CAO Change of Mind opens today: Students can amend course choices until July 1

Key facts

• CAO Change of Mind facility opens Tuesday, May 5 at 12 noon.
• Students can amend choices until 5pm on July 1, 2026.
• Changes are free of charge and can be made multiple times.
• Late applications are open until 5pm on Friday, May 1, with a €65 fee.
• Late applications are not available for restricted courses, HEAR, or DARE schemes.
• Career guidance counsellor Donnchadh O'Mahony advises students to consider level 6 and 7 degrees as flexible options.
• The initial Change of Mind window (Feb 5 – Mar 1) cost €10; the current window is free.

Change of Mind facility opens amid final exam preparations

The Central Applications Office (CAO) opened its Change of Mind facility at noon today, giving tens of thousands of prospective college students across Ireland the opportunity to review and revise their course choices. The facility, which runs until 5pm on July 1, allows unlimited free amendments, including reordering, adding, or removing courses. Students are encouraged to use the window early to reduce stress during the Leaving Certificate examination period. However, officials stress that there is no urgency: changes can be made at any point up to the deadline, and students can return to tweak their selections after exams conclude.

Key dates and fees for CAO applications

The standard CAO application closed on February 1, with a late application window opening on March 5. Late applications remain open until 5pm on Friday, May 1, carrying a fee of €65. This late route is not available for restricted courses—those requiring auditions, exams, or portfolio submissions—nor for mature applicants or those applying through HEAR or DARE schemes. Such applicants must contact individual higher education institutions before applying. An earlier Change of Mind period, from February 5 to March 1, cost €10. The current window is free and runs concurrently with the late application period, giving students who missed the initial deadline a chance to submit choices and then amend them.

How to amend choices and key advice

To make changes, students log into their CAO account using their CAO number and password, then select 'My Application' and choose to amend Level 8 or Level 6/7 choices. They can reorder courses by moving them up or down the list, add new non-restricted courses, or remove existing ones. Career guidance counsellor Donnchadh O'Mahony advises students to rank courses in genuine order of preference, not by points. The CAO system offers the highest-ranked course for which a student qualifies, regardless of points. O'Mahony also highlights level 6 and 7 degrees as flexible, shorter options that allow progression to higher levels later.

Late applications: a second chance for undecided students

For those who missed the February 1 deadline, the late application facility provides a final opportunity to enter the CAO system. O'Mahony urges students to consider it: 'For the sake of €65, it gives you another option if that's what you're looking for.' He notes that any offer received does not have to be accepted, but keeping options open is prudent. Late applicants can still use the Change of Mind window from May 5 to July 1 to adjust their choices, provided they initially applied for non-restricted courses. This dual window ensures that even latecomers have flexibility.

Level 6 and 7 degrees as stepping stones

O'Mahony emphasises that level 6 and 7 degrees are 'brilliant' options for students unsure about committing to a four-year programme. A level 6 degree requires two years of study, after which students can leave with an award or progress to a level 7. They can return to education later through recognised prior learning. These courses generally require lower points and are applied for through the CAO. O'Mahony's website offers a 30-minute test to help students identify suitable courses if they are still undecided.

Practical steps and reminders

Students should ensure their course list reflects true preferences, as the CAO will offer the highest qualifying choice. The system does not consider points when making offers, only eligibility and ranking. Students can change their minds as often as they like until the July 1 deadline, free of charge. Post-Leaving Certificate (PLC) courses are not handled through the CAO and must be applied for directly with individual colleges. Students are reminded to log in early to avoid last-minute technical issues.

The bottom line

• The CAO Change of Mind facility is open from May 5 to July 1, free of charge, with unlimited amendments.
• Late applications are open until May 1 with a €65 fee, but restricted courses and HEAR/DARE are excluded.
• Students should rank courses in genuine order of preference, not by points, as the CAO offers the highest qualifying choice.
• Level 6 and 7 degrees offer flexible, shorter pathways with the option to progress later.
• Career guidance is available, including a 30-minute online test to help narrow down course options.