Higher Education Access Route (HEAR)
The Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) is a third-level admissions scheme for school leavers (under 23 years of age), from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. HEAR has been established by a number of Higher Education Institutions based on clear evidence that socio-economic disadvantage has a negative impact on educational achievement at school and progression to higher education.
School leavers who provide the necessary supporting financial documents relating to their socio-economic circumstances and meet the Irish Leaving Certificate minimum entry requirements and any course specific requirements are eligible to compete for a quota of places allocated to applicants on a reduced points basis in Trinity. Details of the number of HEAR places available can be found here. HEAR places available 2022
Who should apply to HEAR?
HEAR is for school leavers who are under 23 years old as of 1 January 2022 and taking the Irish Leaving Certificate examination.
How to apply to HEAR?
Step 1
Apply online to CAO by 17:00 on 1 February.
Step 2
Indicate that you wish to apply to HEAR and finalise all elements of your HEAR online application by 17:00 on 1 March.
Step 3
Submit relevant evidence in support of your application to arrive at CAO by 17:00 on 15 March.
HEAR applications can only be made online at www.cao.ie.
More information on HEAR is available from your school Guidance Counsellor or Trinity Access Programmes. Information can also be found on: www.accesscollege.ie, www.cao.ie
HEAR students: a condition of acceptance of a HEAR place is that students must attend the HEAR Orientation Programme. Failure to attend without prior permission from the TAP office could result in the HEAR place being withdrawn or in the withdrawal of other potential post-entry supports (e.g. financial supports
Students who accept places in Trinity through HEAR are offered a variety of academic, personal and social supports while studying at third level. Details of post-admission supports for HEAR entrants can also be found at www.accesscollege.ie and www.tcd.ie/Trinity_Access