By Niamh Dwyer, Chairperson of the Kerry Branch of Guidance Counsellors

The Higher Access to Education Route (HEAR) scheme is targeted at groups who are under-represented in higher education and as well as offering reduced points it also offers a number of academic, personal and social supports throughout the student’s journey in college.

To be eligible, applicants must meet a range of financial, social and cultural indicators. Students must meet Indicator 1 (low income) and a specific combination of two other indicators which include – medical/GP visit cards, means-tested Social Welfare payments, occupation status of parent of guardian (socio-economic group), disadvantaged status of the school (DEIS) and local area. Other factors considered include young people who are in the care of the State, HSE or TUSLA.

Benefits

A number of places are reserved in higher education courses for applicants who qualify for HEAR. This means that it is possible for applicants to get offered a place if they have not made the cut-off points, however many HEAR applicants do achieve the required points each year. It is important to note that applicants must still meet the minimum and subject requirements for the particular course. Students and parents sometimes confuse the HEAR scheme with the student grant. Students who are eligible for grants, and who may or may not be eligible for HEAR, must apply separately to www.susi.ie. Supports provided to eligible students include an orientation, extra tuition if needed, study skills and exam preparation, one-to-one meetings with student advisors, social gatherings (when permitted), mentoring, and extra financial assistance when available as well as advice regarding grants and scholarships.

Deadlines and Application Process

Once students have applied to the CAO on www.cao.ie by the February 1 deadline, they then have until March 1 to indicate that they wish to be considered for the HEAR scheme and to complete the HEAR form through their CAO account. After this, all supporting documentation must be posted to arrive with CAO by 5pm on March 15. All deadlines are strict and non-negotiable so it is important to start applications well in advance of the final dates, to avoid unnecessary stress. The supporting documentation required for HEAR applicants will depend on the individual circumstances of the household. It is important to keep photocopies of all documents being posted, put the applicant name and CAO number on each document that is sent, as well as getting proof of postage.

The HEAR scheme seeks to widen opportunities in higher education for students coming from a group that is under-represented in higher education. Supports offered through the scheme not only assist students to get into college but also help them to settle in and get through the course. This ensures that students who have faced personal and educational disadvantage and challenges get every chance to achieve their qualification and progress onto successful careers. Over the years I have seen the enormous benefits for students who avail of HEAR and other access routes and the support of staff in Access offices in the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) is invaluable to applicants and parents. For further details see www.cao.ie, www.accesscollege.ie, and individual HEI websites.

Niamh Dwyer is a Guidance Counsellor in Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra, Rathmore, and Chairperson of the Kerry Branch of Guidance Counsellors. She is also a Career Consultant. For details see www.mycareerplan.ie.