The Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) offers reduced points and supports to school leavers from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. To qualify you usually need to meet the income indicator + at least one other indicator. Borderline cases regularly succeed — apply if in doubt.
HEAR is for applicants under 23.
Parents/guardians + dependent children living in the household.
Use last full tax year. Limits 2026: €51,500 (family of 1) up to €60,000 (family of 5+).
You typically need income + at least 1 of the below. If income is just over, meeting 2 of these can still create a strong case.
0 of 5 non-income indicators ticked.
Quick check that you're a person — usually invisible.