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:

	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.