Higher Education Access Route (HEAR)

for school-leavers from socio-economic disadvantaged backgrounds.

HEAR Logo 2010

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 2012). 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 2012.  

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 2012.

Step 3 Submit relevant evidence in support of your application to arrive at CAO by 17:15 on 1 April 2012.

HEAR applications can only be made online at www.cao.ie

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.

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/

Contact:

Kieran Houlihan

Project Officer

DIT Access Service

23 Mountjoy Square

Dublin 1

Tel: 01 402 7625 

Email: hear@dit.ie  

Edel Travers

Project Officer

DIT Access Service

23 Mountjoy Square

Dublin 1

Tel: 01 402 7605

Email: hear@dit.ie      

 

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