Higher Education Access Route (HEAR)
The Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) is a third level access scheme for school leavers from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. HEAR has been established by a number of higher education institutions as clear evidence shows that socio-economic disadvantage has a negative impact on educational attainment at school and on progression to higher education.
Who is it for?
School leavers who have the ability to benefit from and succeed in higher education and who come from socio-economic groups in Irish society that are under-represented in third level education.
How do I apply?
School leavers who wish to be considered for the HEAR scheme must:
- Apply online at www.cao.ie as part of the CAO application process by 1st February.
- Indicate their wish to be considered for HEAR in the appropriate section of the application form by 1st March. Applicants will then be directed to a separate online HEAR application form.
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Complete a number of additional questions relating to:
- his/her family’s financial situation;
- employment status of parents;
- school(s) attended. - Submit supporting documentation (e.g. P21, Notice of Assessment etc) by 1 April.
Applications for HEAR must be made online at www.cao.ie
Further information about the schemes is available below
HEAR Application Advice Video
Please ensure to apply online by 1st February.
What happens after I have applied and I have submitted my supporting documentation?
- Minimum Entry Requirements: Applicants must meet the matriculation requirements (minimum entry requirements) for entry to the college and the requirements of the course they wish to apply for. Please check the prospectus for further details.
- Notice of Eligibility/Ineligibility: Applicants will be sent a letter to outline if they are eligible to compete with other applicants for a place at Mater Dei Institute through the HEAR scheme in late June.
- Offers: Offers will be made subject to ranking based on the points' level achieved in the Leaving Certificate. However ranking will be used only in the event that there are more applicants eligible for HEAR places than there are HEAR places available.
- Notice of Offer: If the CAO makes an offer of a place in MDI through HEAR, we will also contact you confirming the details of the offer.
- Points Concession: HEAR applicants seeking entry to the Bachelor of Religious Education programmes (MD201, MD301, MD401 - restricted), may be admitted with a CAO points score of 40 points less than the lowest ordinary entrant to that respective Bachelor of Religious Education programme. However, the floor on cut-off points is 330 points (e.g. if the points for a typical entrant is 365, a HEAR applicant may only receive a points concession of 35 points).
- Points concession for MD500: Eligible applicants may be admitted with a CAO points score of 20 points less than the lowest ordinary entrant to that respect (the floor on cut-off points is 310 points) on the BA programme.
What HEAR Post Entry Supports are available?
Students who secure a place in MDI through HEAR are offered a variety of supports while studying at third level, including
- Academic Supports: Academic Writing Skills for College, Study and Exam Skills Workshops, Additional Tuition (may be offered in some cases where required), IT Skills for Third Level
- Guidance: One-to-One Support from the Student Supports Liaison and Chaplaincy Services
- Social Support: Orientation Programme, Student Union Social Events
- Financial Support* (*subject to annual funding models).
What the students say...
"Starting university can be a daunting experience for many, what with the prospect of new subjects, new faces, as well as a new level of independence to cope with. This is why I decided to apply for my place in MDI through the Higher Education Access Route (HEAR). It gave me the peace of mind in knowing that if I ever had any difficulties adjusting to college life, there would always be a support for me to fall back on - and it has not disappointed! Due to the opportunity of entering college with student supports and on a reduced level of points, HEAR was instrumental in relieving me of some of the pressures and stresses many of us have to cope with around CAO day!
As well as providing me with the financial assistance needed for my day-to-day college expenses, HEAR has also provided me with a strong support base through MDI's Student Services Officer, who is always readily available if you have any worries or concerns (both academically and otherwise). I'm currently in my second year in MDI, studying Religious Education with English. My student experience in MDI has been fantastic; a friendly and informal atmosphere, combined with an academically challenging and thought-provoking course, have together helped to make MDI the perfect college for me! If, like me, you're considering going on to third level to study English, Theology and Education but are nervous on how you will cope, I would strongly recommend applying to MDI through the Higher Education Access Route!"
Sean Henry,
HEAR Student, Bachelor of Religious Education with English.
"My name is Maria and I’m in second year student studying History and Religion. I always wanted to be a teacher of History and Religion,so before making my final CAO choice, My Guidance Counsellor and teachers told me about the HEAR scheme that supports students in going to third level, and I decided to make an application. HEAR is brilliant - it gives you the opportunity to attend third level education on reduced CAO points, it also helps you financially which you can use for things like the cost of books, rent, travel costs etc. Mater Dei Institute is like my second home, everyone is so nice and willing to help, if you need anything the door is always open. Also, because it’s a small college, the atmosphere and people are welcoming. If your interested, like me in being a teacher, I would recommend Mater Dei - you won't regret it, it's a great college!"
Maria Lukyanova,
HEAR Student, Bachelor of Religious Education with History.
Further Information
Further details on the HEAR and DARE schemes can be obtained from www.accesscollege.ie or by contacting the Student Supports Officer on 01 808 6584 or by emailing carmel.carroll@materdei.dcu.ie
