Tertiary education programme

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The tertiary education programme is a new way to get a degree at third level.

How the programme works:

• You start your course in a further education college, usually an Education and Training Board (ETB). There are no fees when you start.
• You then progress to a higher education (third level) college or university to complete your degree. There are course fees, but you may qualify for free fees and a student grant.

All courses lead to a degree at Level 7 or 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).

Step-back awards recognising the learning completed can be provided to students who don’t finish the programme.

No. You do not apply through the CAO and you do not need the same Leaving Certificate points. However, there are entry requirements to get on a course with the Tertiary Education Programme. Each course has their own entry requirements.

You can find out about the course and the entry requirements from the course provider or coordinator. They can also give you any extra information you might need to include with your application.

Over 20 different courses started in September 2023, in areas such as Business, ICT, Arts, Engineering, Manufacturing, Construction, Health and Welfare. 

You can find out more about the courses available as part of the tertiary education programme and where they take place.

Contact the Adult Educational Guidance and Information Service for guidance on all the education options available to you, including the tertiary education programme.

You start your course in a further education college, usually an Education and Training Board (ETB). There is no tuition fee or student contribution to pay during your course in the ETB.

When you progress to a third-level college, tuition fees and the student contribution fee will apply.

You should check if you qualify for free fees or a student grant. Other financial supports for people returning to full-time education include the student assistance fund and Back to Education Allowance.

Applications for the 2023-24 academic year are closed. Applications for 2024-25 will open in early 2024. The closing date for applications is decided by the course provider.

You can find more information about applying for courses on the National Tertiary Office (NTO) website. You can also follow the National Tertiary Office on social media for updates.