HEAR and DARE are separate access schemes, and you may apply for both where relevant. Eligibility can allow consideration for reduced-points places; it does not remove the course's minimum entry and subject requirements or guarantee an offer. CAO Handbook 2027, printed pages 21–23.
HEAR or DARE?
| Scheme | What it addresses | Application section |
|---|---|---|
| Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) | Underrepresentation associated with socio-economic background among eligible school leavers resident in the Republic of Ireland | Online HEAR form |
| Disability Access Route to Education (DARE) | The educational impact of a disability | Supplementary Information Form (SIF) and required evidence |
For 2027, applicants must be under 23 on 1 January 2027. Read the individual scheme criteria, not just this comparison. A separate SUSI application is needed for grant assistance; a HEAR application is not a grant application. Handbook, printed pages 19 and 21–23.
Three deadlines for 2027
| Action | Deadline, Irish time |
|---|---|
| Apply to CAO | 1 February 2027, 5pm |
| Complete HEAR form or DARE Section A, including the request for consideration | 1 March 2027, 5pm |
| Required supporting documents must arrive by post | 10 March 2027, 5pm |
Do not upload or email HEAR/DARE evidence instead of posting it. The general document-upload facility does not apply to scheme documents. Check which evidence your application requires and keep proof of posting. Handbook, printed pages 21–23 and 99–100.
HEAR evidence
Follow the current form for income and social-welfare assessment, and supply the required evidence for any applicable priority group. The 2027 handbook's wording differs from older summaries, so we have not copied the old income thresholds or tax-year checklist into this guide. Use the official HEAR scheme guidance and verify the entry year on every form. Handbook, printed page 21.
DARE evidence
Section A includes the request to be considered for DARE. Section B is the Educational Impact Statement completed by the school. Section C, the Evidence of Disability Form, is needed where you do not already have an acceptable report verifying the disability; an existing report can be used if it meets the criteria.
The handbook sets out distinct arrangements for dyslexia/significant literacy difficulties and dyscalculia/significant numeracy difficulties, including a School Statement route for certain literacy applicants without a full psychological report. Do not assume that every disability category needs identical evidence. Handbook, printed pages 22–23.
Use the official DARE guidance to check the appropriate professional, report requirements and current forms. A language exemption is a separate process; see Irish and third-language exemptions.
Carrying eligibility forward
Eligibility first established in 2026 can carry forward to 2027 for one year if the required steps are completed. You still need a new CAO application by 1 February, the relevant 2027 online sections by 1 March, your correct 2026 CAO number, and to meet the under-23 rule.
For HEAR, enter that number in Section 7. For DARE, disclose the disability, complete Section A, choose Yes for DARE consideration and enter the previous number at Question 1(b). Qualifying carry-forward applicants do not resubmit supporting documents for this process. Eligibility already carried from 2025 to 2026 cannot be carried again to 2027. Handbook, printed pages 21 and 23.
This is eligibility carry-forward, not a guaranteed deferred course place. See course deferrals for that separate procedure.
Reviews and appeals
A valid application assessed as ineligible can use the scheme Review and Appeals process through CAO My Application, by the published deadline. The handbook says there is no charge. Exact 2027 review dates are not verified here. Handbook, printed page 35.
Missing an application or evidence deadline is a different issue from disagreeing with an eligibility assessment. CAO's review and appeals page links the scheme reviews and separately explains Independent Appeals Commission routes for missed deadlines. The linked appeal form checked is labelled 2026; use the correct current-cycle form.
Sources and verification
Checked 7 September 2026 against CAO Handbook 2027, printed pages 19, 21–23, 35 and 99–100. Access College still displays 2026 material in the pages checked. The 2027 central deadlines and carry-forward rules above are handbook-backed; detailed annual thresholds, scheme forms and review dates need their 2027 publications. For ongoing 2026 offers use the 2026 calendar.