Access Routes to Third Level
HEAR
What is the Higher Education Access Route (HEAR)
The Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) is a third level admissions scheme for school leavers from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds. HEAR has been established by a number of higher education institutions as clear evidence shows that socio-economic disadvantage has a negative impact on educational attainment at school and on progression to higher education.
Students compete for reserved places in any one of the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) listed below.
- Dublin City University
- Dublin Institute of Technology
- National University of Ireland Galway
- National University of Ireland, Maynooth
- Trinity College Dublin
- University College Cork
- University College Dublin
- University of Limerick
- Colaiste Mhuire, Marino Institute of Education
- Church of Ireland College of Education
- Froebel College of Education
- Mary Immaculate College, Limerick
- Mater Dei Institute of Education
- National College of Ireland
- St. Angela’s College
- St Patrick’s College
How do I apply to HEAR?
Students wishing to apply to HEAR should do so online through the CAO's website www.cao.ie by 1st February 2011.
How do I find out more?
Details on the application process and the different supports available in the participating colleges can be found on www.accesscollege.ie.
What criteria must applicants to HEAR satisfy to be eligible?
- Achieve the minimum entry requirementsof the University/College and any specific programme requirements
- Meet the socio-economic criteria (indicators)
- Have a high level of motivation
- Attend an interview/audition if necessary
- Successfully complete the Summer School / Orientation programme
- Complete the application form and provide all necessary documentation
Entry Requirements for the HEI’s
Access students applying through HEAR must achieve the Minimum Entry Requirements of the HEI’s that they are applying to. You should refer to the admissions handbook/prospectus/website of each participating HEI for further details.
Access DCU Supports - Overview
What is Access DCU Supports?
This is a support scheme for school leavers from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds applying for courses in DCU. To be eligible to apply, you must be under 23 on 1st Jan 2011 and must have completed an Irish Leaving Certificate.
How are Access DCU Supports Applications Assessed?
Applications are assessed on a number of financial, cultural and social conditions known as Indicators. The Indicators are described below, you must meet Indicator 1 plus at least two other Indicators to be eligible for Access DCU Supports.
Indicator (condition)
- 1 Low income
- The total income for your parent(s)/guardian(s)/spouse for 2009 is below the income threshold detailed below.
- 2 Medical card
- You or your parent(s)/guardian(s)/spouse had a valid medical card or GP visit card on 31st December 2009.
- 3 Social welfare payment
- In the year ending 31 December 2009, your parent(s)/guardian(s)/spouse received a means-tested payment from the Department of Social and Family Affairs.
- 4 Socio-economic grouping
- You belong to a group that is under-represented in higher education, based on the occupation and employment status of your parent(s)/guardian(s). The grouping includes non-manual, semi-skilled and unskilled manual workers and agricultural workers.
What is the Access DCU Income Threshold?
Please use below table to calculate if your family income before tax and PRSI is below the Access DCU Income Threshold.
| Number of dependent children* in your family | Access DCU Supports Income Threshold |
|---|---|
| Less than 4 | €48,811 |
| 4-7 | €53,637 |
| More than 8 | €58,230 |
| Add €4,980 for every sibling/parent enrolled in a full time college, university or post leaving certificate further education course. | |
| * A dependent child is a child under the age of 16 years on 1st October 2010, or over 16 years and attending a full time educational institution or medically certified as permanently unfit for work | |
What is the closing date?
You must submit your application form and all supporting documentation by 3rd May.
Applications and supporting documents received after this date will not be considered.
Post all documents to Access Service, Computer Applications Building, DCU, Dublin 9.
Access DCU Supports Guide and Application form
The application form for 2012 will be available on the 1st of March 2012.
Who can I contact if I have any questions?
Please contact Orla Conlan on 01 700 8869 or orla.conlan@dcu.ie regarding any queries.
