HEAR, DARE & SUSI Application Guide for Parents 2026
Quick Overview
These three schemes help make third-level education more accessible for Irish students. Here’s what you need to know:
HEAR (Higher Education Access Route)
What it is: A college admissions scheme for students from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds who may not reach the points for their chosen course.
Key Dates:
• CAO opens: 5 November 2025
• HEAR application deadline: 1 March 2026 (5pm)
• Supporting documents deadline: 10 March 2026
Application Process:
1. Apply through CAO (cao.ie) and tick “Yes” to HEAR
2. Complete the separate HEAR application form online
3. Answer questions about your family circumstances, address history, and finances
4. Post supporting documents to CAO in Galway (keep proof of postage)
Tip: Start gathering documents early. You will need proof of social welfare payments, medical cards, or other evidence of financial disadvantage.
DARE (Disability Access Route to Education)
What it is: An admissions scheme for Leaving Cert students whose disabilities have negatively impacted their education.
Who qualifies: School leavers under 23 years old (as of 1 January 2026) with an eligible disability.
Key Dates:
• CAO opens: 5 November 2025
• DARE application deadline: 1 March 2026 (5pm)
• Supporting documents deadline: 10 March 2026
Application Process:
1. Review the DARE Handbook with your child early
2. Apply through CAO and tick “Yes” to DARE
3. Complete the online DARE application form
4. Prepare two key documents:
• Educational Impact Statement (written by your child)
• Evidence of Disability (from relevant professional)
5. Post both documents to CAO (number each page, include CAO number)
Important: Your child must still meet minimum entry requirements and be within 20% of the required points.
SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland)
What it is: The student grant scheme that helps with fees and living costs.
Key Dates:
• Applications NOW OPEN for 2025/2026
• Apply early (typically closes early November)
What it covers:
• Fee Grant: Covers all or part of tuition fees and student contribution
• Maintenance Grant: Contributes to living costs (rates vary based on distance from college)
Application Process:
1. Apply online at susi.ie as early as possible
2. Provide financial information (family income, etc.)
3. Upload supporting documents
4. Reapply every year – even if you received it before
Tip: Apply in spring/early summer to ensure funds are ready before college starts in September.
Parent Action Checklist
November 2025:
• Discuss HEAR/DARE eligibility with your child
• Download and review the handbooks
• Start gathering supporting documents
By 1 March 2026:
• Complete CAO application
• Complete HEAR and/or DARE online forms
By 10 March 2026:
• Post all supporting documents to CAO (with proof of postage)
Spring 2026:
• Apply for SUSI grant as early as possible
Resources
• HEAR & DARE: accesscollege.ie
• CAO: cao.ie
• SUSI: susi.ie
• General information: citizensinformation.ie
Remember: These schemes are separate. You can apply for HEAR or DARE (or both if eligible) for admissions support, AND apply for SUSI for financial support. They complement each other.
