Springboard+ 2026 — free higher education for unemployed people in Ireland
Springboard+ Ireland 2026
Springboard+ funds free or low-cost courses at universities and colleges across Ireland in areas where employers need workers — tech, green economy, healthcare, biopharma, financial services. If you are unemployed, the course is free. If you are working, you pay €500/year. You can study while keeping your social welfare payment.
Springboard+ 2026 — At a glance
- Cost (unemployed)
- Free
- Cost (employed)
- ~€500 per year
- Level
- NFQ Level 6–9 (certificate to Masters)
- Mode
- Part-time and full-time — blended/online options
- Apply
- springboardcourses.ie — September and January intakes
Who can apply
| Category | Course cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Unemployed (on JA, JB, or signing for credits) | Free | Can maintain social welfare payment during course |
| Employed (employees or self-employed) | ~€500/year | Upskill while working — mostly part-time or evening courses |
| Career returners (out of work 12+ months) | Free | Covers those returning from caring, illness, or extended leave |
| Recent graduates | Varies by course | Some Springboard+ courses accept recent graduates |
Subject areas
- ICT and digital — software development, cybersecurity, cloud, data analytics, AI
- Green economy — sustainable energy, environmental management, climate tech
- Biopharma and life sciences — laboratory skills, bioprocessing, regulatory affairs
- Healthcare — nursing support, healthcare management, occupational therapy
- Financial services — FinTech, compliance, risk management
- Construction and engineering — building information modelling, construction project management
Qualification levels available
| NFQ level | Qualification type | Typical duration |
|---|---|---|
| Level 6 | Higher Certificate, Advanced Certificate | 1–2 years part-time |
| Level 7 | Ordinary Bachelor's Degree | 1–3 years |
| Level 8 | Honours Bachelor's Degree, Graduate Diploma | 1–2 years part-time |
| Level 9 | Postgraduate Diploma, Master's Degree | 1–2 years part-time |
Social welfare during Springboard+
If you are unemployed and receiving Jobseeker's Allowance or Jobseeker's Benefit, you can continue receiving your payment while attending a Springboard+ course. Springboard+ is an approved course for social welfare purposes.
Important: Confirm with your Intreo case officer before starting that your payment will be maintained. Some courses are full-time and may affect the availability-for-work condition for Jobseeker's payments.
How to apply
- Browse courses at springboardcourses.ie
Search by subject, location, NFQ level, and delivery mode. Both part-time and full-time options are listed.
- Check entry requirements
Each course lists its entry requirements — prior qualifications, English language requirements, and any specific experience needed.
- Apply online through the portal
Applications go directly to the higher education institution through the Springboard+ portal. The September intake opens from around April each year.
- Notify your Intreo office
If you are receiving a welfare payment, notify your Intreo office and confirm your payment will continue during the course.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to speak English for Springboard+?
Most courses are delivered in English. Non-native English speakers typically need to demonstrate English proficiency (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent) for higher-level courses. Check the specific course entry requirements.
Can I do Springboard+ while working part-time?
Yes — many Springboard+ courses are part-time or blended (online + occasional on-campus), specifically designed for people who work during the day. The €500/year contribution applies for employed participants.
Is there childcare support for Springboard+ students?
Unemployed Springboard+ participants may be eligible for childcare support through the National Childcare Scheme (NCS) or the Back to Education childcare programme. Ask at your Intreo office.
What happens if I get a job during the course?
If you get a job while on Springboard+ as an unemployed participant, you continue in the course (paying €500/year from that point) and lose your social welfare payment — which is the intended outcome of the programme.
Is Springboard+ the same as Skillnet?
No. Springboard+ is funded by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) and focuses on accredited higher education qualifications (NFQ Level 6–9). Skillnet Ireland is a separate network funding short enterprise-led training and upskilling, often non-accredited.
- Springboard+ is not just for tech — it includes green economy, biopharma, healthcare, financial services, and construction.
- Unemployed participants can keep their social welfare payment while studying — but check with your Intreo office first.
- Employed people pay €500/year, not the full course fee — the government pays the rest even for working participants.
- Courses run at accredited university/college level — these are real degree and postgraduate qualifications, not just short certificates.
- Applications open twice per year — missing the September intake doesn't mean waiting a full year; January intake is also available.
Related guides
This page was reviewed against official Irish government guidance and updated to reflect 2026 Springboard+ course availability and contribution rates.