Access and Disability Service
Munster Technological University
The Access and Disability Service promotes access to MTU for groups who are under-represented in higher education.
This includes students with disabilities, learning difference and/or significant ongoing health conditions; students who are experiencing social and economic barriers to access, mature students, Travellers, Roma, minority groups and care experienced people.
Access and Disability Service
The University offers a range of support programmes to promote access, including:
- Mature Student Orientation and Transition programme
- Financial guidance and support through the Student Assistance Fund
- 1916 Student Bursaries
- Traveller access support
- Star Pupil Traveller Access to Education Programme
- DARE (Disability Access Route to Education)
- The Higher Education Access Route (HEAR)
- Sanctuary Scholarship
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Roma access support
Disability Support
Mature Students
Student Financial Supports
School Access Co-ordinator
Linked Schools Programme
The Access Service Linked Schools Programme works in partnership with school staff, local communities, MTU staff, and students from primary and second level schools to support greater participation by students from our linked schools.
The Linked Schools Programme works with 27 selected schools in the Cork/Kerry region.
Academic, personal or social supports are provided for eligible candidates who transfer from Access Linked Schools into MTU
Further Details
Access Programmes
Munster Technological University (MTU) is the first university in Ireland to provide a tailored personal advocacy service for care experienced students. MTU defines a care experienced student as any person who has lived in residential child care or foster care for any period before the age of 18 years old.
Through the University’s Student Support Services, specific support is available to Access students from ethnic minority groups who experience significant language barriers to participating in their academic programme of study.
MTU, in partnership with Tomar Trust, grants for Sanctuary Scholarships to asylum seeker and refugee students wishing to pursue a full-time undergraduate degree. Successful applicants will have their non-EU fees waived, and in some situations, will also receive additional financial assistance.
Applications close in early June each year.
MTU is proud to have members of the Traveller community on the Access team. The Access team support all members of the Traveller community who are interested in applying to the University. This is a confidential service which offers guidance and support on campus and in the community.
Support is available to mature learners, second-level school and PLC students and any member of the Traveller community.
Admissions Scheme
What is DARE?
The Disability Access Route to Education (DARE) is a third level alternative admissions scheme for school leavers whose disabilities have had a negative impact on their second level education. 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.
DARE is for school leavers with a disability under the age of 23 as of 1 January 2022, who have been educationally impacted as a result of that disability. Applicants to DARE can present with an Irish Leaving Certificate, A-Levels and other EU qualifications.
What is HEAR?
The Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) is a college and university scheme that offers places on reduced points and extra college support to school leavers from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds who are resident in the Republic of Ireland. HEAR has been set up by a number of colleges and universities, as evidence shows that socio-economic disadvantage can have a negative effect on how well a student does at school and whether they go on to college. HEAR applicants must meet a range of financial, social and cultural indicators to be considered for a reduced points place and extra college support.
HEAR is for school leavers under the age of 23 as of 1 January 2022 who are resident in the Republic of Ireland. Mature and FET (Further Education and Training) students have their own admissions routes and should contact college admissions offices for more information. Applications to HEAR can only be made online through the CAO.