The CAO change of mind deadline is approaching, so here is everything that parents and students should know to avoid missing out.
The CAO can feel like a minefield for parents – it may have been many years since we filled it out ourselves, if at all, and there are a lot of dates to keep track of.
Students who are hoping to go to university must fill out their CAO form properly and on time to ensure that they have the best chance of getting the course that they want to study.
CAO applications opened back in November 2025, and the standard applications closed on February 1st. Course changes couldn’t be made after Sunday, March 1st.
The change of mind feature opened back in May, but the deadline is closing soon, and it is an important one to take note of.
RELATED: Here’s what parents need to know about the CAO
What is the change of mind?
The change of mind is a feature in which students can amend their choices and fix any errors on their CAO form without any cost. It is especially important for students who feel like they need to make some changes after sitting their Leaving Certificate.
The change of mind opened on May 5th and closes on July 1st at 5pm. Meaning students have to make any changes in the next week, or they will miss out on the chance completely. Changes can be made on the CSO website.
What are HEAR and DARE?
HEAR is the Higher Education Access Route, which allocates a number of third-level places on a reduced points basis to students from socially disadvantaged backgrounds.
DARE is the Disability Access Route to Education, which helps students who have disabilities or who have experienced additional challenges to access college.
You can apply to both HEAR and DARE on the CAO portal before this Sunday and students can apply to both if they think they are eligible. Applicants will find out if they are eligible or not by the end of June.
See below for important dates:
- 28th Feb-1st March, 20th March – 22nd March: GAMSAT Test for graduate entry to medicine
- 1st May (5pm): Closing date for late applications
- 5th May (12pm): Change of mind facility becomes available
- Before May 15th: Late paper applications will be sent a statement of course choice
- 1st July (5pm): Change of mind closes
