful.
- An institution has discontinued a programme you selected.
- You want to carry your application forward to another entry year or term, where permitted.
The official South African CAO also notes that changes required because an institution discontinues a programme may be free. Applicants should contact the CAO if they are unsure whether this exception applies to their case.
How to Submit a South African CAO Change of Mind Online
The online process is straightforward, but every choice should be checked carefully before submission.
Step 1: Visit the official website
- Open https://www.cao.ac.za/.
Step 2: Select Change of Mind
- Click the Change of Mind option on the homepage.
Step 3: Log in to your account
- Follow the login instructions using your CAO number and the required credentials. If you have forgotten your password, use the official account-recovery process.
Step 4: Review your current programme choices
- The system will display your existing choices. Review them before making any changes.
Step 5: Enter all the programmes you want to keep or change
- This is one of the most important steps. Enter every programme you want to appear on your new list, including the programmes you wish to keep. If you leave out a programme that you wanted to retain, it may be withdrawn when the new list replaces your previous choices.
Step 6: Arrange the programmes in your preferred order
- Put your most preferred programme first, followed by your second choice, third choice, and so on.
Step 7: Check the information
- Review the programme names, institutions, and ranking order. Make sure there are no unwanted choices or missing programmes.
Step 8: Submit your Change of Mind request
- Select the option to proceed and then choose the option to process your Change of Mind request.
Step 9: Pay the administration fee
- Pay the R140 Change of Mind fee using an available online payment method or an approved EasyPay payment option.
Step 10: Confirm payment and submission
- Keep your payment reference and confirmation details. The South African CAO states that the change is made available to institutions after the required fee has been received and processed. You can check your application through the official website to confirm that your updated choices are recorded.
Can You Keep Your Existing Programme Choices in South Africa?
Yes, but you must enter them again in the new list if you want them to remain part of your application. This is an important difference that applicants should understand. For example, imagine that your existing choices are:
- Business Management
- Accounting
- Information Technology
- Marketing
You decide to place Information Technology first and Marketing second, while keeping the other programmes. Your new list could be:
- Information Technology
- Marketing
- Business Management
- Accounting
You should include all four programmes in the Change of Mind submission. Simply adding a new programme or changing one ranking without including the choices you want to retain could lead to unwanted removals.
How Many Programmes Can You Select?
South African CAO guidance describes a limit of up to six programmes in a Change of Mind request. The available options may depend on the institutions and programmes listed in the system. Use the programme search tools on the official website to find available courses and institutions. Check the latest rules before submitting your list.
Important Tips Before Submitting a CAO Change of Mind
Whether you are applying in Ireland or South Africa, careful planning can help you avoid unnecessary problems.
1. Check the Closing Date
Never rely on a deadline from an old article or a previous application year. Dates may change, so check the official website for your entry year.
2. Choose Courses Based on Your Interests
Do not rank a course first only because you think it has a lower entry requirement or may be easier to get into. Consider your interests, strengths, long-term goals, and the type of work you would like to do after graduation.
3. Check the Entry Requirements
Before adding a course, check the required subjects, grades, qualifications, and any additional selection criteria. A course may look suitable but still require qualifications you do not have.
4. Enter Your Choices in the Correct Order
Your first choice should be the course or programme you genuinely prefer most. Do not use a random order.
5. Review Every Programme Name
Similar programmes may have different titles or be offered by different institutions. Make sure you select the correct programme.
6. Keep Confirmation Emails and Payment Records
Save the acknowledgement email, application details, and payment confirmation where applicable. These records may be helpful if you need to check your submission later.
7. Do Not Wait Until the Last Minute
Try to complete your changes well before the deadline. This gives you time to fix login problems, review your choices, and resolve payment issues.
8. Contact the CAO if Something Looks Wrong
If your choices are missing, the system shows an unexpected error, or you are unsure whether your changes were processed, contact the relevant CAO directly. Do not assume that an attempted submission has been completed successfully.
Common CAO Change of Mind Mistakes to Avoid
Many application problems can be avoided by checking a few basic details.
- Using the wrong website: Ireland and South Africa have separate CAO systems.
- Confusing the fees: Ireland’s main Change of Mind period is free, while South Africa’s published Change of Mind fee is R140 per submission.
- Missing the deadline: Ordinary changes may no longer be possible after the closing date.
- Leaving out courses you want to keep: In the South African system, the new list replaces the existing programme choices.
- Selecting a restricted course incorrectly: Ireland has special rules for restricted courses and certain applicant categories.
- Forgetting to save or submit: Entering information is not the same as completing the process.
- Ignoring confirmation messages: Always check the final record of your choices.
- Assuming admission is guaranteed: A Change of Mind updates preferences; it does not guarantee that a college or university will accept you.
FAQs About CAO Change of Mind
What does CAO Change of Mind mean?
It means updating your existing higher education course or programme choices through the relevant CAO application system. Depending on the rules, you may be able to add, remove, or reorder choices.
Is CAO Change of Mind free?
It depends on the country. The main Change of Mind facility in Ireland is free during its designated period. In South Africa, the published administration fee is R140 per submission.
What was the Ireland CAO Change of Mind deadline for 2026?
The main deadline was 1 July 2026 at 17:00. Applicants preparing for a later year should confirm the new deadline on the official Irish CAO website.
Can I change my course choices more than once?
In Ireland, the main Change of Mind facility can generally be used more than once during the designated period, subject to restrictions. In South Africa, each Change of Mind submission carries the applicable administration fee.
Can I add a course that was not in my original application?
In Ireland, new courses can generally be added during the main Change of Mind period, except for restricted courses and other restricted cases. In South Africa, applicants can use the programme search facility to select available programmes, subject to the system’s rules.
Will changing my course guarantee admission?
No. The change only updates your preferences. Admission depends on the institution’s requirements, available places, selection process, and your qualifications.
What should I do if I forget my CAO password?
Visit the official website for the relevant country and follow the account-recovery instructions. Use only the official recovery process to protect your application information.
What happens if I forget to include a course I want to keep?
In the South African CAO system, programme choices submitted through Change of Mind replace the existing choices. A programme left off the new list may therefore be withdrawn. Review the entire list before submitting.
Can mature applicants use Change of Mind in Ireland?
Mature applicants may face additional restrictions imposed by individual higher education institutions. They should contact the relevant admissions office before adding new choices.
Conclusion
The CAO Change of Mind facility can be helpful when your study plans change or you discover a programme that better matches your goals. It gives eligible applicants a chance to review their choices, add suitable programmes, remove unwanted options, and arrange their preferences again. However, it is important to understand the rules of your particular application system. Ireland and South Africa use different procedures, deadlines, and fees. Applicants should confirm their details through the official CAO website, check every programme carefully, and save their confirmation after submitting changes.
