CAO Change Of Mind 2027: How to Change Your Course Choices

CAO Change Of Mind 2027. The CAO Change of Mind facility gives applicants an important chance to review and update their course choices after submitting their original CAO application. If your plans have changed, you have learned more about a course, or you now want to place your courses in a different order, the Change of Mind facility can help you update your preferences. Choosing the right course is an important decision because it can affect your future studies and career plans. For this reason, applicants should carefully review their choices before the Change of Mind deadline.

The facility allows eligible applicants to change, remove, add, or reorder course choices, depending on the rules that apply to their application. However, there are important deadlines and restrictions that applicants should understand before making changes.

This guide explains the CAO Change of Mind 2027 process in simple. You will learn how the facility works, how to make changes online, important dates, restrictions, and useful tips for choosing your courses.

What Is CAO Change of Mind?

The CAO Change of Mind facility allows applicants to update their course preferences after they have already submitted their CAO application. Instead of submitting a completely new application, an applicant can use the Change of Mind option to make changes to their existing course list. You may want to use the facility if:

• You have changed your preferred course.
• You want to add another course.
• You want to remove a course.
• You want to change the order of your course choices.
• You have researched a course and decided that another option is better.
• Your career plans have changed.
• You have received new information about course requirements.

The most important point is that your course choices should be listed in your genuine order of preference. Your first choice should be the course you would most like to study.

CAO Change Of Mind Download PDF

CAO Change of Mind 2027 Dates

Applicants should keep the important dates in mind because the Change of Mind facility is available only during the specified period.

CAO Change of Mind Event	Date and Time
Change of Mind Opens	7 May 2027 at 12:00 noon
Main Change of Mind Deadline	1 July 2027 at 17:00
Exceptional Closing Date	22 July 2027 at 17:00

The main CAO Change of Mind deadline is 1 July 2027 at 17:00. The exceptional closing date of 22 July 2027 at 17:00 applies only to specific cases, such as certain current undergraduate students changing courses or applying to another higher education institution. Do not wait until the final day if you already know that you want to change your choices. Making changes early gives you more time to check your application and confirmation.

Who Can Use the CAO Change of Mind Facility?

Applicants who have submitted a CAO application may be able to use the Change of Mind facility to update their course preferences. The facility is useful for applicants who want to:

• Add course choices.
• Remove unwanted choices.
• Change the order of preferences.
• Replace previous choices.
• Review their final course list before the deadline.

However, not every course can necessarily be added through Change of Mind. Some courses have special assessment requirements or restrictions. For this reason, always check the requirements of the specific course and higher education institution before making a change.

How to Use CAO Change of Mind

Using the Change of Mind facility is generally straightforward. Applicants should carefully review their existing choices before submitting the new list.

Step 1: Visit the CAO Website

Start by visiting the official CAO website and accessing your applicant account. Use the My Application facility to log in. You should use the same application details that you used when submitting your original CAO application.

Step 2: Open Your Course Choices

After logging in, find the section related to your course choices. Look for the option that allows you to add or change course choices. Before changing anything, carefully review your current list.

Step 3: Decide Your New Course Order

Think carefully about which courses you really want to study. Place your choices in your genuine order of preference. For example:

1. First preference – the course you want most.
2. Second preference – your next preferred course.
3. Third preference – your next option.
4. Continue the list according to your actual preferences.

Do not place a course first simply because you think you are more likely to receive an offer.

Step 4: Enter Your New Choices

Enter your preferred courses in the New List section. If you want to keep an existing course, make sure it is included in your new list. This is extremely important because a previous choice that is not included in the new submission may be removed from your application.

Step 5: Continue With Course Changes

After entering your choices, select “Continue with course changes” or the relevant option shown in your CAO account. Review the information carefully before completing the submission.

Step 6: Submit the Changes

Submit your updated course list through the CAO system. If your particular CAO system requires an administration fee, make sure the required payment is completed. For South African CAO applications, an administration fee may apply to a Change of Mind request.

Step 7: Check Your Confirmation

After submitting your changes, check the email address linked to your application. Look for an acknowledgement or confirmation email. You should also log back into your account and review your application to make sure your new choices have been recorded correctly.

Important: Re-Enter All Choices You Want to Keep

One of the most important things to understand about CAO Change of Mind is that you should not assume your old choices will automatically remain on your application. When submitting a new list, make sure you include every course choice you want to keep. For example, suppose your original list is:

• Course A
• Course B
• Course C
• Course D

You decide that you want to keep A, C and D but remove B. Your new list should contain:

• Course A
• Course C
• Course D

You should also put them in your actual preferred order. Any previous choice that is not included in the new Change of Mind list may be removed.

