Thousands of Free and Subsidised Higher Education Places Available Nationwide

Thousands of free and subsidised higher education places on hundreds of courses are being made available nationwide. Recent graduates, those who may be unemployed, or those who wish to return to education to upskill can take advantage of this brilliant opportunity.

On Thursday, May 23rd, 2024, the details of this range of opportunities were revealed by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Patrick O’Donovan TD, and Minister of State for Skills and Further Education, Niall Collins TD.

These nationwide courses will operate through a mix of online and blended learning (37% will be entirely online), under the Springboard+ and Human Capital Initiative (HCI) Pillar 1 initiatives, which are managed by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) on behalf of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.

There are hundreds of flexible and part-time courses available for 2024/25.

This approach means that people across the country will have access to these educational opportunities.

These Springboard + and HCI Pillar 1 courses are available across varying sectors, paying particular attention to in demand areas to meet the ever evolving and emerging demand in technological industries. Course options include cybersecurity, health innovation, virtual reality, sustainability, and many more.

“Springboard+ and HCI Pillar 1 offer a wide range of courses, delivered in a blended or online format, to meet the needs of individuals trying to balance work or family commitments but are also interested in a gaining a qualification to achieve career development goals, those looking for a new career, and those looking to return to the workforce or to keep their skills up to date in a transforming industry” – Dr Vivienne Patterson, Head of Skills, Engagement and Statistics at the Higher Education Authority.

“There are now more than 350 free or subsidised courses offering people incredible opportunities to upskill or reskill in areas where businesses are crying out for workers. The courses are designed to empower individuals and allow them to thrive in the evolving job market. They offer not just an exciting and valuable education but also pathways to sustainable employment” – Minister O’Donovan.

Ireland is a country that is dedicated to self-improvement, to education, to economic growth, and to innovation. This commitment to fostering growth and success is highlighted by Springboard+ and HCI Pillar 1’s vital funding.

Springboard+ is co-funded by the Government of Ireland via the National Training Fund and the European Union.

Human Capital Initiative Pillar 1 is funded by the National Training Fund.

Springboard+ at NCI

At National College of Ireland, we offer several free courses through the Springboard+ initiative and Human Capital Initiative (HCI). At NCI students can study a dynamic range of courses in subjects such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Cybersecurity. These course options meet the demands and current shortages in various sectors of industry, meaning that students are more likely to take their knowledge with them to thrive in the workplace once they’ve completed their studies. For further course information, visit the NCI website 

Everyone can apply for a Springboard+ or HCI course regardless of their employment status. The courses remain free of charge for people who are currently unemployed. For applicants in employment, there will be a fee of 10% of the contribution to the normal course fee.

For further details about the eligibility criteria, visit the Springboard+ website.

Am I Eligible?

Key Dates & Events:

Applications open in June 2024; applicants will find full details on the approved courses on the dedicated information and applications website https://springboardcourses.ie/

Springboard+ Events at NCI

Join us at one of our upcoming events, where you will have the opportunity to experience the online classroom and ask any questions you may have regarding any of the following Springboard+ or HCI courses.

Springboard+ Online Sample Class: Computing Specialisations

1. Monday, July 8th from 6 pm-8 pm
2. Thursday, August 29th, from 6 pm-8 pm

Springboard+ Online Sample Class: Data Analytics

1. Tuesday, 2nd July from 6 pm-8 pm
2. Tuesday, August 27th from 6 pm-8 pm

More About NCI:

National College of Ireland, located at the heart of the ISFC, is one of Ireland’s most innovative third-level institutions with 6,500 students across its key areas of human relations, business, computing, education, and psychology. NCI fosters research and entrepreneurship. NCI has a consistently high graduate employment rate. For more information about campus life and the broad range of courses on offer, visit the NCI official website.