DARE and HEAR Schemes

What is the Disability Access Route to Educations (DARE)?

DARE is a third level alternative admissions scheme for school-leavers whose disabilities have had a negative impact on their second level education. DARE offers reduced points places to school leavers who, as a result of having a disability, have experienced additional educational challenges in second level education. Source: accesscollege.ie

DARE Information Leaflet 2024

Allocation of DARE Reduced Points Places

DARE offers reduced points places to school leavers who, as a result of having a disability, have experienced additional educational challenges in second level education.

University of Galway has a quota of reduced points places available to eligible DARE applicants; this quota differs from year to year. Information on the course quota for academic year 2023-2024 is available here:

If an applicant is deemed DARE eligible, they will be considered for a reduced points place if they:

have a minimum of 300 points &
meet the matriculation requirements for the course.

For most courses, admissions is competitive as there are more eligible DARE eligible applicants than available reduced points places. Since 2016 priority has been given to DARE eligible applicants with physical and sensory (specifically blind/vision-impaired or deaf/hard-of-hearing) disabilities, and those who are both DARE and HEAR eligible. Any places remaining are assigned on points ranking and the reduction allowed is determined by the points required for the course: the higher the point’s requirement for the course, the greater potential reduction, with a maximum reduction of 18%.

For more information on DARE please visit www.accesscollege.ie or check out DARE-related Forms, Guides and Resources

What is the Higher Education Access Route (HEAR)?

The Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) is a college and university admissions scheme which offers places on reduced points and extra college support to school leavers from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

HEAR has been set up by a number of colleges and universities as evidence shows that socio-economic disadvantage can have a negative effect on how well a student does at school and whether they go on to college.

HEAR Applicants must meet a range of financial, social and cultural indicators to be considered for a reduced points place and extra college support.

As it does with the DARE Scheme, University of Galway has a quota of reduced points places available to eligible HEAR applicants; this quota differs from year to year. Information on the course quota for academic year 2023-24 is available here: Allocation of HEAR and DARE 24.

The following links provide essential information in determining eligibility and how to apply for the HEAR Scheme:

HEAR information leaflet 2024

O‌r visit www.accesscollege.ie/hear for further details.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who should make a HEAR application?

HEAR is for school leavers from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds who are under 23 as of 1 January 2023. If you can answer 'YES' to one or more of the following questions, you should make a HEAR application:

Do you have a Medical Card/GP Visit Card?
Do you parents'/guardians' receive a means-tested social welfare payment?
Based on your parents'/guardians' income do you expect to be eligible for the Higher Education Grant from SUSI?
Do you attend a secondary school that is part of the DEIS initiative run by the Department of Education and Science?
Are you a member of the traveller community?

2. Why should I make a HEAR application?

Each participating HEI has allocated a quota of places on a reduced points basis for student entering through HEAR. The quota of places available differs from one institution to another.

Students who secure a place through HEAR are offered a variety of academic, personal and social supports while studying at third level. At University of Galway we offer students:

An Orientation Programme to introduce you to university
Study Skills and Learning Support
Meetings with student advisors, mentoring
A bursary and advice regarding grants and scholarships.

3. What does “reduced points” mean?

Applicants eligible for HEAR may gain entry to college courses on less than the full CAO Points. For example, a course that is 450 points through CAO may be offered to a HEAR student with 410 Leaving Certificate points.

4. How many places are there for HEAR students each year?

Each of the participating colleges set aside a quota of places for HEAR students each year. For further information on the number of places available in particular institutions or courses, contact the Access Service in the college of your choice.

In University of Galway, 15% of places are reserved for non-traditional students. Non traditional students include socio-economically disadvantaged students, mature students and students with a disability. So on average; HEAR students compete for 5% of reserved places in University of Galway. In 2017, approx 203 students accepted places in University of Galway through HEAR.

5. What are University of Galway’s Entry Requirements for students applying through HEAR?

In order to be considered for places in University of Galway through HEAR, applicants must meet matriculation and course specific requirements.

As a HEAR applicant you are considered competitive if, after matriculation and course requirements, you reach approximately 80 – 90% of the Leaving Certificate points for the course of your choice.

6. How do I make a HEAR application?

Apply online at www.cao.ie as part of the CAO application process by 1 February 2023
Indicate your wish to be considered for HEAR in the appropriate section of the CAO application form.
Complete the separate online HEAR application form by 1 March 2023.
Complete a number of additional questions relating to:
   Your family's financial situation
   Employment status of your parents
   School you attend
Submit supporting documentation to the CAO (e.g. P21, Notice of Assessment for 2016) by 15 March 2023.

Applications for HEAR can only be made online. Making an application to HEAR after February 1st will not be possible.

7. Does HEAR look at all of my CAO course choices?

HEAR only considers course choices for the participating HEIs i.e. NUIM, DCU, DIT, NUIG, TCD, UCC, UCD, & UL and the 7 colleges of education.

8. Will HEAR know if I change my CAO choices?

If you are changing your mind, you should complete the “Change of Mind” form available through the CAO. Individual HEIs may impose restrictions on ’Change of Mind’. A table of restricted courses is available on the back of the Application Guide. There is no need to notify the Access Office in the event of a ’Change of Mind’.

9. What happens next?

In late June, Applicants are notified of outcome of HEAR Application.
Places are offered to students as part of the CAO offers process. Students will also receive a letter from the Access Office of the relevant HEI.
There is a Recheck facility if you feel there was an administrative error. You will receive details of the Recheck in late June 2023.
Once the place is offered the student must follow the normal CAO acceptance process.
Students who accept a HEAR offer are required to attend a full-time Orientation Programme in the HEI in which they accept a place.
The Orientation Programme is a compulsory element of the Higher Education Access Route (HEAR). Failure to complete the programme may result in the withdrawal of the HEAR offer and/or post-entry supports.
A student wishing to defer their course offer must contact the relevant Access and/or Admissions Office for advice.

10. What supports can a HEAR student expect to receive while at college?

Along with existing HEI Student Services, each Access Office will endeavour to provide academic, personal and social supports to students.

In addition you should apply separately for the Higher Education Maintenance Grant through SUSI. The closing date for this separate grant scheme is likely to be summer 2023.

11. Where can I get more information?

12. Who has access to my personal details?

All information provided in the HEAR application is treated with the utmost confidence. Some information provided by you may be used (once anonymised) for research purposes to inform future developments of HEAR.