For students from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds. Considers income, school type, area, medical card status, and other factors.
For students whose disability has had a significant impact on their Leaving Cert performance. Covers a wide range of conditions.
What Benefits Do You Get?
If you're offered a place through HEAR or DARE, you receive:
- Reduced points: Places are allocated from a separate pool at reduced points requirements
- Additional support: Access to disability/access office support, academic assistance, and peer mentoring
- Priority registration: Earlier course registration in some institutions
- Financial assistance: Some institutions offer additional bursaries or grants
How to Apply
- Apply via the CAO before 1 February of your Leaving Cert year (tick the HEAR/DARE box)
- Complete the supplementary application form by 1 March
- Gather supporting documentation (varies — see accesscollege.ie for full list)
- For DARE, a Educational Impact Statement from your school is required
- Submit all documentation by the deadline — late applications are generally not accepted
- Await your assessment outcome (typically by June)
⚠️ Important
Being eligible for HEAR or DARE does NOT guarantee a reduced-points offer. If your points are high enough for a course through the normal route, you'll be offered on that basis first. HEAR/DARE is a safety net, not a preference system.
Who Manages These Schemes?
Both HEAR and DARE are managed by a consortium of Irish higher education institutions. Not all colleges participate in both schemes — check accesscollege.ie for the full list of participating institutions and their specific policies. Some institutions have their own additional access programmes beyond HEAR and DARE.