How to Complete a CAO Change of Mind (COM) Application Step by Step

The Central Applications Office (CAO) in South Africa provides a useful service called the Change of Mind (COM) facility. This process allows applicants to make important adjustments to their programme choices after they have submitted their initial application. Whether you want to re-order your preferences, add new courses, or remove options, the CAO Change of Mind is designed to help you update your application.

It is important to understand that when you submit a Change of Mind request, the new list of programme choices you provide will completely replace any previous choices in the categories where you make changes. This means you must include all desired programmes in their correct ranking order, even those you wish to keep from your original application.

Understanding the CAO Change of Mind (COM) Facility

The Change of Mind facility offers flexibility for students navigating their post-school education options. Here's what you can do:

• Introduce new programmes: You can add up to a maximum of six new programme choices to your application.
• Remove programmes: If you no longer wish to be considered for certain programmes, you can remove them.
• Re-order existing choices: You can change the ranking of your current programme selections to reflect your updated preferences.
• Extend application: In some cases, you may be able to extend your application to the following year.

Remember, the goal is to ensure your CAO application accurately reflects your current aspirations for higher education.

Eligibility and Key Information

Before you begin the Change of Mind process, there are a few important details to keep in mind:

• Eligibility: Only applicants who have already submitted and fully paid for their initial CAO application for the relevant entry year are eligible to submit a Change of Mind request.
• Fee: There is an administration cost of R140 for each Change of Mind application.
• Multiple Requests: If you submit more than one Change of Mind request at different times, each submission will be treated as a separate request and requires its own R140 administration fee.
• Processing Time: Online Change of Mind requests are processed immediately once submitted and the administration fee is paid. If a hard-copy Change of Mind Request Form is submitted, it can take up to four weeks to be processed after the form and fee are received. It is highly recommended to use the online facility for quicker processing.

Step-by-Step Guide to Online CAO Change of Mind

Completing your Change of Mind online is a straightforward process. Follow these steps:

1. Log In: Go to the official CAO website at www.cao.ac.za.
2. Access COM: Look for and click the 'Change of Mind' icon on the website.
3. Login Prompts: Follow the on-screen prompts to log in to your existing CAO applicant account.
4. Select Option: From the navigation menu within your account, select 'Change of Mind'.
5. Enter Choices: Carefully enter all your desired programme choices exactly as they should now appear. Ensure they are in your correct preferred ranking order. This step is crucial as your new list replaces previous ones.
6. Review: Double-check all your entered programme choices and their order for accuracy.
7. Process Request: Click the 'Process my Change of Mind' button to submit your request.
8. Pay Fee: Proceed to pay the R140 administration fee. Your request will be processed immediately upon successful payment.

Payment Options for Your Change of Mind Application

Paying the R140 administration fee for your Change of Mind application is simple, with both online and in-person options available:

• Online Payment: You can pay directly online using a credit card. This is often the quickest way to complete the payment and ensures immediate processing of your Change of Mind.
• EasyPay Outlets: Alternatively, you can pay at any EasyPay outlet. These include popular stores such as Shoprite, Checkers, Pick n Pay, Boxer, and Woolworths. After submitting your online Change of Mind request, a unique EasyPay number will be provided on-screen. You must use this number as a reference when making your payment at an EasyPay outlet.

Remember that your Change of Mind request is only fully submitted and processed once the administration fee has been successfully paid.

Conclusion

The CAO Change of Mind facility is a valuable tool for applicants in South Africa, allowing you to refine your education choices after your initial application. By following the clear steps for online submission and understanding the payment process, you can ensure your programme preferences are accurately reflected. Always make sure to list all desired programmes in their correct order, as your latest submission will supersede previous choices. Visit the official CAO website, www.cao.ac.za, for the most up-to-date information and to access the Change of Mind facility.