Can You Change the Order of CAO Choices?

Yes, the Change of Mind facility can be used to change the order of eligible course choices.Changing the order is important because applicants should list their courses according to their real preference. For example, if you originally listed:

1. Business
2. Accounting
3. Finance

but later decide that Finance is your first choice, you can update the order during the Change of Mind period. Your new order could be:

1. Finance
2. Business
3. Accounting

The key rule is simple: put your most preferred course first.

CAO Change of Mind Restrictions

Although Change of Mind provides flexibility, there are some restrictions. Applicants should not assume that every course can be added at any time.

Restricted Courses

Some courses are classified as restricted courses because they may have additional assessment procedures. In general, a restricted course cannot simply be added through the Change of Mind facility. However, there can be an exception where the restricted course has the same assessment procedures as a course that was already applied for by 1 February 2027.

If you want to add a restricted course, it is important to contact the relevant Higher Education Institution (HEI) and ask for guidance. Do not rely only on the general Change of Mind rules when dealing with a restricted course.

Mature Applicants

Mature applicants may also face additional restrictions depending on the higher education institution and course. Different HEIs can have their own requirements for mature applicants.If you are applying as a mature student, contact the relevant Admissions Office before changing your course choices. They can explain:

• Whether the course accepts mature applicants.
• Whether a separate assessment is required.
• Whether the Change of Mind facility can be used.
• Whether there are additional deadlines.
• What documents or procedures may be required.

Exceptional CAO Change of Mind Closing Date

There is also an exceptional closing date for certain applicants. The exceptional deadline is:

• 22 July 2027 at 17:00

This can apply to current undergraduate students who want to change to a different course within the same higher education institution or apply to another HEI. However, this special deadline does not apply to every situation. It is also important to note that the exceptional process is not intended for simply repeating the same course. If your situation falls under this category, check the procedures of the relevant institution before taking action.

CAO Change of Mind in South Africa and Ireland

The term CAO Change of Mind can sometimes cause confusion because the Central Applications Office name is used in different education systems. There are two major CAO systems that applicants may come across:

• CAO South Africa – CAO.ac.za
• CAO Ireland – CAO.ie

Their rules, fees, dates and application processes are not necessarily the same. The dates listed in this guide, including 7 May 2027, 1 July 2027, and the exceptional 22 July 2027 deadline, relate to the Change of Mind information provided for the relevant CAO process. Applicants should always confirm the rules that apply to their own application and region.

CAO Change of Mind Fee

The fee can depend on which CAO system you are using. For South Africa, an administration fee may apply to a Change of Mind request. The supplied information indicates a fee of R140. Applicants should make sure that any required fee is paid because changes may not be processed or shown to institutions until the required payment has been completed. For Ireland, the Change of Mind facility is generally free during the applicable period and can be used more than once before the deadline. Because the two systems are different, applicants should always check the official CAO information for their application.

Tips for Making a Good CAO Change of Mind

Changing your course choices should not be a rushed decision. Before submitting your new list, take some time to research your options.

1. Put Your Real First Choice First

Do not select your first choice based only on how many points you think you might get. Your first choice should be the course you genuinely want most.

2. Research the Course

Before adding a new course, check:

• Course content
• Entry requirements
• Subject requirements
• Assessment methods
• Course duration
• Career opportunities
• Location
• Fees and other costs
• Further study options

3. Check Course Requirements

A course may have specific subject requirements. Always check whether you meet the requirements before putting it on your list.

4. Visit or Contact the College

If possible, visit the campus or contact the college. Speaking with the institution can help you understand the course better. You can ask about:

• Course structure
• Modules
• Entry requirements
• Student support
• Career opportunities
• Application procedures

5. Talk to a Guidance Counsellor

A guidance counsellor can help you compare your options. You can also discuss your choices with trusted family members, teachers or people who understand the education system.

6. Do Not Make Decisions Based on Assumptions

Do not change your choices only because you think your exam results will be higher or lower than expected. Instead, research the course and understand your options before making a final decision.

Useful Resources Before Changing Your CAO Choices

Applicants can use different tools and resources to make better decisions.

CareersPortal Course Finder

A course finder can help you search for courses and compare different study options.

Leaving Certificate Points Calculator

A points calculator can help you estimate your likely points based on your expected results. Remember that an estimate is not a guarantee of your final result or an offer.

