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HEAR|Access Fund

Who is eligible to apply?

Undergraduate HEAR students, Access School Leavers and Access Mature students only. 

To apply please ensure you have the following details:

You need to complete the application form. If registered under one of the eligibility categories above, you will receive funding.

You will also need attach Evidence of Your IBAN. See here for an example: Sample Evidence of IBAN - All Funds.pdf

Where do I apply?

The fund is now open for 2026/27. Please apply at the following link: HEAR|Access Fund Application Form 2026-27 – Fill in form

Key considerations in making your application:

  • Students can only apply once per academic year to a fund.
  • If you submit more than one application to a fund, only your latest application will be retained and assessed; earlier applications to that fund are over-written.
  • By uploading incorrect or inaccurate documentation, your application may be rejected or delayed.
  • EU (including UK) students may apply to the Hardship/Emergency fund plus one other fund if eligible and relevant.

Fund-Specific FAQ's:

What documentation do I need to submit with my HEAR|Access Fund application?

You need to submit documentation that shows their IBAN but they do not need to submit anything else. 

I was accepted into University as a HEAR|Access School Leaver/ Access Mature Student, what fund should I apply to and what are the criteria?

All undergraduate HEAR students should apply for the fund, as well as students who have come through DFS2/SFD2, DFS3/SFD3, DFS4/SFD4, DFS5/SFD5, DFS6/SFD6 or DFS7/SFD7.

Students who have come through DFS1/SFD1, DFS8/SFD8 or DFS9/SFD9 should apply for the Means Tested Fund instead. 

Are there any residency requirements that I need to be aware of?

Students who are non-EU, including UK nationals, but who are eligible for free or reduced fees in line with the criteria for the Free Fees Initiative, may be considered for the Fund subject to meeting other relevant criteria.

I have refugee status, can I still apply?

Provided that you can prove that you have been resident in the state for 3 + years prior to starting your course, you should qualify for funding.

Where can I get help and advice about the Financial Aid Fund?

Students who require assistance in completing their application are advised to contact the Financial Support Team on financialaid@universityofgalway.ie

Can I appeal the decision?

Yes. There are two grounds for appeal. They are:

  • You believe there was an administrative error made in the assessment of your application i.e. you think a mistake was made when your application was being reviewed that led to you not being awarded funding.
  • (for the Emergency Hardship Fund and International Emergency Funds only) You believe that insufficient weight was given to an aspect of your application i.e. that not all of your circumstances were taken into consideration when your application was being reviewed. 

How do I know which fund to apply to?

If you're unsure which fund or funds you might be eligible for, try completing the Financial Aid Fund Eligibility Indicator. 

None of these funds seem to apply to me, am I still eligible for funding?

We suggest that you read the eligibility criteria for each fund carefully. However if you are in financial difficulty and none of the funds above apply, you may still contact us to check your eligibility for alternative sources of funding or support.

I am having difficulty paying my fees, can I used this fund to help with them?

No, the Financial Aid Fund cannot help students with the cost of fees or loans from this fund. However, if you contact our Fees Office they may be able to arrange a payment instalment plan for you. You will find further information at https://www.universityofgalway.ie/student-fees