The Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) is a college admissions scheme for school leavers (under 23) who live in the Republic of Ireland who have experienced social or educational disadvantage during secondary school.
Applicants must meet the household income limit. The remaining HEAR criteria use a scoring system, and your total score determines whether you are eligible. However, if you are applying as a care-experienced applicant or as a member of the Traveller or Roma Communities, you do not need to meet Criterion 1 or Criterion 3.
| HEAR Criteria | HEAR Score |
|---|---|
| 1. Household Income | Must meet income limit (no score awarded) |
| 2. Medical Card/GP Visit Card (in date on 31 December 2026) | Yes = 1 |
| 3. Means-tested Department of Social Protection payment (for at least 26 weeks in 2025) | Yes = 2 |
| 4. Area (Deprivation Index Score) | Extremely Disadvantaged/Very Disadvantaged = 2.5 Disadvantaged = 1.5 Marginally Below Average or higher = 0 |
| 5. DEIS School Status | Yes = 1.5 |
Maximum Achievable HEAR Score: 7
| HEAR Eligibility Based on Score | HEAR Eligibility |
|---|---|
| 5.5 – 7 HEAR Priority | You can compete for HEAR reduced points offers through the CAO and will be prioritised. |
| 2.5 – 5 HEAR Eligible | You can compete for HEAR reduced points offers through the CAO, although you will not be prioritised. |
| 2 or below HEAR Ineligible | You are not eligible for HEAR but you can still be considered for CAO offers. |
Applicants who experienced homelessness during their secondary school education between 1 January 2025 and 1 March 2027, and who are registered (or whose parent(s)/guardian(s) are registered) on the Pathway Accommodation and Support System (PASS), will receive a score of 2.5. See the HEAR Handbook for details.