National Office for Equity of Access to Higher Education

The National Access Office for Equity of Access to Higher Education (NAO) was established in the Higher Education Authority in 2003 to facilitate educational access for groups who are under-represented in higher education - those who are disadvantaged socially, economically and culturally, mature students and students with a disability. The office works with all higher education institutions and is supported in its work by an advisory group representing students, parents, the education sector and social partners.

The work of the office covers three main areas;

• National implementation of targets and outcomes as outlined in the national plan to achieve equity of access to higher education www.hea.ie/node/1118. 
• Collaboration with the HEA and the Department of Education and Science on national policy and funding on educational access and opportunity www.hea.ie/node/1122.
• Management of access funding measures, in conjunction with the Equity of Access Unit of the Department of Education and Science. Relevant funding measures are outlined on www.studentfinance.ie