Skip to main content
Female student in orange top and red hijab poses in a corridor in the ATU Galway City, Dublin Road campus

Springboard+

Welcome to our Springboard+ and HCI hub

Female student in orange top and red hijab poses in a corridor in the ATU Galway City, Dublin Road campus
The banner for the Springboard campaign 24/25

Each year, the Higher Education Authority (HEA) approves courses for Springboard+ and Human Capital Initiative (HCI) Pillar 1 funding. These initiatives provide free and heavily subsidized courses to meet industry-skills demands in key growth areas in the domestic economy. 

Majority of the available courses are flexible and part-time and have been specifically tailored to suit the personal and professional commitments of learners. 

Springboard+ is co-funded by the Government of Ireland, via the National Training Fund and the European Union. Human Capital Initiative Pillar 1 is funded by the National Training Fund.

Those interested in studying a Springboard+ or HCI approved course must apply directly through the Springboard+ website and must meet eligibility criteria. Search for your courses using the providers: ATU Sligo, ATU Galway-Mayo or ATU Donegal.

Springboard+ Quick Guide Cover

Springboard+ Quick Guide 2024/25

We have over 50 Springboard+ and HCI courses to choose from across a wide range of disciplines, ideal for those seeking to upskill and progress in their career.

Springboard+ Quick Guide Cover

Free and 90% Funded Courses

For employed candidates completing an approved Level 7, Level 8 or Level 9 course, you pay only 10% of the tuition fee, with 90% of the fee funded by Springboard+ or HCI.

For Unemployed candidates completing an approved Level 7, Level 8 or Level 9, the course tuition fee is free, with 100% of the fee funded by Springboard+ or HCI.

Level 6 courses are free under these initiatives.

January 2025 Courses now accepting applications:

Course Name Award Delivery Credits Duration 
Provider: ATU Galway-Mayo 
Digital Media and MarketingPostgraduate Certificate Online 30 1 year 
Business Analytics  Higher Diploma Online 60 1 year 
Culinary Arts – Professional Chef Programme Higher Certificate Blended 60 1 year 
Culinary Skills Certificate Blended 60 1 year 
Digital Mapping and GIS (Geographical Information Systems) Certificate  Online 25 1 year 
Computing (Data Analytics)Higher Diploma Online 75 1 year 
Computing (Data Analytics)Higher Diploma Online 75 2 years 
Computing (Software Development) Higher Diploma Online 75 1 year 
Computing (Software Development) Higher Diploma Online 75 2 years 
Cybersecurity Risk & Compliance Higher Diploma Blended 60 1 year 
Marine Spatial Planning Postgraduate Certificate Blended 40 1 Semester 
Provider: ATU Sligo 
Digital Marketing Practice Certificate Online 20 1 year 
Social Media Marketing Certificate Online 20 1 year 
Three students, two boys and a girl, walking through the trees on a sunny day in the ATU Sligo campus

Register Your Interest

Complete our form to let us know you are interested in a Springboard+/HCI Funded Course

Three students, two boys and a girl, walking through the trees on a sunny day in the ATU Sligo campus