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Springboard+
Welcome to our Springboard+ and HCI hub
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 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.
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 Marketing | Postgraduate 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 |
All applicants hoping to avail of Springboard+ funding must apply through the Springboard+ website. Unemployed participants continue to receive 100% funding while those in employment will receive 100% funding for programmes at level 6 and 90% funding for programmes from level 7 to level 9.
Springboard+ applicants must meet all residency and nationality/visa requirements, including the applicant has been ordinarily resident in an EU/EEA/Swiss state for at least three of the five years preceding their entry to the programme. Springboard+ applicants must meet all of the Springboard+ eligibility requirements relevant to the category of application.
MyCareerPath can offer potential students personalised career advice, self-exploration tools, and information on courses, Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), CVs, applications, and work-based learning. This service provides access to over 1,000 online resources and most importantly includes four 30-minute 1-on-1 sessions with an experienced careers advisor to help you navigate through the service.
Register Your Interest
Complete our form to let us know you are interested in a Springboard+/HCI Funded Course
Springboard+ Contacts
Springboard+ Coordinator – ATU Galway-Mayo
Springboard+ Coordinator – ATU Sligo
Springboard+ Coordinator – ATU Donegal