Applying for a Course
Additional Admission Routes
Higher Education Access Route (HEAR)
The Higher Education Access Route allocates a number of third-level places in some colleges on a reduced points basis to school leavers from socially disadvantaged backgrounds. To be eligible for the scheme you must meet criteria related to your financial, social and cultural circumstances. If you are applying for a college place in 2010 under the HEAR scheme you will apply online through the CAO – (see "Applying through the CAO" section). Details of the places available through HEAR are on the websites of the colleges participating in the scheme. More information is available on www.accesscollege.ie.
Disability Access Route to Education (DARE)
The Disability Access Route to Education (DARE) is a supplementary access route to some colleges for students with disabilities. Your disability may be taken into account in your application, resulting in a lower points requirement for entry to your chosen course. You will be automatically issued with an application for entry under DARE upon ticking the relevant box on the CAO application form. See www.accesscollege.ie for more information.