Leaving Certificate What’s Next Guide

This type of guide can help students understand their options after completing the Leaving Certificate.

New Courses for 2027

Applicants should also check whether new courses have been introduced for 2027. New courses can provide additional options that were not available when you first started researching your choices.

Career Explorer

A career exploration tool can help you understand different career paths and identify courses connected with your interests.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants can avoid many problems by checking their application carefully before submitting a Change of Mind request. Avoid these common mistakes:

• Do not miss the final deadline.
• Do not forget to include courses you want to keep.
• Do not put courses in an order that does not reflect your real preference.
• Do not add a restricted course without checking its requirements.
• Do not assume that every course can be changed through the facility.
• Do not ignore emails from CAO.
• Do not forget to check your confirmation.
• Do not make changes based only on assumptions about your results.
• Do not wait until the last minute to make important decisions.

How to Check Your CAO Change of Mind

After submitting your changes, you should confirm that everything has been updated correctly. Follow these simple steps:

1. Open the email account connected to your CAO application.
2. Find the Change of Mind acknowledgement email.
3. Check the course list shown in the confirmation.
4. Log in to your CAO application.
5. Review your updated course choices.
6. Make sure the order is correct.
7. Confirm that all courses you want to keep are included.
8. Keep the confirmation email or receipt for your records.

If something looks incorrect, contact the CAO or relevant Admissions Office as soon as possible.

Why the CAO Change of Mind Facility Is Important

The Change of Mind facility gives applicants an opportunity to correct or improve their course preferences before the main deadline. Students sometimes learn more about their options after submitting their original application. They may attend open days, speak with teachers, research careers, or discover new courses.

The Change of Mind facility provides an opportunity to reflect these decisions in the application. However, applicants should remember that changing course choices does not guarantee an offer. Your eligibility, course requirements, competition, points and other admission rules can still affect whether you receive an offer.

Final Checklist Before Submitting Change of Mind

Before clicking the final submission button, use this checklist:

• I have researched my preferred courses.
• My first choice is genuinely my first choice.
• I have checked course requirements.
• I have checked restricted-course rules.
• I have included every course I want to keep.
• My choices are in the correct order.
• I have checked the relevant deadline.
• I have completed any required payment.
• I will check my confirmation email.
• I will review my application again after submission.

FAQs About CAO Change of Mind

What is CAO Change of Mind?

CAO Change of Mind is a facility that allows eligible applicants to change, add, remove or reorder course choices after submitting their original application, subject to the rules and deadlines of the relevant CAO system.

When does CAO Change of Mind open in 2027?

The supplied 2027 schedule states that the Change of Mind facility opens on 7 May 2027 at 12:00 noon.

When is the CAO Change of Mind deadline?

The main deadline is 1 July 2027 at 17:00.

Can I change my course preference more than once?

This depends on the CAO system. Under the Ireland process, applicants can use the facility multiple times during the applicable period. Always follow the rules for your specific CAO application.

Do I need to re-enter my existing courses?

Yes. If you want to keep an existing course on your new list, make sure you include it in the Change of Mind submission. Previous choices that are not included may be removed.

Can I add a restricted course?

Generally, restricted courses cannot simply be added through Change of Mind. An exception may apply where the restricted course has the same assessment procedures as a course applied for by 1 February 2027. Contact the relevant HEI for advice.

Is CAO Change of Mind free?

It depends on the CAO system. The Ireland facility is free during the applicable Change of Mind period. For South Africa, an administration fee may apply, with the supplied information listing R140.

Can mature applicants use Change of Mind?

Mature applicants may use the facility where permitted, but individual HEIs can have additional restrictions or requirements. Mature applicants should contact the relevant Admissions Office.

What happens if I forget to include one of my old choices?

A previous choice that is not included in your new Change of Mind list may be removed. Therefore, carefully enter every course you want to keep.

What is the exceptional CAO deadline?

The supplied information gives an exceptional closing date of 22 July 2027 at 17:00 for specific cases, including certain current undergraduate students changing courses or applying to another HEI.

Does changing my course guarantee an offer?

No. Change of Mind only changes your course preferences. An offer still depends on the relevant admission requirements, eligibility, available places and other selection rules.

Conclusion

The CAO Change of Mind facility can be very useful if your course preferences have changed after submitting your original application. It gives you an opportunity to review your choices and make sure your application reflects what you really want to study. The most important things are to check the deadline, research your courses, list your choices in genuine order of preference, include every course you want to keep, and confirm your changes after submission.