Back to Education Initiative 2026 — free part-time courses for adults returning to learning
Back to Education Initiative Ireland 2026
The Back to Education Initiative (BTEI) offers free or low-cost part-time courses to adults who left school early or want to improve their qualifications. Courses are delivered by Education and Training Boards (ETBs) and lead to nationally recognised QQI awards. If you are on a qualifying DSP payment, you attend for free while keeping your payment.
Back to Education Initiative — At a glance
- Cost (on qualifying DSP payment)
- Free
- Cost (employed/other)
- ~€300–€500/year
- Qualifications
- QQI Level 1–6 (NFQ)
- Mode
- Part-time — day and evening options
- How to enrol
- Contact your local ETB directly — no DSP approval needed
QQI qualification levels available
| NFQ level | Equivalent standard | Example subjects |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1–2 | Literacy and numeracy — foundation | Reading, writing, basic maths, everyday English |
| Level 3 | Junior Certificate equivalent | Communications, IT, manual handling, childcare intro |
| Level 4 | Between Junior and Leaving Certificate | Business admin, customer service, healthcare support |
| Level 5 | Leaving Certificate/vocational equivalent | Nursing studies, childcare, business, IT, horticulture |
| Level 6 | Post-Leaving Certificate / Higher Certificate | Supervisory management, advanced IT, science |
Who can attend for free
BTEI is free for people receiving qualifying DSP payments, including:
- Jobseeker's Allowance or Benefit
- One-Parent Family Payment
- Disability Allowance
- Carer's Allowance
- Back to Education Allowance
- Farm Assist
- People signing for PRSI credits
- Adults on certain low incomes — check with your local ETB
Key subjects and courses
BTEI courses vary by ETB and location, but commonly include:
- Communications and English language
- IT and digital skills — from beginner to advanced
- Business and administration
- Childcare and early childhood education
- Healthcare and social care
- Horticulture and agriculture
- Hairdressing and beauty
- Engineering and construction trades
- Leisure, sport, and recreation
BTEI vs. Back to Education Allowance — what is the difference
| BTEI | Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Part-time courses run by ETBs | DSP payment (€242/week) for full-time students |
| Who provides it | ETBs (educators) | Department of Social Protection |
| Mode | Part-time | Full-time accredited courses |
| Apply to | Local ETB directly | Intreo or DSP office |
You can be on BTEA (the payment) while attending a different full-time course — BTEA is not specific to BTEI courses.
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep my social welfare payment while attending BTEI?
Yes. Because BTEI is part-time, you remain available for work and continue to receive your Jobseeker's or other qualifying DSP payment. You do not need to notify your Intreo office, but you should ensure that attending the course does not prevent you from being available for full-time work as required by your payment conditions.
Do I need any previous qualifications to attend?
No — BTEI has no minimum entry requirement for most courses. Courses start at basic literacy level (QQI Level 1). The ETB will assess your level and recommend the most appropriate course.
How are BTEI qualifications recognised?
BTEI courses lead to QQI (Quality and Qualifications Ireland) awards, which are nationally recognised on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). They are accepted by employers and can be used for progression to higher education.
Can English language learners attend BTEI?
Yes. BTEI includes English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses specifically for non-native English speakers. These are available through most ETBs and are free for those on qualifying DSP payments.
Is BTEI available online?
Many ETBs offer blended or online delivery for some BTEI courses since the COVID-19 period. Check with your local ETB — some programmes have continued fully online, while others have returned to in-person delivery.
- BTEI is part-time education — it is not the same as Back to Education Allowance (BTEA), which is a DSP payment for full-time students.
- You can attend BTEI while keeping your Jobseeker's or other DSP payment — there is no need to switch to BTEA for part-time BTEI courses.
- You enrol directly with your local ETB — Intreo or DSP approval is not required to start a BTEI course.
- BTEI qualifications are nationally recognised QQI awards — not informal certificates. They count toward employment and further study.
- English language (ESOL) courses are a core part of BTEI and are specifically available to immigrants and non-native speakers.
Related guides
This page was reviewed against official Irish government and SOLAS guidance and updated to reflect 2026 Back to Education Initiative availability and conditions.