UCC Higher Education Access Route (HEAR)

HEAR Scheme

Higher Education Access Route (HEAR)

The UCC PLUS+ Programme office look after HEAR-eligible students who get offered a place at UCC.

What is the Higher Education Access Route (HEAR)?

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 from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds 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.

Who can apply to HEAR?

HEAR is for school leavers under the age of 23 as of 1 January 2020 who are resident in the Republic of Ireland. Mature and FET (Further Education and Training) students have their own admissions routes and should contact college admissions offices for more information. Applications to HEAR can only be made online through the CAO

I am eligible for HEAR but how will I know if I will be considered for a reduced points place?

Being eligible for HEAR does not guarantee you a reduced points place. University College Cork reserves approximately 5% of School Leaver places for students applying under the HEAR Scheme.

To be considered for a reduced points HEAR place you must:

Be eligible for HEAR

Meet minimum entry requirements, from 2020, the minimum entry requirements will be two H5 and four O6/H7 grades. See UCC’s Admission website for further details. https://www.ucc.ie/en/study/undergrad/entryreqs/leavingcertificate/

Meet any additional specific course requirements where they exist: http://www.ucc.ie/en/study/undergrad/entryreqs/

Achieve a minimum of 300 points

Achieve at least 85% of the Leaving Certificate points required for the course.

Once these requirements have been met, University College Cork allocates the reduced points places to eligible applicants in order of points merit. If the University does not fill its quota of HEAR places with candidates who have achieved at least 85% of the cut-off points, consideration may be given to candidates on the wait list in order of points merit.

Prioritisation of applicants eligible for both HEAR and DARE

In an effort to widen participation of the most under-represented groups, University College Cork will prioritise applicants who are eligible for both DARE and HEAR entry routes and have met all the above criteria.

What is the Disability Access Route to Education (DARE)?

The Disability Access Route to Education (DARE) www.accesscollege.ie is a third level alternative admissions scheme for school-leavers whose disabilities have had a negative impact on their second level education. DARE offers reduced points places to school leavers who as a result of having a disability have experienced additional educational challenges in second level education. For further details please contact dare@ucc.ie

How do I find out more?

To find out more information on the HEAR scheme please visit www.accesscollege.ie or contact hear@ucc.ie

How do I apply to HEAR?

Students apply to HEAR online through the CAO (www.cao.ie) by 1st February 2020.

When Will I know if I am eligible for HEAR?

The CAO will email your official email address in the last week of June