What is Springboard+?

Springboard+ is a Government initiative that aims to reskill or upskill people in areas where job opportunities are growing in Ireland by providing free or heavily subsidised places on selected higher education courses.

Do I need to pay fees to take a Springboard+ course?

If you meet the criteria for either the Returner or Unemployed category, your fees will be covered in full, regardless of the course’s NFQ level. If you are employed and you are applying for an NFQ level 6 course, your fees are fully funded, but for levels 7 to 9 you or your employer would need to pay 10% of the fee. If you are in receipt of the Working Family Payment (WFP) on course commencement, the 10% course fee contribution is not applicable. Micro-credential courses are funded at 50% at all NFQ levels for the eligible categories of participants (Employed, Unemployed, and Returner). The remaining 50% of the fee will need to be paid by you (or by your employer, if applicable).

What is the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ)?

The NFQ provides a way to compare qualifications, and to ensure that they are quality-assured and recognised both in Ireland and abroad. There are 10 levels on the NFQ, Springboard+ courses can be anywhere from level 6 to level 9. You can read more about the NFQ at https://nfq.qqi.ie/

Are all Springboard+ courses recognised on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ)?

All Springboard+ courses are either recognised on the NFQ or are aligned to the framework.

When do Springboard+ courses start?

Springboard+ courses commence between 1st of July 2025 and 31st of October 2025. The start date for each Springboard+ course is included on the individual course information page. Further information is available from the course provider.

Are all Springboard+ courses one year long?

Courses vary in duration but the majority last a maximum of one year.

Can I do a Springboard+ course in any subject area?

Springboard+ courses are specifically designed to meet current and future skills needs in Ireland, so they do not cover all subject areas. Courses are usually available in the areas of Information and Communications Technology (ICT); manufacturing; construction; international financial services; hospitality; entrepreneurship; business start-up, as well as others. For a full overview, see the course search page.

Can I make a Springboard+ application directly to a participating college?

No. All applications must be made online through the Springboard website.

Do Springboard+ courses also offer a work placement?

Work placement is a feature of a significant number of courses. All full-time ICT Skills Conversion courses offer work placement. For further details consult individual course pages.

Do Springboard+ courses run during the day?

The majority of Springboard+ programmes are a form of blended learning. Therefore, there could be a mixture of on and off campus, online and/or distance learning courses. Some of the ICT Skills Conversion courses are intensive one-year courses and participants may be required to commit to essentially full-time study for one year.

Is it possible to do a Springboard+ course online?

Many Springboard+ courses are offered online. Details of how the course is delivered is included in the information on individual course pages but applicants should contact the course provider for additional information on the course.

What is a "blended" mode of delivery?

Blended courses are a combination of online and classroom learning experiences. Many Springboard+ courses offer a blended mode of delivery. You can contact the course provider directly for more details on how any one particular blended course is delivered.

What is a special purpose/minor award/ continuing professional development award?

Minor awards provide recognition for learners who achieve a range of learning outcomes but not the specific combination of learning outcomes required for a major award. These awards allow learners to build up units of learning at their own pace to meet their own needs. Special-purpose awards are made for very specific purposes. A continuing professional development award or supplemental award are for learning which is additional to a previous award. See www.qqi.ie/what-we-do/qqi-awards/qqi-awards-standards/types-of-qqi-awards for more information.

I am interested in a particular course. Who do I contact to get more information?

Course providers are responsible for all aspects of running their course. You should contact them directly for details on the course such as start and end dates, classes, and exam timetables.

I have a complaint about a Springboard+ course I took/am taking, who can I contact?

If you are/were unhappy with the course you are/were enrolled on, you should first raise the issue informally with the course provider. If you are unhappy with the outcome of this, you should raise a formal complaint with the provider. Each provider will have its own formal complaints procedure outlined on their website.

I have completed a Springboard+ course in previous academic years. Can I do another one?

Yes, but there are some restrictions:

• Applicants may only enrol on one publicly funded course in a single academic year.
• Applicants can take a maximum of three courses in any five-year period. After that, they will need to wait 2 academic (programme) years before enrolling on another course.
• Applicants who enrolled and registered on just one course, may apply again in the new academic (programme) year, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
• Applicants who have failed to successfully complete two courses in the past, are ineligible to apply again for a period of 2 academic (programme) years.
• Applicants who have taken two courses in the past but were unsuccessful in the second, are ineligible to apply again for a period of 2 academic (programme) years.

