The International Protection Student Scheme (for Further and Higher Education Students)  provides financial grants for students who are in the protection system or at the leave to remain (but not deportation order) stage.

To apply, a student must be pursuing one of the approved course types:

• a post leaving certificate (PLC) course
• an undergraduate course
• a postgraduate course

Your income will need to be under certain limits to receive a grant. This may or may not include your parents’ income.

https://www.gov.ie/en/service/e786a-student-support-scheme-for-asylum-seekers/

The ‘Student Support Scheme for International Protection Applicants (people seeking asylum)’ has been renamed the ‘International Protection Student Scheme 2022’.

If you are a student without a stamp 4, who receives a CAO offer, and are in the International Protection system for three years prior to the start date of your course, you are eligible to apply for this grant (identical to SUSI apart from the nationality requirement).

Besides the name change, please note these differences to last year:

• It is now being administered by SUSI and not DFHERIS.
• The application form is an editable pdf but it must be printed and posted to (no stamp required): SUSI, PO Box 12209, Freepost FDN7608, Dublin 4

DARE

DARE is a third level alternative admissions scheme for school-leavers under the age of 23 as of 1 January 2024  whose disabilities have had a negative impact on their second level education. Applicants to DARE can present with an Irish Leaving Certificate, A-Levels and/or other EU qualifications.

DARE offers reduced points places to school leavers who, as a result of having a disability, have experienced additional educational challenges in second level education. Find out below if your disability is one considered under the DARE scheme. Click HERE for more information

There is a wide range of disabilities that are included in the DARE scheme. Supports that might be available:

• Learning support
• Special conditions for examinations
• Provisions of technology
• Additional tuition or note taking as appropriate.

If you have indicated on you CAO form that you have a disability or specific learning difficulty, the colleges Disability Services will be informed as soon as you accept your place.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities:

• Contact the disability officer in the Universities/ Institute of Technology for information on where would suit your needs best. While doing a PLC contact the principal, resource teacher or guidance counsellor.
• If your college not does not offer the type of accessible accommodation, you require contact the Local Authority/ County Council where the college is located and request accessible accommodation.
• The student’s union may also be able to support you in finding suitable housing.

https://accesscollege.ie/dare/  

The Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) is a higher education admissions scheme for Leaving Certificate students (under 23) whose economic or social background are underrepresented in higher education.

How do I apply to HEAR?

• Review the HEAR Handbook and the application timeline with your parent(s)/guardian(s) and/or your school’s Guidance Counsellor.
• Complete the online application form through cao.ie 
• The online application process will generate a Supporting Document Checklist based on your answers. Ensure that you have copies of all supporting documents needed.

Check out the following for FAQ’s: https://accesscollege.ie/hear/faqs/

The Central Applications Office processes applications for undergraduate courses in Irish Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Decisions on admissions to undergraduate courses are made by the HEIs who instruct CAO to make offers to successful candidates. Click HERE to view the CAO website for more information.

PDF copy of 2024 handbook

Important dates for 2024 Applicants:-

Timetable of Events

Please note:

1. These dates may be amended.
2. Tests and interviews form part of the entry-requirements for certain courses.
   Please consult the literature of the HEI for further information.