Can I Change My CAO Application? Complete Guide To Online Process

Can I Change My CAO Application? If you have already submitted your CAO application and later decide that you want to change your programme choices, you may be asking, “Can I change my CAO application?” The good news is that the South African Central Applications Office (CAO) allows applicants to change, add, or rearrange their programme choices through the Change of Mind (COM) facility.

This can be useful if your study plans have changed, you want to apply for a different programme, or you simply want to move one of your existing choices higher or lower on your list. The process is fairly simple, but you need to enter your choices carefully. CAO states that when you submit a Change of Mind request, the new list replaces your current programme choices. If you want to keep an existing programme, you must enter it again in your new list.

In this guide, I will explain how to change your CAO application, what the Change of Mind process means, what fee may apply, and what you should check before submitting your new choices.

CAO Status Check Online

Can I Change My CAO Application?

Yes, you can change your CAO application. If you already have an active CAO application for a particular entry year and term, you can use the online Change of Mind facility to change your programme choices.

According to the CAO, applicants can make changes to their programme choices for a R140 Change of Mind administration fee. The facility can be used to change choices, add choices, rearrange the order of choices, or extend an application to another entry year or term.

The important thing is that you should not simply assume your old choices will remain on your application. When you complete a Change of Mind request, you need to enter all the programme choices you want to keep as well as the new choices.

What Is a CAO Change of Mind?

A CAO Change of Mind is an online facility that allows applicants to update their programme choices after submitting their original application. You may use it when:

You no longer want to study one of your selected programmes.
You want to apply for a different programme.
You want to add another programme to your application.
You want to change the order of your programme choices.
One of your previous choices has not worked out.
You want to extend your application to another entry year or term.
You want to make your application match your current study plans.

The CAO handbook explains that a Change of Mind is normally used when an applicant wants to change study choices, change the ranking of choices, or extend the application to another entry year or term.

Why Would You Want to Change Your CAO Application?

There can be many reasons why a student wants to update their application. Your plans may change after you have already submitted your choices.

1. Your Career Interest Has Changed

You may have originally selected a programme because you thought it was the right career path. Later, you may discover that another field is more suitable for your interests. For example, you may have first selected a business programme but later decide that you want to study information technology, teaching, health sciences, or another field.

2. You Found a Better Programme

After submitting your CAO application, you may learn more about different programmes and institutions. You may then decide that another programme is a better match for your goals.

3. Your Results Are Better Than Expected

Your academic results can also affect your choices. If your results are stronger than expected, you may want to review your programme list and consider other available options.

However, you should always check the entry requirements before changing your choices.

4. You Made a Mistake

Sometimes an applicant enters the wrong programme or puts choices in the wrong order. The Change of Mind facility can help you update your programme choices, but you should carefully check the new list before submitting it.

5. You Want to Change Your Preference Order

You may like all your existing choices but want to change which programme appears first. The CAO allows applicants to change the ranking of their choices through the Change of Mind process.

How to Change My CAO Application Online

Changing your CAO application online can be completed through the official CAO website. Follow these steps carefully.

Step 1: Visit the Official CAO Website

Go to the official Central Applications Office website. Look for the “Change of Mind” option on the homepage. The CAO website currently provides a dedicated Change of Mind facility for applicants who already have an application.

Step 2: Click on Change of Mind

Select the Change of Mind icon. You will then be taken through the process for accessing your application. The CAO provides specific login instructions for the Change of Mind facility.

Step 3: Log In to Your Application

You need the information required by CAO to access the Change of Mind facility. The current CAO login instructions state that you need your CAO/ID Number and access to either the cellphone number or email address that was entered on your application. Make sure that you use the correct details.

Step 4: Review Your Current Choices

After logging in, you will see your current programme choices. Before changing anything, take some time to review the programmes you have already selected. Check:

Programme names
Institution names
Programme codes
Entry year
Intake or starting period
Current ranking of your choices

This can help you avoid making an unnecessary mistake.

Step 5: Enter Your New Programme Choices

Now enter your new programme choices exactly as you want them to appear. This is one of the most important parts of the process. If you want to keep an existing programme, you must add it again to your new list. The CAO explains that the programmes selected in your Change of Mind request replace the programme choices currently on your application.

