Click on a question below to find the answer.
What is the Higher Education Access Route (HEAR)?
HEAR is a third level admissions scheme for school leavers from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Eligible students compete for a quota of reduced points places in the colleges that run the scheme.
Who is HEAR for?
School leavers who have the ability to benefit from and succeed in higher education and who come from socio-economic groups in Irish society that are underrepresented in third level.
Why was HEAR set up?
To tackle educational disadvantage. Socio-economic disadvantage negatively impacts on educational attainment at school and affects progression by some second level students to third level. Research in Ireland shows that for example, the son/daughter of an unskilled manual worker (e.g. factory worker) is less likely to progress to higher education than the son/daughter of a higher professional (e.g. doctor).
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. All HEAR students must however meet college matriculation and specific course entry requirements where they apply.
Which colleges run HEAR?
Dublin City University
Dublin Institute of Technology
NUI Galway
NUI Maynooth
Trinity College Dublin,
University College Dublin,
University College Cork,
University of Limerick,
Colaiste Mhuire, Marino Institute of Education,
Church of Ireland College of Education,
Mary Immaculate College, Limerick,
Mater Dei Institute of Education,
National College of Ireland
Pontifical University, Maynooth
St. Angela’s College, Sligo,
St. Patrick’s College, Drumcondra.
This means students can apply through HEAR for the quota of places in any of these colleges.
How many places are there for HEAR students each year?
Each of the colleges set aside a quota of places for HEAR students each year. In 2009, 871 students accepted places in the participating colleges through HEAR. For further information on the number of places available in particular institutions or courses, please contact the access office in the college of your choice.
How can you tell if someone is from an underrepresented group or not?
Each HEAR applicant is assessed in relation to six indicators (criteria). Each applicant must meet at least three of the indicators in order to be eligible for the scheme. Only certain combinations of the indicators make an applicant eligible. Every applicant must meet Indicator 1 in order to be considered. The indicators are:
| Indicator 1 | Low Income - Is the household income below the HEAR Income threshold (in the relevant year)? |
| Indicator 2 | Social Welfare – Is the applicant’s mother/father/guardian in receipt of a means-tested social welfare payment (for a minimum of 26 weeks in the relevant year)? |
| Indicator 3 | Medical Card - Is the applicant or his/her mother/father/guardian in receipt of a medical card (in date on 31st December 2010)? |
| Indicator 4 | Socio-Economic Grouping (based on occupation and employment status) – Is the applicant a member of a group underrepresented in higher education? |
| Indicator 5 | DEIS School – Did the applicant attend a school part of the Department of Education & Science “DEIS” scheme (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) for the duration of their second level education? |
| Indicator 6 | Geographical Area – Does the applicant live in an area of concentrated disadvantage? |
The combinations for eligibility are:
INDICATOR 1 plus 2 plus 4 or 5 or 6
INDICATOR 1 plus 3 plus 4 or 5 or 6
INDICATOR 1 plus 4 plus 5 or 6
INDICATOR 1 plus 5 plus 6
If you think that you meet Indicator 1 plus any other two indicators then you may be part of an underrepresented group and you should apply.
How can I apply to HEAR?
Students can apply online at the CAO website from 1st November 2012. As part of the application process, and depending on individual circumstances, applicants will be asked to submit documentation relating to their parent(s)/guardian(s) or to themselves to support their application. Applicants must be able to clearly document household income in the year specified.
Examples of the documentation required are:
All supporting documents must be returned to the CAO no later than 1 April 2012. Late documentation will not be accepted.
How do I know what supporting documents to provide?
When completing a HEAR application, applicants will receive online prompts requesting that they submit specific documentation.
The HSE definition for 'dependent' is different from the one used by HEAR. I am over 18 and need to explain this to the HSE before they’ll complete my form
Download and print a letter we have prepared and bring it to the HSE. The letter explains the definition of 'dependent' that is used by HEAR when screening applications. The letter can be found by clicking on the following link: Letter for the HSE to explain definition of 'dependent'
What happens after HEAR applicants are assessed?
After assessment, applicants will be informed whether or not they are eligible for the scheme. Eligible applicants will go forward to compete for the quota of reduced points places in the HEAR colleges to which they apply. Ineligible applicants compete for places in college in the usual manner.
What happens if I am offered a place in college through HEAR?
Students who secure college places through HEAR are offered a variety of academic, personal and social supports while studying at third level. Such supports include an orientation programme (before courses start), academic guidance and assistance, a bursary when available and advice regarding grants and scholarships.
I’m ineligible but I think there was some mistake in the assessment of my application – what can I do?
Ineligible applicants can apply to have their applications rechecked if they believe there has been an error in the screening of the application.
HEAR RECHECK PROCESS 2012
How do I request a recheck of my application if I have been deemed ineligible for HEAR?
To request a recheck of your application, you must complete the online Recheck Form on the CAO website. You can do this by logging onto www.cao.ie, click on ‘My Application’ and then click on the link for the Recheck Form. You must complete the online Recheck Form by Date TBC 2012. Requests for a recheck after this deadline will not be considered.
What are the grounds for requesting a recheck?
You can request to have your HEAR application rechecked if you believe that it was unsuccessful because of an administrative error. An administrative error can involve, for example, failure to take account of one or more documents or stating that a form wasn't stamped when it was.
Can I submit new information to support my recheck?
No. The Recheck Board will only consider documents you provided as part of your original HEAR application and will not consider any change in your circumstances.
I wish to have my application rechecked but I don’t have computer access?
Please contact the HEAR HEI access office closest to you and they will be able to assist you.
I made a mistake in my original application – can I fix the incorrect details?
No changes can be made to the application form after the deadline of March 1st 2012.
I sent in supporting documents but I don’t think you took them into consideration?
If you have evidence that you submitted documents to CAO in time to arrive by 1st April 2012 e.g. a certificate of postage, please contact the CAO by Date TBC for 2012 , by clicking ‘Contact Us’ on the CAO website (www.cao.ie) or phoning 091 509800.
Who will decide on the merits of my recheck?
A formal Recheck Board will examine your application at a meeting in July 2012
When will I know the outcome of my recheck?
You will be informed in writing of the Recheck Board’s decision during the 1st week in August 2012.
I am eligible for HEAR. What happens next?
All of the colleges participating in the scheme have reserved a number of places at lower Leaving Certificate points for eligible HEAR students. You can now compete for one of these reduced points places. Please note that you must meet the minimum course entry requirements to be considered for one of the reduced points places.
Can I still get into college if I am not eligible for HEAR?
Yes. Our decision does not affect any application you have made for courses through the CAO. In other words, you may still be offered a place on a course if you meet the entry and points requirements.
Does being ineligible for HEAR mean I am also not entitled to the Higher Education Maintenance Grant from the VEC/Local Authority?
No, being ineligible for HEAR does not mean that you will automatically be ineligible for the Higher Education Grant. You must make a separate application to your local VEC/Local Authority for the higher education maintenance grants. For more information on this you can log onto: http://www.studentfinance.ie/mp7232/maintenance-grant/index.html or contact your local VEC/Local Authority directly.