Springboard+

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.

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.

Those interested in studying a Springboard+ or HCI approved course must apply directly through the Springboard+ website and must meet eligibility criteria. Search for your courses using the providers: ATU Sligo, ATU Galway-Mayo or ATU Donegal.

Free and 90% Funded Courses

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
Provider: ATU Donegal
Management and Leadership	Certificate	Online	40	1 year
Provider: 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
Provider: ATU Sligo
Digital Marketing Practice	Certificate	Online	20	1 year
Social Media Marketing	Certificate	Online	20	1 year

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How to Apply

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.

Apply Now

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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.

See full eligibility criteria

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My Career Path

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.

Find your career path