UCC Hear and Dare Policy

Policy Owner: Director Of Recruitment and Admissions, and Head of Access and Participation
Policy Operator: UCC Admissions Offices/ DSS/UCC Plus
Approved by: Academic Board 2 December 2015
Date Last Reviewed: 21 October 2020

Purpose

University College Cork participates in the two schemes that are available under the ACCESS route to University. The Higher Education Access Route to Education (HEAR) is a third level alternative admissions scheme which offers places on reduced points, and extra college supports to school leavers (who are resident in the Republic of Ireland) from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The Disability Access Route to Education (DARE) is a third level alternative admissions scheme for school-leavers whose disabilities have had a negative impact on their second level education.

Scopec

HEAR is for school leavers under the age of 23 as of 1 January of the year of entry, who are resident in the Republic of Ireland. HEAR Applicants must meet a range of financial, social and cultural indicators to be considered for a reduced points place and extra college support. Being eligible for HEAR does not guarantee a reduced points place. UCC reserves approximately 5% of School Leaver places for students applying under the HEAR Scheme. Students who enter via the HEAR scheme are supported by UCC PLUS+

DARE is for school leavers under the age of 23 as of 1 January of the year of entry, who are resident in the Republic of Ireland and have a disability or diagnosed learning difficulty. This scheme is designed to compensate for difficulties posed by studying with a disability and offers applicants the opportunity to avail of UCC courses, where they may not have succeeded through the standard application process. Students who enter via the DARE scheme are supported by the Disability Support Service

Please note: Mature students and Further Education and Training (FET) students have their own admissions routes and should contact UCC Admissions offices for more information.

Related Procedures

Applying for HEAR 

• Applications for HEAR can only be made online, through the CAO;
• Applicants firstly must be eligible for HEAR, please check the eligibility indicators here;