To find a course and to apply for an undergraduate course in a Higher Education Institution, see Central Applications Office – CAO

Financial supports for Second and Third Level Education:

• Back to Education Allowance – If you are unemployed, parenting alone or have a disability and are getting certain payments from the Department of Social Protection, you may take part in a second-or third-level education course and get a Back to Education Allowance

For information about financial and other supports in Third Level Education, see:

• Undergraduate 1916 Bursary Fund available for students from sections of society that are significantly under-represented in higher education, including Travellers
• Higher Education Access Route (HEAR)
• AHEAD – Association for Higher Education Access & Disability
• SUSI – Student Universal Support Ireland – financial support for day to day living costs of students
• Disability Access Route to Education (DARE)
• Further information about Fund for Students with Disabilities
• Student Assistant Fund provides financial support to full or part-time students who are experiencing financial difficulties while attending college
• Free Fees Initiative – Tuition fees may be paid for full-time undergraduate students undertaking courses in certain educational institutions
• Information about other bursaries & scholarships
• Information about Funding for Postgraduate Students

Other access routes into Higher Education for school-leavers from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds:

• Dundalk Institute of Technology – The DkIT Access Office -coordinates access to higher education for traditionally under-represented groups including mature students, students from a background of socio-economic disadvantage and those from the Traveller community
• Maynooth University Access Programme (MAP) – provides Community Outreach, Pathways to University, Transition to Maynooth & Supports for Students
• Access Programmes Office – National University of Ireland Galway
• Dublin City University Access Service – Access DCU –  pilot programme for students from Border Midlands West region, aimed at students who face socio-economic barriers which may prevent them from accessing third level
• Institute of Technology Carlow – Access Programme
• Technological University Dublin Access Foundation Programme – is a one-year full-time course preparing students, both personally and academically, to pursue undergraduate programmes at TU Dublin
• National College of Art and Design Access Scheme- operates a supplementary admissions route for applicants with a disability or for those who are from socio-economically disadvantaged background