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.
Please click on the following link to watch the HEAR Application video http://www.cao.ie/index.php?page=hear&bb=accessroutes
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, https://susi.ie/.
Closing Dates: Completed Application Form: 1 February (at 5 pm) each academic year as part of you CAO application.
Financial Documentation in Support of your Application: 15 March each academic year, to be submitted to the CAO.
To find out more information about the HEAR scheme please visit the http://accesscollege.ie/hear/ or contact Jenny Burke, 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.
Each DARE student is encouraged to link in with us as soon as they have accepted their course so that the process of registering for Disability supports can begin. We conduct individual Needs Assessment with students to determine their support requirements. A member of the support team will phone you during your second week to arrange an appointment if we have not heard from you by then. This person will be your contact person for the academic year if you need further advice or support.
Contact Us
Office Visit: Access Office (D11) on the D corridor, around the corner from the main reception. Office opening hours are: 9.30am – 1pm.
Phone: 090 646 8125 – leaving your name and mobile number if outside office hours.
Jenny Burke: Access Officer
Office: Room D08
Phone: +353 (0)90646 8123
Email: access.midlands@tus.ie
Mary Bohan: Access Office Administrator
Office: Room D11
Phone: 090 646 8125
Email: mary.bohan@tus.ie
Note: All communication will be to your student email address. It is every students’ responsibility to check their college email for notices or communication.