Courses
ATU secures 80% fee subsidy funding for 19 Micro-credential courses under HEA initiative
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) announces that 19 of its micro-credential programmes have been approved for funding under the Higher Education Authority (HEA) Micro-credential Course Learner Fee Subsidy Initiative 2026.
This initiative will subsidise fees for thousands of learners across the 179 industry-focused micro-credential courses approved for funding across 26 Higher Education Institutions. Eligible learners can receive up to 80% funding towards ATU micro-credential programmes in high demand areas including AI, cyber security, data analytics, fintech, digital health, biopharma, sustainability and innovation.
Micro-credentials are short courses designed to meet the skills needs of students, industry and communities. Typically ranging from 5 to 20 ECTS credits and aligned to Levels 6–9 on the National Framework of Qualifications, these courses provide accessible opportunities for upskilling, reskilling and career progression.
Professor Jacqueline McCormack, Vice President for EDI and Online & Flexible Learning said:
This funding announcement is a significant endorsement of ATU’s commitment to flexible, industry-responsive learning. Micro-credentials are playing an increasingly important role in supporting lifelong learning, career development, and regional skills growth. We are delighted that 19 ATU courses have been recognised under this important nationwide initiative, enabling more learners to access in-demand courses at reduced costs.
The subsidised programmes will help learners access high-quality education at significantly reduced costs while enabling employers and industry to address critical skills gaps in evolving sectors.
The HEA Micro-credential Course Learner Fee Subsidy Initiative aims to deliver skills aligned with industry and societal needs and ATU’s funded micro-credential courses span a range of high-demand disciplines.
Eligible applicants can develop in-demand skills in areas such as Python scripting, SQL programming, data analytics, visualisation, and text and sequence analytics — highly transferable capabilities that are increasingly sought after across the digital and technology sectors.
The programmes also respond to growing demand in emerging areas such as digital health, including social robotics and healthcare IT systems, alongside industry-focused skills in project management, entrepreneurship, business intelligence, sustainability, food legislation, and food safety.
As part of its commitment to lifelong learning, ATU continues to expand flexible learning pathways that enable learners to balance study with work commitments while gaining third-level qualifications that support career progression.
Many of the ATU Micro-credential courses are part-time, with the majority delivered through online or blended learning. All can be completed in 1-year and ATU are now accepting applications for courses starting this, Autumn.
For further information, please visit: https://www.atu.ie/study/online-flexible-and-professional-development/microcredentials
Photo caption (L to R): Photo caption (L to R): Steven O’Donnell ATU Springboard Coordinator, Tricia Fitzpatrick ATU Online Student Advisor, Jean Gilligan Head of Business Development, Online, Flexible & Professional Development, Louis Walsh ATU Springboard Coordinator and Peter Butler ATU Springboard Coordinator – welcome the news of the Micro-credential Fees Subsidy Initiative. Photo by Conor Doherty.
For media enquiries, contact:
Aidan Haughey
Communications Manager
Tel: 086 086 6913
E: aidan.haughey@atu.ie