So, do not enter only the programme you are changing. Enter your complete new list.

Step 6: Put Your Choices in the Correct Order

Arrange your programmes according to your preference. Your most preferred programme should be placed in the position you want it to have.

For example:

First preferred programme
Second preferred programme
Third preferred programme
Fourth preferred programme
Fifth preferred programme
Sixth preferred programme

The CAO’s online guide says applicants can select a maximum of six programmes and should enter their choices in the ranking order they want before submitting the Change of Mind request.

Step 7: Check Everything Carefully

Before submitting, go through your new choices again. Check:

Is the programme correct?
Is the institution correct?
Is the programme in the correct position?
Did you include the programmes you wanted to keep?
Did you accidentally remove an important choice?
Are you applying for the correct entry year or term?

This step is very important because the CAO states that it cannot reverse mistakes after a Change of Mind has been submitted.

Step 8: Submit Your Change of Mind

Once you are satisfied with your new programme list, select the option to process your Change of Mind. The CAO online guide refers to the “Process My Change of Mind” option for submitting the request.

Step 9: Pay the Change of Mind Fee

After submitting your Change of Mind request, you need to pay the applicable administration fee. The CAO currently lists the Change of Mind administration fee as R140. Your Change of Mind is not made available to institutions until the required fee has been received. The CAO states that an online Change of Mind is processed immediately once it has been completed online and the Change of Mind administration fee has been received.

Step 10: Save Your Confirmation

After completing the process and payment, keep a record of your confirmation. You can also check your application through the CAO website to make sure your updated programme choices appear correctly.

What Happens to My Old CAO Choices?

This is one of the most important things to understand. Your new Change of Mind list replaces your current programme choices. For example, suppose your original application has:

Programme A
Programme B
Programme C

You then submit a Change of Mind with:

Programme D
Programme B
Programme E

Your new list becomes the active list. Programme A and Programme C will not remain active simply because they were on your original application. The CAO specifically advises applicants to include the programmes they want to retain in their new Change of Mind list.

Can I Add a New Programme to My CAO Application?

Yes. The Change of Mind facility can be used to add programme choices, provided the programme is available and you remain within the CAO’s programme-choice limits. The CAO states that a single administration fee covers a Change of Mind request involving programme changes or additions, with up to six programmes in the same request. Before adding a programme, check its requirements and whether applications are still being accepted.

Can I Change the Order of My CAO Choices?

Yes. You can use the Change of Mind facility if you want to change the ranking of your choices. For example, if your original list is:

Choice 1 – Programme A
Choice 2 – Programme B
Choice 3 – Programme C

You may decide that Programme C is now your first preference. You can submit a Change of Mind request and arrange the choices in the order you now prefer. The CAO specifically lists changing the ranking of programme choices as one reason for using the Change of Mind facility.

How Much Does CAO Change of Mind Cost?

The CAO Change of Mind administration fee is R140 according to the current CAO information. It is important to understand that this is separate from your original application administration fee. The CAO also states that administration and Change of Mind fees are not refundable. If you submit separate Change of Mind requests at different times, each request can be treated as a separate request and the applicable fee must be paid for each submission.

Can I Change My CAO Application More Than Once?

You should be careful when making multiple changes. The CAO allows applicants to submit Change of Mind requests, but if you submit changes in more than one request or at different times, each Change of Mind request is treated separately for payment purposes. Because mistakes cannot be reversed after submission, it is better to prepare your complete new list before submitting. Before clicking the final submission button, check everything one more time.

Important Things to Check Before Changing Your CAO Choices

Changing your programme choices is an important decision. Before submitting your new list, consider the following points.

Check Programme Requirements

Make sure you meet the entry requirements for the programme you want to add. A programme may require specific subjects, marks, or other conditions.

Check Your Ranking

Put your choices in the order you actually want them. Do not rush this part.

Keep Suitable Backup Choices

If possible, consider having more than one suitable programme on your list instead of focusing on only one option.

Check Programme Availability

A programme may have different closing dates or availability. Always check the current CAO information and the relevant institution’s requirements.