In order for the above to be assessed, you will need to have fully completed any Springboard+ course you enrolled on in the past - i.e. have completed all assignments, received a final grade, and had your status updated to “Complete” by the course provider. Until then you will not be able to apply for another Springboard+ course.
You should also note that priority will be given to applicants who are long-term unemployed and to those who have not taken a Springboard+ course before.

I failed to complete a Springboard+ course in the past due to extenuating circumstances. Can this be taken into consideration?

If you failed to successfully complete a course in the past due to extenuating circumstances, a course provider can choose to waive the above restrictions and offer you a place on their course. This would be at their own discretion and they may ask for documentary evidence as proof of your extenuating circumstances.

I completed a Springboard+ course in the last academic year, but my status has not yet been updated to “Complete”. What should I do?

The course provider is responsible for updating your status, as they will first need to verify your final grade. If you believe they should have already updated your status, you should contact them directly for assistance. The HEA does not have access to your grades and is therefore unable to update your status on behalf of a course provider.

Can I take a second Springboard+ course in the same academic year?

No, you cannot take a second Springboard+ course in the same academic year.

What is an academic year?

An academic year begins in Autumn, usually September, and ends in late Spring.

I was eligible for a place on a Springboard+ course but my circumstances may change in the coming months. Can I continue my studies on the course if this happens?

Yes. You need to be eligible on the date the course starts but if your circumstances change after that, you can continue on the course. You will not be asked to repay any fees paid on your behalf.

I am a Returner but I am in receipt of a welfare payment. Does that make me ineligible?

Yes, Returners cannot be in-receipt of a payment from the Department of Social Protection in order to qualify for a Springboard+ course

How do I prove I am a Returner?

You should download a declaration form and sign it before a Commissioner for Oaths / Peace Commissioner.

I am an EU citizen living outside Ireland, can I do a course?

No. You need to be living in the Republic of Ireland at the time of course commencement, as well as meet the nationality and residency requirements.

I am living outside of the Republic of Ireland working in service to the State / I am living outside of the Republic of Ireland, accompanying my spouse who is working in service to the State (e.g. a diplomat). Am I eligible?

No. You need to be living in the Republic of Ireland at the time of course commencement, as well as meet the nationality and residency requirements.

I am a returning Irish emigrant, do I need to meet the residency requirements?

Yes, you will need to have lived in the EU/EEA/UK/Switzerland for at least 3 out of the last 5 years. If you are a returning Irish emigrant who does not meet this requirement, you are ineligible for Springboard+ funding.

How many Springboard+ courses can I apply for at the same time?

You can apply for a maximum of 10 courses at the same time.

Can I do more than one Springboard+ course at the same time?

No, you can only take one Springboard+ course in an academic year.

If I accept an offer of a place on a course, can I still be offered places on other Springboard+ courses I have applied to?

No. Once you accept an offer of a place, your other applications will be automatically cancelled, so you should consider your course choices carefully before making a final decision.

I have already accepted an offer of a Springboard+ place but have now changed my mind. Can I re-apply for other courses?

If you change your mind after accepting a course offer you should immediately contact the course provider before the start of the course. If other providers are still receiving applications for Springboard+ courses it may be possible for you to re-apply for another Springboard+ place. There is no guarantee that you will be accepted onto another course.

If I meet the eligibility requirements, am I guaranteed a place on a course?

No, places are limited and many courses receive more applications than there are places to offer. Eligible applicants who are in receipt of a qualifying Social Welfare payment take priority over eligible applicants.

I want to apply for a Springboard+ course at masters level, are there any particular requirements?

Entry requirements are set by individual colleges and may include recognition of prior experience and learning (APEL). To participate in an NFQ Level 9 (Post-Graduate) course, a period of at least one year must have elapsed since an applicant completed and graduated from a full-time undergraduate degree course leading to a major award at level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications. Applicants should check with individual providers to ascertain what the eligibility criteria of a course are.

I already have a higher education qualification. Am I eligible to apply for a Springboard+ course?

In general, yes. Note: to be eligible for a place on a Level 9 (post-graduate) Springboard+ course a period of at least one year must have elapsed since completing and graduating from a full-time undergraduate degree course leading to a major award at level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications. This requirement only applies for Level 9 courses.

I recently graduated (in the last 12 months ) from a full-time, Level 8, Honours Degree Course. Am I eligible to do a Level 9 Springboard+ course?

