Springboard Courses in Ireland | Government Funded Courses
Springboard courses are open to all individuals, including those who are currently employed, unemployed, or returning to the workforce.
Springboard Courses are government-funded programmes designed to help individuals in Ireland upskill, reskill or return to employment. These flexible courses provide industry-recognised qualifications in high-demand sectors, with free or heavily subsidised tuition available for eligible applicants.
Whether you are looking to upskill, change careers, or re-enter the job market, Springboard+ provides the opportunity to gain industry-recognised qualifications in high-demand sectors.
These government-funded programmes are part of a national strategy to enhance employability and fill skills gaps in growing industries. Many learners benefit from free or heavily subsidised tuition.
Springboard+ is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union. Please see www.EUFunds.ie
For full eligibility details, please visit the official Springboard+ FAQ page.
Springboard Courses at CCD in 2026
Springboard courses are designed for people who want to move forward in their careers , whether that means starting over, stepping up, or switching sectors. They’re ideal for professionals looking to re-skill, returners to the workforce, jobseekers, and even recent graduates looking for a more specialised qualification.
With part-time and online delivery options available, you can continue working or managing personal responsibilities while gaining a recognised qualification. If you’re motivated to learn, open to career growth, and interested in flexible, practical education, a Springboard course at City Colleges could be the perfect fit.
Springboard courses offer substantial financial support:
- 90% funding for those currently employed.
- 100% funding for individuals receiving a qualifying social welfare payment.
This funding initiative ensures accessibility and affordability, making education more attainable for all applicants.
Springboard courses are designed to align with industry demands and provide qualifications in high-growth sectors such as:
- Data Analytics
- Cybersecurity
- Business and Management
These courses cater to diverse learners, including jobseekers, homemakers, and professionals looking to advance their careers. Flexible learning options, such as part-time and blended learning, allow you to balance study with other commitments. Full-time courses are also available for those seeking to fast-track their career development within a year.
Most Springboard courses are delivered through a blended learning format, combining online and classroom-based learning. Depending on the programme, online learning may comprise between 20% and 80% of course content, complemented by evening lectures, practical tutorials, or workshops at City Colleges.
This flexible approach enables students to learn at their own pace while maintaining work and family commitments.
To qualify for a Springboard course, applicants must:
- Reside full-time in the Republic of Ireland
- Have a valid PPS Number
- Meet nationality or visa requirements, including:
- EU/EEA/UK/Swiss citizens
- Holders of specific Irish Residence Permit (IRP) stamps (e.g., Stamp 4, 5, or 6)
- Meet residency requirements, having lived in the EU, EEA, UK, or Switzerland for at least 3 of the last 5 years.
For a full list of eligibility requirements and acceptable documentation, visit Springboard+ Eligibility.
When applying for a Springboard course, you must apply under one of the following categories:
- Employed: Working for yourself or an employer.
- Unemployed: Not currently working and receiving a qualifying social welfare payment.
- Returner: Homemakers or individuals economically dependent on a partner/spouse for at least 9 of the last 12 months.
- Recent Graduate: Graduates from an NFQ Level 8 degree within the past 12 months who do not fall under the other categories.
Eligibility will be assessed based on your employment status at the start of the course.
Download the full eligibility criteria here.
Applicants currently receiving the following social welfare payments are eligible for 100% course funding:
- Jobseeker’s Benefit
- Jobseeker’s Allowance
- One-Parent Family Payment
- Disability Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Farm Assist/Fish Assist
- Widow’s/Widower’s Pension
- Blind Pension
- Deserted Wife’s Allowance
- Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP)
You can also apply for Springboard+ if:
- You are a qualified adult of working age (under 66) on someone else’s social welfare payment
- You are signing for social insurance credits
For more information, please visit Citizens Information.