Check Your Documents

Make sure your required documents have been uploaded correctly. CAO states that supporting documents must be uploaded through its website and should be clear and readable.

Check Your Contact Details

Make sure CAO can reach you through the contact information connected to your application.

What If I Make a Mistake in My Change of Mind?

This is where you need to be especially careful. The CAO states that it cannot reverse mistakes after a Change of Mind has been submitted. Therefore, do not submit your new choices until you have checked everything. Before submitting, use this simple checklist:

Check your CAO number.
Check your programme names.
Check your institution names.
Check your programme codes.
Check your ranking.
Add back any programme you want to keep.
Check the entry year or term.
Review the complete list.
Make the required payment.
Save your confirmation.

Does CAO Automatically Keep My Old Choices?

No. This is a common point of confusion. When you submit a Change of Mind request, the new choices become your programme choices. If you want to keep a programme from your previous application, you need to enter it again in your new list. The CAO clearly explains that programmes not included in the new Change of Mind list will be withdrawn from the application.

CAO Change of Mind and the Six-Programme Limit

CAO allows applicants to apply for a combination of up to six programmes at its member and partner institutions, subject to the relevant programme options and application rules. When making your Change of Mind, carefully select the programmes you want to remain active. Do not add a programme simply because it looks interesting. Check the requirements and make sure it fits your study plans.

Is There a Deadline to Change My CAO Application?

You should not wait until the last moment to change your choices. The availability of a programme can depend on its closing date and entry term. CAO also has different dates for administration fees and late applications. For the 2027 entry, the CAO currently lists 31 October 2026 as the date for the on-time administration fee for January 2027 entry, with the late administration fee applying from 1 November 2026. However, programme closing dates can differ, so you should check the current CAO information before making a change.

Important: A Change of Mind is not a way to reopen a programme that is no longer accepting applications. Always check whether the programme is still available.

Tips Before You Submit a CAO Change of Mind

Here are some simple tips that can help you avoid problems:

Do your research before changing a programme.
Check the admission requirements for every new choice.
Look at your academic results and choose programmes that match your qualifications.
Keep suitable alternatives on your list where possible.
Enter all programmes you want to keep in the new Change of Mind list.
Put your choices in the correct order.
Check everything twice before submitting.
Pay the R140 Change of Mind fee when required.
Save your confirmation after completing the process.
Check your CAO application status afterwards.

FAQs About Changing a CAO Application

Can I change my CAO application after submitting it?

Yes. South African CAO applicants with an active application can use the Change of Mind facility to change, add, or rearrange programme choices.

How do I change my CAO programme choices?

Visit the official CAO website, select Change of Mind, log in, enter your complete new programme list, check the ranking, submit the request, and pay the applicable fee.

How much is the CAO Change of Mind fee?

The current CAO information lists the Change of Mind administration fee as R140.

Can I add a new course after submitting my CAO application?

Yes. You can use the Change of Mind facility to add a programme, subject to the available programme options and CAO rules.

Can I change the order of my CAO choices?

Yes. Changing the ranking of your programme choices is one of the reasons CAO provides the Change of Mind facility.

Do I need to enter my old choices again?

Yes, if you want to keep them. Your Change of Mind submission replaces your existing programme list, so programmes you want to retain should be included in the new list.

Can I submit more than one Change of Mind request?

You can submit further Change of Mind requests, but each separate request can attract its own administration fee.

What happens if I make a mistake?

CAO states that it cannot reverse mistakes after a Change of Mind has been submitted. This is why checking your complete programme list before submission is very important.

Can I change my CAO application to another entry year?

Yes. CAO says the Change of Mind facility can also be used to extend an application to another entry year or term.

Where can I check my CAO application after making changes?

You can use the Check My Application facility on the official CAO website to follow your application and view your programme choices.

Conclusion

So, can I change my CAO application? Yes, you can. The South African CAO provides the Change of Mind facility for applicants who want to change, add, or rearrange their programme choices. The most important thing to remember is that your new Change of Mind list replaces your existing programme choices. If you want to keep an old programme, you must include it again in your new list. You should also check the programme requirements, ranking, availability, and entry dates before submitting.