Springboard+ Funding: Free & Subsidized Courses in Ireland 2025
Get 90-100% funding for courses that can transform your career. Springboard+ offers free and heavily subsidized education across Ireland's most in-demand sectors.
Perfect for Career Changers
Springboard+ is designed for people looking to upskill, reskill, or change careers entirely. Many courses are part-time and designed to fit around work commitments.
What is Springboard+?
Springboard+ is a government initiative that provides free and heavily subsidized higher education courses for people who are unemployed, looking to return to work, or seeking to upskill in their current role. The program focuses on areas where there are skills shortages in the Irish economy.
The initiative is designed to help people develop the skills needed for the jobs of the future, particularly in technology, healthcare, business, and other high-growth sectors. Courses are delivered by universities, institutes of technology, and other approved education providers across Ireland.
Eligibility Requirements
You Must:
- Be resident in Ireland or EU/EEA
- Meet age requirements (usually 18+)
- Have relevant educational background
- Not have equivalent qualification
Funding Levels:
- Unemployed: 100% funding
- Employed: 90% funding (10% contribution)
- Returners: 100% funding
- Self-employed: 90% funding
Popular Course Categories
Technology & Digital
90-100% funded
Software development, data analytics, cybersecurity, and digital marketing
Popular Courses:
Healthcare & Life Sciences
90-100% funded
Nursing, healthcare management, pharmaceutical sciences, and medical technology
Popular Courses:
Business & Finance
90-100% funded
Business administration, project management, accounting, and financial services
Popular Courses:
Engineering & Manufacturing
90-100% funded
Mechanical engineering, manufacturing, quality management, and supply chain
Popular Courses:
Step-by-Step Application Process
Check Your Eligibility
Verify you meet the basic requirements for Springboard+ funding.
- You must be resident in Ireland or EU/EEA
- Meet age and employment status requirements
- Have relevant educational background
- Not already have equivalent qualification
Browse Available Courses
Explore the wide range of courses available through Springboard+.
- Visit the official Springboard+ website
- Filter courses by location, level, and sector
- Read course descriptions and requirements
- Check application deadlines for each course
Choose Your Course
Select the course that best matches your career goals.
- Consider your current skills and experience
- Research job prospects in your chosen field
- Check course duration and time commitment
- Verify course delivery method (online/in-person)
Prepare Your Application
Gather all required documents and information.
- Update your CV and cover letter
- Gather educational certificates
- Prepare personal statement
- Check specific course requirements
Submit Your Application
Complete and submit your application before the deadline.
- Apply directly through the course provider
- Complete all required sections
- Upload supporting documents
- Submit before the application deadline
Await Decision & Enroll
Wait for the decision and complete enrollment if accepted.
- Check application status regularly
- Respond promptly to any requests
- Complete enrollment process if accepted
- Prepare for course start date
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid These Application Errors
- ×Missing application deadlines
- ×Not checking eligibility requirements
- ×Incomplete application forms
- ×Poor personal statements
- ×Not providing required documentation
- ×Applying for courses outside your field
Springboard+ Funding FAQs
Get answers to the most common questions about Springboard+ funding and course applications.
Springboard+ funding covers 90-100% of course fees for eligible participants. The exact amount depends on your employment status, previous qualifications, and the specific course. Unemployed participants typically get 100% funding, while employed participants may pay 10% of course fees.
Eligibility depends on several factors including residency status, employment status, age, and previous qualifications. Generally, you must be resident in Ireland or EU/EEA, meet age requirements (usually 18+), and not already have an equivalent qualification in the same field.
Springboard+ offers courses across many sectors including technology, healthcare, business, engineering, and more. Courses range from certificate level to master's degrees, with both part-time and full-time options available. Many courses are designed for career changers and upskilling.
Course duration varies widely depending on the level and type of course. Certificate courses may take 6-12 months, while degree courses can take 1-4 years. Many courses are designed to be completed part-time while working, making them accessible to employed participants.
You can apply for multiple courses, but you can only accept one offer. It's recommended to apply for several courses that interest you to increase your chances of acceptance. Make sure to prioritize your applications based on your preferences.
If you're not accepted, you can apply for other courses in the same intake or wait for the next intake. Springboard+ has multiple intakes throughout the year, and new courses are regularly added. You can also consider alternative education pathways or reapply with improved qualifications.
Real Springboard+ Course Examples
Explore actual courses available through Springboard+ with real institutions, duration, salary prospects, and career outcomes.
Data Analytics for Business
University College Dublin (UCD)
Software Development
Dublin Institute of Technology (TU Dublin)
Digital Marketing Strategy
Griffith College Dublin
Cybersecurity Fundamentals
Cork Institute of Technology
Note: Course availability and details may change. Always verify current information directly with the institution and Springboard+/HCI before applying.
Current Application Deadlines
Stay informed about current application deadlines and upcoming opportunities.
Springboard+ 2025
Application Deadline
15 March 2025
Next Intake
September 2025
Last updated: 15/1/2025
HCI Pillar 1 - Graduate Conversion
Application Deadline
1 April 2025
Next Intake
September 2025
Last updated: 15/1/2025
HCI Pillar 2 - Graduate Apprenticeship
Application Deadline
31 March 2025
Next Intake
September 2025
Last updated: 15/1/2025
Important Reminder
Application deadlines can change, and some grants may close early if oversubscribed. Always check the official websites (Springboard+, HCI, SEAI) for the most current information before applying. We recommend applying well in advance of deadlines.
Content Verification & Updates
Last Updated
15/1/2025
Next Scheduled Update
15/4/2025Soon
Verified By
Irish Grants Hub Team
Verification Status: Partially Verified
Verified: SEAI grant amounts (€5,000), basic eligibility criteria
Estimated: Application deadlines (based on historical patterns)
Pending: Exact 2025 deadlines, current course availability
Always check official websites before making decisions or applications.
Ready to Learn More About Education Grants?
Explore more information about education grants and funding options. Stay informed about all available programs for career development.
Learn About HCI Funding
Get comprehensive information about Human Capital Initiative programs and advanced education funding.
Explore All Education Grants
View all available education grants and funding options in Ireland.