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Wednesday, 11 November 2026 07:41
As Gaeilge

Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) - Demo

What is HEAR?
The Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) is a college and university scheme which offers places on reduced points and extra college support to school leavers, resident in the Republic of Ireland, who are underrepresented at Higher Education due to their socio-economic background. HEAR has been set up by a number of higher education institutions in Ireland. See www.accesscollege.ie for a list of participating higher education institutions.

Who can apply?
HEAR is for school leavers under the age of 23 as of 1 January 2027 who are resident in the Republic of Ireland.

Mature and FET students have their own admissions routes and should contact the admissions offices of individual HEIs for more information.

Should I apply?
HEAR uses a scoring system for applicants. This system prioritises certain groups of applicants called priority groups (see www.accesscollege.ie).

Meeting the income criteria is part of the HEAR application process. This means your family income falls on or below the HEAR income limit for 2025 (see below). However, this requirement does not apply to some applicants including members of the Traveller Community, members of the Roma Community and Care- Experienced applicants. For the purpose of HEAR low family income is determined by:
  • How many children there are in your family
  • How many people in your family are in full time education
  • How much your parents or guardians earned in income during the year ending 31 December 2025.
Use the table to estimate if your family's income is less than the HEAR Income Limit:

Number of dependent children in your family  Help? HEAR Income Limit
Fewer than 4 €58,470
4-7 €64,080
More Than 8 €69,465
Add €4,785 to the total income for every sibling/parent enrolled in a full time college, university or post leaving certificate further education course.

Is your total family income less than the HEAR Limit?
Please note: mature applicants will not be considered for entry on the basis of HEAR.