Accessible accommodation

DARE and HEAR versus accommodation

• DARE (Disability Access Route to Education) gives reduced-point places. Citizens Information: DARE "does not directly provide housing or accommodation"; supports are arranged through each college's disability service.
• HEAR: applicants are considered for "a reduced points place and extra college support" (Access College). The HEAR page does not mention accommodation.
• 2027 deadlines (CAO): HEAR/DARE application forms 1 March 2027 (5pm); supporting documents to CAO by 10 March 2027 (5pm). CAO applications close 1 February 2027. In the 2026 cycle late applicants could not be considered for HEAR or DARE (Citizens Information); the 2027 late rules are not on the dates sheet.
• DARE eligibility in the 2026 cycle: aged under 23 on 1 January 2026 (Citizens Information); the 2027 equivalent was not seen.
• To be DARE-eligible you must disclose the disability on the application; students can also tell their college at any time during their studies (Citizens Information).

Funding

• Fund for Students with Disabilities (FSD): covers assistive technology and training, non-medical helpers (personal assistants, note-takers), academic/learning support, interpreting services for deaf and hard-of-hearing students, and transport. It explicitly excludes "student accommodation (i.e., on-campus or off-campus)", diagnostic assessments and medical equipment. Funding goes to institutions; register with your college disability or access office as soon as possible. Eligibility includes a verified disability, residency in Ireland for at least three of the five years before the course, and Irish, EU/EEA, UK or Swiss nationality (limited exceptions) (HEA FSD page).
• For accommodation costs, of the funds AHEAD lists only the Student Assistance Fund names rent ("books, class materials, rent, heating/lighting bills, medical expenses").

Getting an adapted room

• Adapted-room arrangements are set by each college. Contact the college accommodation office and disability service; the campus guides list what each college publishes.
• For private rentals, the minimum standards and RTB complaints route are in file 04.

Mature students and supports

SUSI: "a mature student is someone who is at least 23 years old on 1 January of the year of their first point of entry / re-entry into further or higher education." A mature student living with parents or guardians is assessed as a dependent; one living independently may qualify for independent student status, assessed on their own income plus that of a spouse or cohabitant.

Official sources

• https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/education/third-level-education/applying-to-college/third-level-admissions-scheme-for-students-with-disabilities/
• https://accesscollege.ie/hear/how-do-i-apply/eligibility-criteria/
• https://www2.cao.ie/downloads/documents/2027/dates_and_tips_2027.pdf
• https://hea.ie/funding-governance-performance/funding/student-finance/fund-for-students-with-disabilities/
• https://www.ahead.ie/financefaqs
• https://hea.ie/funding-governance-performance/funding/student-finance/student-assistance-fund/
• https://www.susi.ie/eligibility-criteria/income/applicant-class/information-for-mature-students/