HEAR & DARE
NCAD is part of both the HEAR (Higher Education Access Route) and DARE (Disability Access Route to Education) national admissions schemes which can allocate reduced portfolio score places to eligible school leavers under 23 years of age.
The Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) is a college and university scheme that offers places on reduced portfolio points and extra college support to school leavers from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds who are resident in the Republic of Ireland.
How do I apply to the HEAR Scheme?
HEAR applications are made via www.cao.ie. HEAR applicants must meet a range of financial, social and cultural indicators to be considered for a reduced points place. For information about the process of applying to HEAR including the deadlines and criteria, please check the Access College website: www.accesscollege.ie.
How are NCAD HEAR offers made?
All applicants to the HEAR scheme at NCAD must meet minimum entry requirements and any course-specific requirements. Details are available for each undergraduate course at NCAD here. The HEAR scheme works by institutions reserving places for eligible applicants who may then get access to third level courses on reduced CAO points. In the case of NCAD studio programmes this concession will be given based on the portfolio score.
NCAD will reserve 5% of incoming first year places across all NCAD entry routes for eligible HEAR & DARE applicants who have met minimum academic entry requirement, and where relevant, have passed the portfolio review process (score of 400 minimum). For studio programmes, the places will be offered based on a ranking of the portfolio score.
What supports are available for HEAR entrants?
Students who enter through the HEAR scheme will be invited to a pre-orientation at NCAD before commencing their course. They will also be able to avail of personal, academic and social supports through the NCAD Access Service for the duration of their studies at NCAD.
Where can I go for further information?
Information on the HEAR scheme is available on the Access College website www.accesscollege.ie. For specific NCAD HEAR queries please email hear@staff.ncad.ie.
| HEAR INFORMATION BOOKLETS |
| HEAR Information Hanbook 2025 |
| HEAR Application Informatiom 2025 |
NCAD is part of the DARE (Disability Access Route to Education) national admissions scheme which can allocate reduced portfolio points places to eligible school leavers under 23 years old with disabilities.
How do I apply for DARE?
For information about the process of applying to DARE including the deadlines and criteria, please check the Access College website: www.accesscollege.ie. We encourage all applicants to indicate details of your learning difference/health condition/disability on your CAO online application even if you may not be eligible for DARE so the Disability Service can contact you around supports. Giving this information is confidential and will not adversely affect your CAO application in any way.
How are NCAD DARE offers made?
All applicants to the DARE scheme at NCAD must meet minimum entry requirements and any course-specific requirements. Details are available for each undergraduate course at NCAD here. The HEAR scheme works by institutions reserving places for eligible applicants who may then get access to third level courses on reduced CAO points. In the case of NCAD studio programmes this concession will be given based on the portfolio score.
NCAD will reserve 5% of incoming first year places across all NCAD entry routes for eligible HEAR & DARE applicants who have met minimum academic entry requirement, and where relevant, have passed the portfolio review process (score of 400 minimum). For studio programmes, the places will be offered based on a ranking of the portfolio score.
If you receive an offer through the DARE scheme and accept the place you must register fully with the NCAD Learning Support Service and attend the Access Service Orientation.
Can I still get supports in NCAD even if I am not eligible for DARE?
It is important to note that DARE is an admissions scheme and students may be eligible for supports even if they are not eligible for DARE. All students with disabilities are encouraged to make an appointment with the NCAD Learning Support Service to discuss what supports may be available to them regardless of how they enter the college.
Please note if students declare themselves through the CAO that they have a disability, they must still register fully with the Learning Support Service in order to get supports if they come to NCAD.
Where can I get more information?
Information about the DARE scheme is available on the Access College website www.accesscollege.ie. For specific NCAD DARE queries please email dare@staff.ncad.ie
| DARE INFORMATION BOOKLETS |
| DARE Information Handbook 2025 |
| DARE Application Information 2025 |
