Disability Access Route to Education · accesscollege.ie
Check your eligibility for DARE in 2027
Answer a few questions to see if you should apply. It takes around 4 minutes
1
Basics
2
Disability
3
Impact
4
Evidence
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Result
Please read before you start
This tool is a guide only. It is not an application, and it does not decide if you get a DARE place.
It helps you understand the DARE criteria, so you can decide whether to apply.
Only the official DARE application and assessment process can decide if you are eligible. This happens after you apply and send in your documents.
Step 1 of 4: Basic Eligibility
Are you eligible to apply?
DARE is for school leavers under 23 who have a disability that has negatively impacted their second-level education. These two checks are the starting point.
Applying through A-Levels or EU qualifications?DARE also accepts applicants presenting with A-Levels and/or other EU qualifications, not just the Irish Leaving Certificate.
Were you DARE eligible in 2026?If you applied to CAO in 2026 and were found eligible for DARE, your eligibility can be carried forward for one year if you are under 23 on 1 January 2027. You still complete Section A of the form, but you do not need a new Educational Impact Statement or Evidence of Disability. Check the 2027 DARE Handbook for the steps.
What is your age on 1 January 2027? *
Under 23
Born on or after 2 Jan 2004
23 or over
Born before 2 Jan 2004
DARE is for applicants under 23 only.Mature applicants have different admission routes. Please contact individual college or university websites for more information.
Are you applying as a school leaver? *
Yes
Sitting/sat LC, A-Level or EU qualification
No
Mature or FET student
DARE is for school leavers only.Mature applicants and FET applicants have different admission routes. Please contact individual college websites for more information.
Step 2 of 4: Disability Type
Select your primary disability
Select the disability or condition that has had the greatest impact on your educational experience. This determines what evidence you need to provide and whether special rules apply. Teal-highlighted options are prioritised by DARE colleges.
Priority applicants:DARE colleges prioritise applicants with Physical Disability, Blind/Vision Impaired, and Deaf/Hard of Hearing when allocating reduced points places, as research shows these groups are particularly under-represented in higher education.
Tick all indicators that apply to you. Your school must confirm this in the Educational Impact Statement (EIS), so only tick what your school can verify.
0 ticked
Tick at least 2 indicators to proceedYour school must confirm these in the Educational Impact Statement
Indicator 1: Intervention and Supports
You received additional support in school due to the impact of your disability, OR you were granted exam accommodations for the Leaving Certificate (e.g. extra time, a reader, a scribe, a separate room).
Indicator 2: Attendance and Disruption
You missed a significant number of school days due to your disability, OR you missed a significant number of classes or were unable to complete full school days (e.g. due to personal care needs, appointments, fatigue, or needing breaks from classes).
Indicator 3: School Experience and Well-being
Your potential to participate in extra-curricular activities was constrained by your disability, OR you required and received support for the emotional impact of your disability, OR it takes a considerable amount of time to complete school work or study due to your condition, OR the time you can spend on school work or study is limited because of managing your disability or condition.
Indicator 4: Learning and Exam Results
The onset or deterioration of your disability occurred while in secondary school and has impacted your exam results, OR your disability has caused additional challenges compared with classmates in completing homework, studying for exams, taking part in class, or accessing the curriculum, OR you attend a supported or specialised school (e.g. School for the Deaf).
Indicator 5: Other Educational Impact
There is another educational impact related to your disability that has not been covered under any of the indicators above.
Indicator 6: Attainment Scores
You have two literacy scores at or below the 10th percentile (Standard Score of 81 or below) from testing carried out on or after 1 February 2025. Scores can come from school-based attainment testing or testing by a psychologist.
Required
Step 4 of 4: Evidence of Disability
Can you provide evidence of your disability?
DARE requires specific documentation for each type of disability. The documentation must come from the appropriate professional and, for some conditions, must be less than 3 years old. Check what you need below and answer whether you have it or can get it.
Do you have, or are you able to get, this documentation? *
Yes, I have it or can get it in time
I already have suitable documentation, or I can get it completed by the appropriate professional before 10 March 2027.
I have a diagnosis but can only access my GP
I have an existing diagnosis from a specialist but difficulty accessing them for a new/updated report. My GP may be able to verify the existing diagnosis using the Section C form.
No, I cannot get the required documentation
I am unable to obtain documentation from the appropriate professional by 10 March 2027.
GP Verification route:Your GP can complete the Section C Evidence of Disability Form 2027, but only if you include a document confirming your diagnosis from the original specialist/consultant, signed, dated, and within the time limit if one applies. Note that diagnoses made by GPs alone are not acceptable. See accesscollege.ie/dare-supportingdocuments for GP guidelines.
This is not a decision
This result is a guide, based on the answers you gave. It is not official and it does not check your records.
Only the official DARE application and assessment process can decide if you are eligible. This happens after you apply and send in your documents.
📅 Key Application Dates: DARE 2027
CAO Application
1 Feb 2027
Apply to CAO at cao.ie by 5pm
Online SIF (Section A)
1 Mar 2027
Complete Supplementary Information Form by 5pm
Documents Deadline
10 Mar 2027
EIS + Evidence of Disability posted to CAO (strict deadline)
⚠️ This tool is a self-assessment guide only and does not constitute an official DARE determination. Eligibility is confirmed by CAO after reviewing your Educational Impact Statement and Evidence of Disability documentation. Based on the DARE 2027 Handbook · accesscollege.ie/dare
