Complete the HEA survey

WHAT IS THE EQUAL ACCESS SURVEY?

The Equal Access Survey is an annual, voluntary set of questions asked of first-year full-time and part-time undergraduate students to Higher Education Authority (HEA)-funded institutions. The questions are asked as part of the registration process at the start of the academic year.

WHO CONDUCTS THE EQUAL ACCESS SURVEY?

The Equal Access Survey is conducted by your institution and data from the survey is returned to the HEA for analysis purposes.

WHY IS THE EQUAL ACCESS SURVEY CONDUCTED?

With the information obtained from the Equal Access Survey, the HEA can measure progress on national targets relating to equity of access to higher education and can develop the evidence base to inform policy in this area.

WHAT INFORMATION IS COLLECTED?

To help progress the goal of equal access to higher education for all, information is gathered on the disability, ethnicity (including members of the Irish Traveller and Roma communities), lone parenthood status and commute time of students to higher education.

IS COMPLETING THE EQUAL ACCESS SURVEY MANDATORY?

While all students are encouraged to complete the Equal Access Survey, it is not mandatory. However, answering the survey questions will help in developing a better understanding of the student population and their needs. Non-response may have implications for the amount of State funding allocated to your institution.

HEA Equal Access Student Leaflet