Access DCU is a new pilot programme for students from the Border Midlands West region aimed at students who face socio-economic barriers which may prevent them from accessing third level.

The programme offers students who fit the target profile of the Access initiative, to apply for a Direct Application place in DCU which comes with financial, academic and social support from the Access Service. Such student applying for places in DCU through the normal CAO process may also apply for subsidised on-campus accommodation.

Under the pilot scheme DCU will accept a maximum of two applications for both the Direct Entry and the Subsidised On Campus Accommodation Scheme from any one Referral Agency.

The Scheme is aimed at students attending schools who are not already linked to the Higher Education Direct Entry Scheme (link).

Referral Agencies: Who are they?

The agencies will be members of the Networks established in each area. They will have the expertise and resources to identify target students from their local area. Such agencies may be: Local Area Partnerships, Communities Groups, Schools, Local Adult Guidance Centres, Third Level Institutions, PLC colleges, St. Vincent de Paul.

The Role of the Referral Agency

• The initial identification of possibly eligible students for the Direct Entry Scheme
• The initial identification of students eligible for the Subsidised On Campus Accommodation Scheme
• The initial identification and referral of students for financial and academic support, who are at pre-entry stage, or who are currently studying in DCU.
• To supply relevant information to eligible candidates for each scheme
• To provide or arrange for a written reference to accompany the candidate's application

The Border Midlands West Region

The Border, Midland and Western Region consists of the following 13 counties: Cavan, Donegal, Galway, Laois, Leitrim, Longford, Louth, Mayo, Monaghan, Offaly, Roscommon, Sligo and Westmeath.