Higher Education Access Route (HEAR)
for school-leavers from socio-economic disadvantaged backgrounds.
What is it?
The Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) is a third level admissions scheme for school leavers from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. HEAR has been established by a number of Higher Education Institutions based on clear evidence that socio-economic disadvantage has a negative impact on educational achievement at school and progression to higher education.
School leavers who provide satisfactory evidence relating to their socio-economic circumstances and meet the Irish Leaving Certificate matriculation / minimum entry and subject requirements are eligible to compete for a quota of places allocated to applicants on a reduced points basis in DIT.
Who should apply to HEAR?
HEAR is for school leavers (under 23 years old as of 1 January 2013). Mature and FETAC students have different admission routes and you can get further information on these routes from the DIT admissions office.
How to apply to HEAR?
| Step 1 |
Apply online to CAO by 17:15 on 1 February 2013. |
| Step 2 |
Indicate that you wish to apply to HEAR and finalise all elements of your HEAR online application by 17:15 on 1 March 2013. |
| Step 3 | Submit relevant evidence in support of your application to arrive at CAO by 17:15 on 1 April 2013. |
HEAR applications can only be made online at www.cao.ie.
Condition of a HEAR Offer
Students who receive a HEAR offer must attend an orientation programme before the first term.
Students who accept places in DIT through HEAR are offered a variety of academic, personal and social supports while studying at third level. Details of post-admission supports for HEAR entrants can also be found on: www.accesscollege.ie and www.communitylinks.ie/access.
Further information is available from
on HEAR is available from your school Guidance Counsellor or DIT Access Service. Information can also be found on: www.accesscollege.ie, www.cao.ie, www.dit.ie.
| HEAR Online Application Advice: | The CAO: A Parents Guide: |
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The DIT Access Service provides a broad range of supports to ensure that students from communities and backgrounds where there is little tradition of participation in higher education succeed in accessing and graduating from higher education. |
Contact:
|
Project Officer DIT Access & Civic Engagement Office Grangegorman Lower Dublin 7 Tel: 01 402 7625 Email: hear@dit.ie |
Project Officer DIT Access & Civic Engagement Office Grangegorman Lower Dublin 7 Tel: 01 402 7605 Email: hear@dit.ie |





