Springboard+/HCI Funded Courses
Welcome to our Springboard+/HCI hub
Each year, the Higher Education Authority (HEA) approves courses for Springboard+ and Human Capital Initiative (HCI) Pillar 1 funding. These initiatives provide free and heavily subsidized courses to meet industry-skills demands in key growth areas in the domestic economy.
Majority of the available courses are flexible and part-time and have been specifically tailored to suit the personal and professional commitments of learners.
Those interested in studying a Springboard+ or HCI approved course must apply directly through the Springboard website and must meet eligibility criteria. For further information, visit http://springboardcourses.ie
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+ Quick Guide 2024/25
For employed candidates completing an approved Level 7, Level 8 or Level 9 course, you pay only 10% of the tuition fee, with 90% of the fee funded by Springboard+ or HCI.
For Unemployed candidates completing an approved Level 7, Level 8 or Level 9, the course tuition fee is free, with 100% of the fee funded by Springboard+ or HCI.
Level 6 courses are free under these initiatives.
January 2025 Courses now accepting applications:
| Course Name | Award | Delivery | Credits | Duration |
| ATU Galway-Mayo | ||||
| Digital Media and Marketing | Postgraduate Certificate | Online | 30 | 1 year |
| Business Analytics | Higher Diploma | Online | 60 | 1 year |
| Culinary Arts – Professional Chef Programme | Higher Certificate | Blended | 60 | 1 year |
| Culinary Skills | Certificate | Blended | 60 | 1 year |
| Digital Mapping and GIS (Geographical Information Systems) | Certificate | Online | 25 | 1 year |
| Computing (Data Analytics) | Higher Diploma | Online | 75 | 1 year |
| Computing (Data Analytics) | Higher Diploma | Online | 75 | 2 years |
| Computing (Software Development) | Higher Diploma | Online | 75 | 1 year |
| Computing (Software Development) | Higher Diploma | Online | 75 | 2 years |
| Cybersecurity Risk & Compliance | Higher Diploma | Blended | 60 | 1 year |
| Marine Spatial Planning | Postgraduate Certificate | Blended | 40 | 1 Semester |
| ATU Sligo | ||||
| Digital Marketing Practice | Certificate | Online | 20 | 1 year |
| Social Media Marketing | Certificate | Online | 20 | 1 year |
How to Apply
All applications must be made through the Springboard website https://springboardcourses.ie
Fees & Funding
All applicants hoping to avail of Springboard funding must apply through the Springboard website. Unemployed participants continue to receive 100% funding while those in employment will receive 100% funding for programmes at level 6 and 90% funding for programmes from level 7 to level 9.
Am I eligible?
Springboard+ applicants must meet all residency and nationality/visa requirements, including the applicant has been ordinarily resident in an EU/EEA/Swiss state for at least three of the five years preceding their entry to the programme.
Springboard+ applicants must meet all of the Springboard+ eligibility requirements relevant to the category of application. Further information on applicant categories and the relevant eligibility criteria can be found at https://springboardcourses.ie/eligibility
My Career Path
Are you unsure of what course to study? Would you like to have your prior learning or experience considered for entry to our programmes or for exemptions within our courses or are you at a crossroads in your career? Then our MyCareerPath service could be for you.
MyCareerPath can offer potential students personalised career advice, self-exploration tools, and information on courses, Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), CVs, applications, and work-based learning. This service provides access to over 1,000 online resources and most importantly includes four 30-minute 1-on-1 sessions with an experienced careers advisor to help you navigate through the service.
ATU’s MyCareerPath course helps you identify your strengths and develop your potential, guiding you to the ideal course.
For more information visit the service at https://mycareerpath.ie
At ATU we have Springboard Co-ordinators who are available to help you with your application should you have any questions.
Peter Butler - ATU Galway-Mayo
Catherine O'Reilly - ATU Sligo
