Access initiatives

The Trinity Access Programme (TAP) co-ordinates initiatives to facilitate increased participation at third level of students whose social, economic and educational experiences have prevented them from realising their full academic potential. Three application routes are available:

Higher Education Access Route (HEAR)

The Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) is a third-level admissions scheme for school leavers (under 23 years of age), from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. HEAR has been established by a number of Higher Education Institutions based on clear evidence that socio-economic disadvantage has a negative impact on educational achievement at school and progression to higher education.
School leavers who provide the necessary supporting financial documents relating to their socio-economic circumstances and meet the Irish Leaving Certificate matriculation/minimum entry requirements and any course specific requirements are eligible to compete for a quota of places allocated to applicants on a reduced points basis in TCD.

Who should apply to HEAR?

HEAR is for school leavers (under 23 years old as of 1 January 2012). Mature and FETAC students have different admission.

How to apply to HEAR?

Step 1
Apply online to CAO by 17:15 on 1 February 2012.
Step 2
Indicate that you wish to apply to HEAR and finalise all elements of your HEAR online application by 17:15 on 1 March 2012.
Step 3
Submit relevant evidence in support of your application to arrive at CAO by 17:15 on 1 April 2012.
HEAR applications can only be made online at www.cao.ie.

More information on HEAR is available from your school Guidance Counsellor or Trinity Access Programmes. Information can also be found on: www.accesscollege.ie, www.cao.ie;

Students who accept places in TCD through HEAR are offered a variety of academic, personal and social supports while studying at third level.

TAP foundation course for young adults

This one-year course aims to equip students with the skills they will need to benefit from and participate in a third-level education course. It is open to Leaving Certificate pupils from schools in the Greatyer Dublin area which are affiliated to third level access programmes. Applicants should have taken the Leaving Certificate in the year of application or not more than two years prior to that. Minimum entry requirements are grade OD3 or above in five subjects and grade HC3 or above in one subject. FETAC and Leaving Certificate Applied qualifications are also considered.

Application forms are available from TAP Liaison Officers and/or Guidance Counsellors in schools or online at www.tcd.ie/Trinity_Access/prospective/access/young.php. Applications are normally submitted in February of the year in which you are applying. Students are not required to apply to the Central Applications Office.
Find out more at www.tcd.ie/Trinity_Access or phone +353 1 896 2751.

TAP foundation course for mature students

This one-year course prepares mature students (EU students who are over twenty three years of age on 1 January of the proposed year of entry) for entry to undergraduate studies at Trinity College and other third-level institutions. There are no standard educational requirements but evidence of a particular interest in studying at university and strong personal motivation is essential. In addition, if English is not your first language you will be required to provide evidence of English language proficiency.

Application forms are available from www.tcd.ie/Trinity_Access/prospective/access/mature.php or from the TAP office. Students are not required to apply to the Central Applications Office.
Find out more at www.tcd.ie/Trinity_Access or phone +353 1 896 2751.