DARE and HEAR

Disability Access Route to Education (DARE)

National College of Ireland participates in DARE, a supplementary admissions scheme which offers college places on reduced points to school leavers with disabilities. DARE has been set up by a number of colleges as evidence shows that disability can have a negative effect on how well a student does at school and whether they go on to college. Full details on DARE are available on www.accesscollege.ie. 

Who should apply to DARE?

DARE is for school leavers (under 23 years old as at January 1st 2011) who have the ability to benefit from and succeed in higher education but who may not be able to meet the points for their preferred course due to the impact of a disability. Please note that mature students are not eligible for DARE. NCI has a specific admissions route for mature students and further information can be obtained from the Admissions Office. 

How do I apply to DARE?

Apply to the CAO at www.cao.ie and indicate you have a disability or specific learning difficulty on the CAO application form. You must then complete a Supplementary Information Form and submit specific disability documentation from an accepted consultant/ professional. This documentation must confirm your disability and the impact your disability has had on your education to date. Details on accepted consultants/ professionals and documentation required are available from www.accesscollege.ie.

More information on DARE

The best source of information on DARE is www.accesscollege.ie., a single site with application information, frequently asked questions and student stories. Applicants should also take time to read the DARE Application Guide and NCI’s Supplementary Admissions Procedure for Students with Disabilities.

Disability Support Service at National College of Ireland

Karen Murray is our Disability Officer at NCI. You can contact Karen on 01 659 9269 or email kmurray@ncirl.ie, or please visit the Disability Support Service page.

Higher Education Access Route(HEAR)

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 NCI.

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 NCI.

What are the Benefits of HEAR?

As well as receiving a reduced points place, HEAR students may also receive a variety of academic, personal and social support while studying at third level.

Examples of the type of support available at the NCI:

• Orientation programme to introduce students to college
• Help with study skills and exam preparation
• Mentoring
• Advice about student grants

How to Apply to HEAR

• Apply online to CAO by 17:15 on 1 February 2012.  
• You must indicate in your CAO application that you wish to apply for the HEAR scheme and you must fully and correctly complete all elements of the HEAR form (the HEAR form is a part of your CAO application). This must be done no later than 17:15 on 1st March 2012.
• Submit relevant evidence in support of your application to arrive at CAO no later than 17:15 on 1 April 2012.

HEAR applications can only be made online at www.cao.ie. or 091 509800.

To speak to a HEAR operator in the NCI please use the following contact details: hear@ncirl.ie or 01 4498548.

More information on HEAR is available from your school Guidance Counsellor or NCI Student Support Office. Information can also be found on: www.accesscollege.ie, 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 NCI through HEAR are offered a variety of academic, personal and social support while studying at third level. Details of post-admission support for HEAR entrants can also be found on: www.accesscollege.ie

Where can I get More Information?

For questions about completing your online HEAR Application contact CAO Helpdesk: email CAO by clicking Contact Us at www.cao.ie or 091 509800. To speak to a HEAR operator in the NCI please use the following contact details: hear@ncirl.ie or 01 4498548.

HEAR Application Clinics

These clinics are aimed at students and parents, and will provide practical advice on filling out a HEAR application, documentation needed to verify financial, social, and cultural indicators and an opportunity to ask questions. Details on times and locations of the HEAR Application Clinics will be added shortly.