Other Educational Pathways
Colleges of Further Education
There are range of college and personal development course available in Colleges of Further Education. There are a range of disability and special education supports attached to these colleges.
Third-level courses
AHEAD (Association for Higher Education Access and Disability)
AHEAD is an independent non-profit organisation working with and for disabled people. Their main focus is further education and training, higher education and graduate employment.
See this short video here on their work.
See here for more information on how they help students access third-level education.
Disability Access Route to Education Scheme (DARE)
DARE is a third-level alternative admissions scheme for school-leavers under the age of 23 as of 1st 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.
See here for more information on the disabilities considered under the DARE scheme
See here for the contact details of the Access Offices at participating colleges and universities
For more information on DARE, see their FAQ section here
Higher Education Access Route (HEAR)
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.
See here for further information on who might be eligible to apply through HEAR
See here for the contact details of the Access Offices at participating colleges and universities
For more information on HEAR, see their FAQ section here
The Autism Friendly Guide to Higher Education in Ireland (HEI)
AsIAm Is Ireland’s National Autism Charity. They have created The Autistic Guide to Starting College website is to support students in their transition to higher education after post-primary school.
The website will answer the questions you may have about this transition, while at the same time it will provide you with useful information and tips to help make the journey more comfortable for autistic students. In addition, you will find videos and articles from autistic students in college that will give you an insight into college life, the expectations and what the experience will feel like.