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Routes to College

There are many routes to get into college. Not everyone has to enter college in the traditional way by completing the Leaving Certificate.

We list some of the entry routes on this page, with links to websites and helpful resources. Before you begin your journey, you can check your starting point. You can do this using the National Framework of Qualifications.

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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

Irish Refugee Council handbook: Education in Ireland 

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 .

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.

Your Jargon Buster

It can be difficult to go on a new journey when you don’t understand the language that is spoken. College has many words that describe a similar process as well as acronyms that are used interchangeably. Things can get confusing. Do not despair; this section is going to focus on demystifying the language that is used in college. This section is going to be your official ‘jargon busting’ guide to college. If there is a word that is not on the list related to your journey into college do not hesitate to contact College Connect as we are here to support you in your journey to college.

  • Assistive technology (AT) is any item, piece of equipment, software program, or product system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of persons with disabilities.

  • The Back to Education Allowance scheme (BTEA) is an educational opportunities scheme for people in receipt of certain social welfare payments wishing to pursue second or third level courses of education, subject to meeting the qualifying conditions.

  • The development objective of the Community Development Project (CDP) is to establish an effective and sustainable instrument to improve the living conditions and the economic status of disadvantaged communities.

  • Dyslexia Association of Ireland (DAI) works with and for people affected by dyslexia, by providing information, offering appropriate support services, engaging in advocacy and raising awareness of dyslexia.

  • The Department of Education and Skills is a department of the Government of Ireland. It is led by the Minister for Education and Skills who is assisted by two Ministers of State

  • Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools (DEIS) the Action Plan for Educational Inclusion, was launched in May 2005 and remains the Department of Education and Skills policy instrument to address educational disadvantage. The action plan focuses on addressing and prioritising the educational needs of children and young people from disadvantaged communities, from pre-school through second-level education (3 to 18 years).

  • Further Education covers education and training which occurs after second level schooling but which is not part of the third level system. There are number of providers of Further and Adult Education and Training and a wide variety of schools, organisations and institutions, are involved in the delivery of continuing education and training for young school leavers and adults.

  • The Further Education and Training (FET) system delivers a continuum of learning opportunities from Level 1 to Level 6 of the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), focused on both core and specific skills development accompanied by a range of learner supports to facilitate the active inclusion of all citizens.

  • The Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC) is a former statutory awarding body for further education in Ireland; it was established on June 11, 2001 under the Qualifications Act 1999. FETAC was dissolved and its functions were passed to Quality and Qualifications Ireland on November 6, 2012.

  • The higher education system in Ireland consists of the university sector, institutes of technology and private independent colleges.

  • The Higher Education Authority (HEA) is the statutory planning and policy development body for higher education and research in Ireland. The HEA has wide advisory powers throughout the whole of the third-level education sector. In addition, it is the funding authority for the universities, Institutes of Technology and a number of designated higher education institutions.

  • The Higher Education Institutions are the institutions that provide Higher Education provision in Ireland. They must be approved for the purpose of the free fees initiative and be in receipt of public funding from the Department of Education and Skills for the purpose of higher education and research.

  • The National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) is a system of ten levels used to describe the Irish qualifications system. The NFQ is based on standards of knowledge, skill and competence and incorporates awards made for all kinds of learning, wherever it is gained.

  • One-Parent Family Payment (OFP) is a payment for men and women under 66 who are bringing children up without the support of a partner. To get this payment you must meet certain conditions and you must satisfy a means test.

  • Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) courses are full-time programmes for young people who have completed their Leaving Certificate and adults returning to education. The course lasts one to two years and leads to an award on the National Framework of Qualifications at NFQ Level 5 or NFQ Level 6.

  • The aim of Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) is to reduce poverty, promote social inclusion and equality through local, regional and national engagement and collaboration.

  • Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) is responsible for the external quality assurance of further and higher education and training (including English language provision) and validates programmes and makes awards for certain providers in these sectors. QQI is also responsible for the maintenance, development and review of the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).