Answer a few questions to see if you should apply. It takes around 3 minutes
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Priority
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Basics
3
Income
4
Indicators
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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 HEAR place.
It helps you understand the HEAR criteria, so you can decide whether to apply.
Only the official HEAR application and assessment process can decide if you are eligible. This happens after you apply and send in your documents.
Check this first: are you a Priority applicant?Some applicants are automatically awarded a score of 7 and fast-tracked to HEAR priority status. If any of the groups below apply to you, tick them before continuing. This changes your entire application path.
Step 1 of 4: Priority Groups
Do you belong to a priority group?
Tick all that apply. You are never required to disclose membership of any group if you prefer not to. Each group has its own evidence requirements, some need documents posted to CAO by 10 March 2027, others need only your consent, as shown below.
Were you HEAR eligible in 2026?If you applied to CAO in 2026 and were found eligible for HEAR, your eligibility can be carried forward for one year if you are under 23 on 1 January 2027 and apply to CAO by 1 February 2027. You still complete the 2027 HEAR form, but you do not need to send supporting documents. Check the 2027 HEAR Handbook for the steps.
Care-Experienced (Tusla)
You are, or have been, in the care of Tusla (Child and Family Agency), including foster care, at any point between birth and 18 years. You do not need to submit income documents or any supporting letter. HEAR will contact Tusla directly using your PPS number to confirm your care-experienced status. You only need to give your consent on the online form.
Score: 7 · Priority
Member of the Traveller Community
You wish to self-identify as a member of the Irish Traveller Community. You do not need to complete the rest of the HEAR form. Evidence required: School or Community Reference Form (posted to CAO).
Score: 7 · Priority
Member of the Roma Community
You wish to self-identify as a member of the Roma Community. You do not need to complete the rest of the HEAR form. Evidence required: School or Community Reference Form (posted to CAO).
Score: 7 · Priority
Young Parent
You became a parent while in post-primary school and were in receipt of Child Benefit during 2026. You must still meet the income requirement (Indicator 1). Evidence required: Young Parent Request for Information Form (Part 1 completed by you, Part 2 by a Department of Social Protection official) + income evidence.
Score: 7 · Priority
Also eligible for DARE? If you have a disability and meet DARE criteria, you are automatically considered a HEAR priority applicant. Colleges prioritise students facing this 'double disadvantage'. Apply to both HEAR and DARE, no extra group to tick here.
None of these groups apply to me: continue to check standard eligibility
Step 2 of 4: Basic Eligibility
Basic eligibility check
HEAR is only open to school leavers who are under 23. These two questions are gateway checks. Answering 'No' to any of them means HEAR is not the right route for you.
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
HEAR is not suitable for you.HEAR is only for school leavers under 23 on 1 January 2027. Mature and FET students have their own admissions routes. Please contact individual HEI admissions offices for more information.
Are you applying as a school leaver? *
Yes
Finishing or have finished second-level school
No
Mature / FET student
HEAR is for school leavers only.Mature and FET students have their own admissions routes. Please contact individual HEI admissions offices.
Step 3 of 4: Income (Indicator 1)
Family income check
Passing the income check is mandatory for all HEAR applicants (except Care-Experienced, Traveller and Roma priority applicants who are exempt). Your family's gross income for 2025 must be at or below the limit shown below.
What counts as household income?Total gross income before tax and PRSI for the full year 2025, from all sources: employment, self-employment, social welfare, rent, farming, and pensions. If parents are separated/divorced, only the income of the parent you live with most of the time is counted.
How many dependent children are in your family? *
Do not count yourself. Count: siblings under 16 on 1 October 2026; siblings over 16 on 1 October 2026 in post-primary, FET or higher education, or medically certified permanently unfit for work; and any parent/guardian in full-time FET or higher education.
How many siblings or parents are in full-time FET, PLC or higher education?
€4,785 is added to your income limit for each person in your household in a full-time further or higher education course (at least one year long, NFQ Levels 5 to 10) at the same time as you.
Your 2027 HEAR Income Limit (based on 2025 income)
€0gross household income
Was your family's 2025 gross income at or below€0? *
Yes, within the limit
Meets income criteria
No, above the limit
Exceeds income criteria
Not eligible for HEAR.Income eligibility (Indicator 1) is mandatory. Your family income exceeds the HEAR limit for 2025. Your standard CAO application is unaffected. You may still receive a place if you meet course entry requirements. Also check if DARE applies to you at accesscollege.ie/dare.
Step 4 of 4: Indicators 2 to 5
Social & cultural indicators
Tick all that apply. Income (Indicator 1) is already confirmed. You need at least 2.5 points from the indicators below to be HEAR eligible, or 5.5–7 points for priority status. Maximum possible score is 7.
Your current score
0 / 7 pts
2.5 min
5.5 priority
Ineligible
0 – 2
HEAR Eligible
2.5 – 5
Priority
5.5 – 7
Indicator 2: Medical Card / GP Visit Card
You or your parent(s)/guardian(s) have a Medical Card or GP Visit Card that was valid on 31 December 2026. HEAR verifies this directly with the HSE using your PPS number provided on the form.
+1 pt
Indicator 3: Means-Tested Social Welfare
Your family received a means-tested Department of Social Protection payment for at least 26 weeks in 2025. Common qualifying payments include: Jobseeker's Allowance, One-Parent Family Payment, Disability Allowance, Carer's Allowance, Working Family Payment, and State Pension (Non-Contributory). Child Benefit and Free Travel do not count.
+2 pts
Indicator 4: Area Profile (Deprivation Index)
Your home address is in an area rated as disadvantaged by the 2022 Pobal HP Deprivation Index. Check your address → Also applies if you experienced homelessness (PASS-registered) between 1 Jan 2025 and 1 Mar 2027. Click to select your rating.
Up to 2.5
Extremely Disadvantaged
+2.5 pts
Very Disadvantaged
+2.5 pts
Experienced homelessness during secondary school (PASS registered, 1 Jan 2025 to 1 Mar 2027)
+2.5 pts
Disadvantaged
+1.5 pts
Marginally Below Average or higher, does not qualify
0 pts
Indicator 5: DEIS School Attendance
You completed five years at a second-level school participating in the Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools (DEIS) scheme run by the Department of Education and Youth. HEAR verifies this directly with the Department using your PPS number.
+1.5 pts
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 HEAR application and assessment process can decide if you are eligible. This happens after you apply and send in your documents.
⚠️ This tool is a self-assessment guide only and does not constitute an official HEAR determination. Official eligibility is confirmed by CAO after reviewing your submitted documentation. Based on the HEAR 2027 Handbook · accesscollege.ie/hear
