University College Cork - National University of Ireland, Cork
PA-8: Affordability and Access

The university has a director of equality, diversity and inclusion whose specific remit is to establish and promote policies and practices to support non-traditional students though the continuum of their studies and community engagement to promote students to study in the university. Much work is undertaken on specific programmes that deal with these issues and accreditation is often sought for these programmes to ensure they meet international best practice. The HEAR programme, administered by the UCC PLUS office, is an entry route for socio-economically disadvantaged students that provides academic and personal supports. The programme also provides financial aid by providing bursaries to these students to minimise the cost of living whilst attending university. This bursary is provided for all years of their degree study. Students who do not enter through this route can apply and receive financial aid through a hardship fund for low income households that helps to alleviate the living costs associated with attending university. There is also a national government scheme that supports students from low income households and a national access plan to widen participation for non-traditional cohorts.

The University has an embracing policy to support non-traditional students. There are specific entry routes for low income, disability, mature entry (over 23), second chance students (QQI) and refugees. There are support programmes in place to promote entry, facilitate the transition and support students through their university journey. The university presently has a 26% intake into undergraduate degrees from non-traditional backgrounds.

The university also has a director of equality, diversity and inclusion whose specific remit is to establish and promote policies and practices to support non-traditional students though the continuum of their studies and community engagement to promote students to study in the university.

Note - graduation rate is a snapshot of one year i.e. the % of low-income students that graduate out of the total number of students. This is likely a significant underestimation. Longitudinal data will be available for the next submission.

https://www.ucc.ie/en/uccplus/schools/
https://www.ucc.ie/en/uccplus/hear/
https://www.ucc.ie/en/uccplus/current/
https://www.ucc.ie/en/sfsa/susi/
https://accesscollege.ie/dare/about-dare/what-is-dare/
https://www.ucc.ie/en/study/undergrad/guidance/refugeeandasylumseekerbrochure/