Applicants with a Disability
Application to CAO
Applicants with a disability applying for full time undergraduate degree/diploma courses in Trinity should apply via the Central Applications Office (CAO) indicating on the application form that they have a disability or specific learning difficulty, which is the basis for seeking reasonable accommodations and support in pursuing their University career.
Application to DARE
Trinity has a supplementary application procedure in place for students from non-traditional learning backgrounds, which includes students with disabilities. This is known as DARE (Disability Access Route to Education). DARE is a third level admissions scheme for school-leavers who have a disability or specific learning difficulty. Students who are considered to be DARE eligible may secure a place on a reduced points basis. DARE offers are conditional on registration with the Disability Service. Details of the numbers of DARE places available on courses in Trinity College may be found here Number of DARE places available 2022
DARE Admissions Procedure
- Apply to CAO by 17:15 on 1 February.
- No later than 17:15 on 1 March, you must disclose your disability and/or specific learning difficulty in your CAO application and fully and correctly complete Section A (select “Yes” to Question 1) of the Supplementary Information Form (the SIF is a part of your CAO application). To apply to DARE you must answer YES to Question 1 (Do you wish to be considered for DARE?) on Section A of the fully completed SIF.
- The fully completed Educational Impact Statement (Section B) and Evidence of Disability (Section C) of the SIF must arrive at the CAO no later than 17:15 on 15 March.
Allocation of DARE Places in Trinity
Trinity College Dublin reserves 25% of places on every course for students with disabilities (DARE), students from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds (HEAR), and Mature students. On courses with a quota of more than 40 places, approximately 8% are DARE places, on smaller courses there may be only one or two places.
Applicants should note that DARE eligibility provides an opportunity to compete for such places it does not guarantee or entitle them to an offer of a place on reduced points.
Students who are eligible for a DARE offer must still:
a) meet matriculation / admissions requirements https://www.tcd.ie/study/apply/admission-requirements/undergraduate/index.php
AND
b) meet any subject specific requirements for their chosen course, where applicable. Please check the prospectus for these details.
A reduction of approximately 10-15% of the points required for each course is granted to DARE eligible students.
Prioritising DARE Places: In recognition of national and university targets to increase the number of students with sensory and physical disabilities, DARE offers will be made first to eligible applicants within these target groups above, and remaining places offered to all other students with disabilities who are eligible.
When allocating DARE places are prioritised and the remaining places offered to all other students with disabilities with the highest points within the threshold (points for the course in round 1, and minimum points based on percentage reduction).
Condition of a DARE Offer: A condition of acceptance of a DARE place is that students must register with the Disability Service. Failure to register or attend scheduled meetings with the Disability Service without prior permission could result in the reduced points DARE place being withdrawn.
More Information
More information on DARE is available from your school Guidance Counsellor or the Disability Office (see below). Information can also be found on: www.accesscollege.ie; and www.cao.ie.
Full details of DARE eligibility criteria for each specific disability can be accessed from www.accesscollege.ie/dare/providing-evidence-of-your-disability/
Mature students (i.e. at least 23 years of age on the 1st January of the proposed year of entry) with disabilities should apply via CAO. There is no late application facility for this scheme – application must be made by 1st February of year of entry.