No, for the majority of courses you need to wait for one year from your graduation date before you are eligible to do a Level 9 Springboard course.

I am completing my full-time college education this year and don’t have a history of employment. Can I do a Springboard+ course?

The target groups for Springboard+ part-time courses are people who have lost their jobs and are now unemployed and who need to upskill or reskill to help them to regain employment in the future; those in employment looking to update their skills and those who wish to re-enter the workforce after a period away and require new skills to do so. Springboard+ part-time courses are not intended for new or recent graduates. However, the target group for the one-year full-time ICT Skills Conversion courses are graduates (including recent graduates) with an honours degree in a cognate discipline, as well as the capacity and underlying aptitude to undergo an intensive programme of study and work-experience to acquire industry-relevant ICT and software development skills at level 8 of the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). A range of other education and training options are available for graduates and others who are not in the priority group for Springboard+.

I already have a minor award at Level 7. Does that mean that I can enrol for a Springboard+ course at Level 8?

Your previous education qualifications and your work experience will be taken into consideration by each higher education provider when making a course offer. Providers will make a course offer that, in their view, best matches the applicant’s abilities and potential to successfully participate and complete their course of study. Each higher education provider will also offer a range of orientation, study and career preparation supports for Springboard+ participants.

I don’t have a Leaving Certificate. Will I meet the minimum academic requirements for a Springboard+ course?

You may; academic requirements are determined by the higher education provider. Many courses provide for recognition of prior learning or experience on the part of people without formal qualifications. If there is a course you are interested in you should contact the provider directly and they will advise on the course requirements.

Can I get recognition of my work-based experience and learning on Springboard+ courses?

All Springboard+ course providers are required to consider applicants for recognition of prior learning (RPL) or previous experience on the part of people with or without formal qualifications. Full details on RPL for individual courses are provided with course information.

I have been asked to complete “First Registration” / “Re-Registration”, what does this mean?

First Registration: A substantial amount of time may have passed between when you applied for your course and when it actually started. Because of this, we ask Springboard+ participants to re-confirm their eligibility before we make a fee payment on their behalf. As part of this process, you will need to confirm that you met the eligibility criteria on the date the course started and, if appropriate, provide updated documentation as proof. This is done through your account on the www.springboardcourses.ie website. It is important that you complete this step ASAP when you are asked to do so. Failure to do so will mean losing your place on the course. Re-Registration: For courses that take place over two semesters, we ask applicants to complete Re-Registration. You do not need to provide any additional documentation during this step, you simply need to confirm for us that you are still actively participating on your course. This is to avoid us paying a second fee instalment for any students who may have since dropped out of the course. Again, it is important that you complete this step ASAP when you are asked to do so. Failure to do so will mean losing your place on the course.

I am in receipt of a DSP payment. What happens if I get a job while participating on a Springboard+ course?

Taking up a suitable job offer should always take priority over your Springboard+ course. However, course providers have been asked to respond with as much flexibility as possible in instances where participants get a job before their course is complete. Many courses are delivered flexibly online so it may be possible to combine work with continuing the course.

If I am accepted on a Springboard+ course, do I receive any additional income support?

Participation in Springboard+ does not confer an entitlement to receive an income support payment or a student grant. In the case of the one-year full-time ICT Skills Conversion courses, participants who are in receipt of a jobseekers payment may be eligible for the Back to Education Allowance. Applicants should clarify this with their local Intreo Centre.

How long do I need to be in receipt of a DSP payment to be eligible for a Springboard+ place?

For part-time Springboard+ courses, there is no requirement to be in receipt of a payment for a particular period of time prior to the start of a course. However, for 1 year ICT Skills Conversion courses, applicants will need to satisfy additional DSP eligibility criteria that they have been in receipt of an eligible DSP for at least 9 months. Applicants must inform their local DSP Office that they are undertaking a Springboard+ course.

I used to be self-employed and do not qualify for a DSP payment. Am I eligible to apply?

Yes, formerly self-employed people are eligible to apply for a Springboard+ place, you do not need to be in receipt of a DSP payment.

I am unemployed but I'm not in receipt of any payment, can I apply for a Springboard+ course?

No, but ff you have been signing for unemployment credits or you were previously self-employed, you may be eligible to apply for a part-time course place under Springboard+.

