Find out how you can access college in Ireland
Find out how you can access higher education in Ireland

Do I have everything I need?

This page is helpful for you  to work out what types of documents you need to post.  Remember your supporting documentation must be posted to CAO by  Wednesday 10 March 2027 at 5pm. Don’t forget to get a free certificate of posting from the  post office!

Application Checklist

Review each question and answer Yes/No to each.

Where you answer Yes, check the “Document Required”.  This tells you what documents you must post to the CAO by Wednesday 10 March 2027 at 5pm. If you have indicated income from both parents, you must submit documents detailing both their incomes.

1. Was your parent/ guardian in paid employment in 2025 on a full, part time or temporary basis?
2. Was your parent/ guardian self-employed, engaged in farming, or receiving rent from rental properties in 2025?
Did your parent/ guardian receive any means-tested Department of Social Protection Payment in 2025 for 26 weeks other than child benefit?
Did your parent/ guardian receive any lump sum payments in 2025 from his/her former employer as a result of being made redundant?
  • Northern Ireland/UK Income:   

Parents/guardians in receipt of income from employment from Northern Ireland/UK can submit a Statement of Earnings and Tax (issued by His Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (HMRC)) covering the period April 2024 – March 2025 or April 2025 – March 2026.

Parents/guardians in receipt of self-employment income can submit a Notice of Assessment or Self-Assessment document issued by HMRC April 2024 – March 2025 or April 2025 – March 2026 showing total income.

Additional Information

Click on one of the links below to find out more about HEAR

For more information, contact the Access Office in one of the participating colleges
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Who is the the HEAR access route for?

For more information on HEAR and to see if it is for you, click on more information below

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How do I apply?

Click here to find out all you need to know about how to make a HEAR application