National Framework of Qualifications
The National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) is a system of 10 levels. Each level is based on nationally agreed standards of knowledge, skill and competence. Every accredited course you do will be on a level of the National Framework of Qualifications.
The framework outlines qualification levels starting at levels designed for learners of any age who have no previous qualification, continuing on to Junior Certificate, Leaving Certificate/ QQI FETAC Level 5, Higher Certificate, Pass and Honours Degrees, Masters and Doctorates. This link provides a description of each level: Irish National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ)
HEAR
HEAR is a college and university admissions scheme for school leavers from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds who have completed the Irish Leaving Certificate.
Eligible students compete for a quota of reduced points places in the colleges involved with HEAR. Students who gain a college or university place through HEAR also get a range of personal, academic and social supports while they are studying at third level.
Eligibility to apply for HEAR: HEAR is for school leavers under the age of 23 as of 1 January of year of entry to college 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. For more information please visit the HEAR website. Applications to HEAR can only be made online through the CAO before February 1st at 5 pm.
TUS’s Entry Requirements for a Reduced Points Place:
- Be eligible for HEAR.
- Meet TUS’s minimum entry (matriculation) requirements.
- Meet any specific entry requirements for the course you are applying for.
- Achieve at least 90% of the Leaving Certificate points required for the course applied for.
- Being eligible for HEAR does not guarantee you a reduced points place.
- Admitted students may also be subjected to TUS and, where applicable, professional fitness to practice policies.
How to apply to HEAR.
Students wishing to apply to HEAR should do so online through the CAO website by 1st February (at 5 pm) of the year of entry to college.
Watch the HEAR Application video
The HEAR Offer Process: Each college participating in HEAR sets aside a quota of places for HEAR students each year. In TUS Athlone campus, 15% of places are reserved for non –traditional students i.e., socioeconomically disadvantaged, mature students and students with a disability. Therefore, on average HEAR students compete for 5% of reserved places in TUS Athlone. Students who are on or above the entry points are deemed to be merit candidates and automatically receive a TUS Athlone HEAR offer – this does not affect the quota for reduced points places.
Prioritisation of Applicants Eligible for Both DARE and HEAR: In an effort to widen participation of the most under-represented groups TUS prioritise applicants who are eligible for both DARE and HEAR entry routes and have met all the above criteria. Applicants eligible for both schemes can only be prioritised where they have met all the admissions criteria for consideration.
Response to Your Application: In the last week of June the CAO will email you directly to let you know if you are eligible for HEAR. There is a Recheck facility if you feel there was an administrative error. You will receive details of the Recheck in late June of the year of your application.
If your application is successful, the TUS Athlone Access Office will be in contact with you by email after you have accepted your CAO offer with details of your compulsory HEAR orientation.
Supports Available to HEAR Students: Along with existing Student Support Services, the Access Office will endeavour to provide academic, personal and social supports to students. In addition you should apply separately for the Higher Education Maintenance Grant through SUSI.
Closing Dates: Completed Application Form due by 1st February (at 5 pm) each academic year as part of your CAO application.
Financial Documentation in Support of your Application: Due by 15th March each academic year, to be submitted to the CAO.
To find out more information about the HEAR scheme please visit the HEAR website or contact Jenny Burke, TUS Access Officer, access.midlands@tus.ie, +353 (0)90 6468123
DARE
DARE 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 more information visit our page on DARE here.
Access Course (NFQ Level 6)
The access course in TUS has been running for over 25 years. The course covers science, engineering, maths, business, social care, information technology, communications and career guidance. Students are supported with their college CAO application and grant/ scholarship applications.
Learn more about TUS Access Programme.
Refugees and Asylum Seekers
Education can play a vital role in a person’s development. Education can give people an opportunity to reach their full potential and motivate others to reach theirs. As we are aware when people have access to education and avail of the opportunity our society can grow.
The Irish Refugee Council created an information handbook for people who are in the protection process. The main points of the information handbook are;
- Accessing college
- Routes to college
- Grants and scholarships
Mature Students
Mature students are classified as being at least 23 years old on or before January 1 of the year when they would like to start college. Colleges welcome mature students because they bring life experience and unique perspectives. Colleges across Ireland use different ways to select mature students.
Mature students can apply to colleges under a number of categories depending on their qualifications. These include the leaving certificate or QQI FETAC Level 5 .
- Find your course and chosen college.
- Check what is necessary to apply.
- Review the TUS details for CAO Applicant mature students & Mature Students- Part-Time.
The CAO website is a useful resource. It provides information on the CAO process with lots of helpful tips to help you complete your application.
Further Education and Training (FET)
If you would like to enter college and do not have a Leaving Certificate, or did not get the points needed for a specific course, you can go through the Further Education and Training (FET) entry route.
To enter college this way you will need to have been awarded a full Major QQI Award at a minimum level 5. This will require the completion of 8 minor awards. College courses may require specific minor awards within the Major Award. You need to think about what college course you want to progress onto and then pick the right level 5 course.
Each college has a set number of places reserved for FET students. The specific FET entry requirements will be listed by the college for each course. It’s important to contact your chosen college to find out the number of available FET reserved places.
Here is the NFQ diagram to show you where a level 5 sits on the framework.
If you do not have a level 5 qualification and would like to go to college, please contact your local Education and Training Board (ETB) to find out how you can apply for this qualification. Ask the Education and Training Board (ETB) for a meeting with their adult guidance service.