I am on the Community Employment Scheme; the Rural Social Scheme; Tús or in receipt of the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance or the Short-Term Enterprise Allowance. Can I apply for a Springboard+ course?

Yes, you can apply for Springboard+ but if offered a place, you will need the approval of a Department of Social Protection Personal Employment Officer before you accept. If approved, your course fees will be covered in full.

I am on a Disability payment, do I need to contact anyone in the Department of Social Protection (DSP) about my Springboard+ application?

If you are in receipt of a Disability Allowance you should contact your local Department of Social Protection office to discuss your situation. The Disability Allowance section in the Department of Social Protection will confirm if you may retain your payments while on the course. Contact details for the DSP Disability Allowance section are: Disability Allowance Section, Government Buildings, Ballinalee Road, Longford, Locall 1890 927 770

I am claiming a One-Parent Family Payment and meet the eligibility criteria. Do I need to apply for the Part-time Education Option (PTEO) if I enrol on a Springboard+ course?

Eligible Springboard+ applicants who are in receipt of the One-Parent Family Payment are not required to register for the Part-Time Education Option (PTEO). Only those in receipt of Jobseekers Benefit or Jobseekers Allowance are required to apply for the PTEO.

I am dependent on a partner who receives a Jobseeker's Allowance but I am not in receipt of this payment myself. Am I eligible to apply?

Yes. The spouse/partner of a person in receipt of a Jobseeker's payment is referred to as a Qualified Adult (QA), which is an eligible payment.

If I am accepted on a Springboard+ course, do I receive any additional income support?

Participation in Springboard+ does not confer an entitlement to receive an income support payment, a student grant or the Back to Education Allowance.

I am unemployed. If I am offered a Springboard+ course, do I need to inform my local DSP office?

Yes. If you are thinking of taking up a Springboard+ course, you should contact your local DSP office and let them know of your plans, and to check whether you need to go through any further steps with that Departments’ services. For example, if in receipt of Jobseekers Benefit or Allowance you are required to apply for registration on the Part Time Education Option (PTEO) if taking up a part-time Springboard+ course. The PTEO form entitled PTEO – Springboard+ 2025-26 can be downloaded from here. An applicant for the one-year full-time ICT Conversion courses, who is in receipt of Jobseekers Benefit or Jobseekers Allowance for at least nine of the previous twelve months, will need to apply to their DSP office to retain their income support under a bespoke version of the Back to Education Allowance (BTEA).

My DSP payment is due to change shortly from Jobseeker's Benefit to Jobseeker's Allowance. If I take up a Springboard+ course, will this change to my DSP payment still occur?

Participation on a Springboard+ course does not have any influence on the duration of a social welfare payment. Participants must continue to satisfy the conditions of their payment.

Does participation on a Springboard+ course guarantee continuation of my DSP payment?

Participation on a Springboard+ course does not provide any guarantee of continuation of a DSP payment. You should contact your local DSP office in this regard.

If I do not complete a Springboard+ course, will this affect my DSP payment?

Social Protection entitlements are not connected to the outcome of a Springboard+ course.

Is the Part-Time Education Option (PTEO) the same as Back to Education Allowance (BTEA)?

No, BTEA applies to full-time education. Springboard+ participants on part-time courses are not eligible for the BTEA.

I have a job two days a week, and am in receipt of Jobseeker's Allowance - am I eligible to apply for a Springboard+ course?

Yes, as long as you are in receipt of an eligible payment, you can apply. For the purposes of your Springboard+ application, please apply under the category of Unemployed on your application form.

I am in receipt of a DSP payment and have been accepted onto a Springboard+ course, do I need to tell my local social welfare office?

Yes, if you are in receipt of a DSP payment you should contact your local DSP office before enrolling in the course. What follows then will depend on whether you are taking up a part-time Springboard+ course or an ICT Skills Conversion course. For part-time Springboard+ course participants on a jobseeker payment, you should make an application to retain your payment under the Part Time Education Option (PTEO). The PTEO form entitled PTEO – Springboard+ 2025-26 is available for download and completion here. Under the PTEO you may only retain such payments for the duration of time that an underlying entitlement to a payment exists. For participants on the one-year full-time ICT Skills Conversion courses, you may be eligible to retain your payment under the Back to Education Allowance if you have been in receipt of the jobseekers payment for a minimum qualifying period. See the Am I eligible section of this website for further information.

I have a technical query, who can I contact?

• Web Support Desk
• Email: support@springboardcourses.ie