Access DCU Entry Route (ADER) is now OPEN!

Here at DCU, we have a strong tradition of creating equal access to third-level education for students from under-represented groups in higher education.

DCU Access has created a 'life cycle of engagement' between the university and our Access students, starting from primary school and continuing through graduation.

But what is ADER?

The Access DCU Entry Route (ADER) is aimed at students who, due to their socio-economic background and low family income, face additional barriers to gaining entry to or taking up their place in DCU.

Students must be under 23 and the eligibility criteria are the same as those for the Higher Education Access Route (HEAR). Students who have applied to HEAR do not need to apply to ADER unless they are seeking subsidised accommodation. 

What's the difference between ADER and HEAR?

Both ADER and HEAR have the same message and are a higher education admissions scheme for Leaving Certificate students (under 23) whose economic or social backgrounds are underrepresented in higher education.

The main difference is ADER is the route specifically for those seeking access to DCU.

An eligible applicant could be offered a place with a lower points score. This applicant would also, like all other applicants applying to college, need to meet the minimum entry requirements and any specific programme requirements before being considered for a HEAR reduced points offer.

The reduction in points for HEAR places can vary every year. The number of points a particular course is reduced by is dependent on a number of factors

You can find out more by heading to dcu.ie/access or to accesscollege.ie/hear.

ACCOMMODATION NOW OPEN!

Our accommodation blocks are located across three campus locations. On each of the campuses, we offer a range of shared and private living with communal living spaces. Each campus is conveniently located and accessible by bus, cycling, or walking.

Applications for UG Entry 2025 students  and continuing UG students is now open and will close on March 31st.

Applications for International Students (ie, resident outside Ireland)  and PG will open April 1st.

Please encourage your students interested in our accommodation to visit dcuaccommodation.ie.

Course Videos and Unibuddy

The videos from the CAO Virtual Information Evening are available on our YouTube channel.  Many of the presenters will also be on our Unibuddy for individual chats. These are both brilliant resources for encouraging your students (and their parents/ guardians) to find out more from the real experts at studying at DCU, our current students.

kind regards

Team DCU