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.
Information Accuracy — This guide has been independently researched and reviewed using official Irish government sources available on the publication date. Government schemes, payment rates, eligibility rules and legislation may change over time. Before making financial, legal or welfare decisions, always confirm the latest information directly with the relevant Irish authority.