How to Apply for a Funded Place

How to apply for a place on a funded course

University of Limerick secures funding from several different sources. The type of funding available depends on the course you are applying for. To prepare for applying, consider the steps below.  

Types of Funding Available 

Funding for the Individual: 

1. Springboard+/HCI 

2. HCI Pillar 3 Learner Subsidy 

3. Self-Financing 

Funding for Businesses: 

1. Skillnet Ireland 

2. Generation Apprenticeship 

3. Government Support 

Funding For the Individual 

Springboard+/HCI: 90 –100% Funding Available 

What is it? 

The Springboard+ and HCI initiative offer 90% funding for those who are employed and 100% funding for those who are unemployed or engaging in a NFQ Level 6 programme.  

There are a limited number of funded Springboard+/HCI places available across pre-selected programmes in UL. They are offered on a first come first served basis.   

Where to apply: Springboard+ Website 

Making an application for a funded place with Springboard+/HCI is slightly different:  

1. You first must find and register for your course on https://springboardcourses.ie/.  

2. Springboard+/HCI will let us know you have applied and in 2-5 working days you will receive an email which will invite you to apply directly on the University of Limerick website. Please check your spam regularly to make sure you do not miss this email. 

3. Your application and eligibility will be reviewed and if successful, you will receive an offer from the University to take a place in this course under Springboard+/HCI. We recommend reviewing your eligibility on Springboard+ before applying. 

 

 

HCI Pillar 3 Micro-credential Learner Fee Subsidy: 50% – 80% Funding Available 

What is it? 

HCI Pillar 3 Micro-credential Learner Fee Subsidy  applies to selected Micro-credentials and Professional  Diplomas. There are over 100 subsidised courses as part of this initiative. Applicants may only apply for, and receive, one subsidised course per semester.  View our full range of courses funded under this initiative here. 

Where to apply: University of Limerick website 

1. Ensure the course you are interested in is funded by checking the fees section  

2. Apply on our website by click “Apply” and follow the prompts. 

3. Following this, your application and eligibility will be reviewed and if successful, you will receive an offer and the fee subsidy will already be applied. 

4. If the funded places are filled and you do not receive an offer for a funded place, there may be self-financed places on the course available to you. Check out the options below. 

 

Self-Financing 

There may also be a limited number of fee-paying places available on your desired course. Students who are self-financing may have the option to receive funding from four other sources.

1. Self-Financing, you can pay your course fee yourself and pay in instalments.  

2. Employer support, in many instances your employer may refund you the cost of your course as you complete each semester. You should discuss this with your HR or training department. Your employer may be eligible to pay your fees on your behalf and receive government funding to do so. 

3. Tax relief may also be available for those in employment. To claim relief on a postgraduate course, you must already have an undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification. For more information, please visit Revenue.ie. 

4. Student Loans may also be a consideration. For more information click here. 

 

Funding For Businesses 

Skillnet Ireland: 20% - 40% Funding Available 

What is it? 

Skillnet Ireland offers funding to students who are currently employed in Ireland. There are several courses that will be supported by Skillnet Ireland. To find out if Skillnet Ireland can support your employer to cover tuition fees contact Skillnet Ireland directly. To find a list of Skillnet networks nationwide visit www.skillnetireland.ie. 

Course that are/have been funded include but are not limited to: 

• Supply Chain Management - Certificate (Production & Inventory Control)

• Regulatory Affairs - Professional Diploma 

• Airworthiness - Professional Diploma 

• Health and Safety - Professional Diploma 

• Supply Chain Management - Professional Diploma 

• Quality Management, Lean Systems - Professional Diploma 

• Quality Management, Six Sigma - Professional Diploma 

Where to apply: University of Limerick website 

Making an application for a funded place with Skillnet is as follows: 

1. Apply for your course of interest directly on the University of Limerick website.  

2. Your application and eligibility will be reviewed and if successful, you will receive an offer of a place on a course from the University. 

3. If you are applying for funding assistance, you must first secure the funding directly from your employer or a Skillnet Network. You will need to provide a letter of sponsorship confirming the funding as part of the offer acceptance process. 

 

Generation Apprenticeship: 70% - 90% Funding Available 

What is it? 

If you are currently employed in Ireland, you can also receive funding through Generation Apprenticeship. The University of Limerick is Ireland's first University to offer a suite of executive apprenticeships from Level 7 Diploma to Level 10 Doctorate. We currently offer Apprenticeships in Supply Chain, Lean, Equipment Systems Engineering and Cybersecurity. 

Where to apply: University of Limerick website 

Contact apprenticeships@ul.ie or visit our Apprenticeship page to learn more. 

 

Government Support 

The Government of Ireland support industry to pay for the upskilling of their staff. Your employer may be eligible to pay your fees on your behalf and receive government funding to do so.  

Alternatively, your employer may qualify for tax relief on your chosen course. For more information, please visit Revenue.ie or the Citizens Information website.